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Student Visas (F-1 & M-1)
 

A student wishing to attend a university or other academic institution in the United States requires a student (F-1) visa; those wishing to attend a vocational or non-academic institution require M-1 visas. Holders of visitor (B-2) visas and those who have entered the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program are prohibited from entering into full-time study.

Academic (F-1) Visa

A student wishing to attend a university or other academic institution in the United States, including primary and secondary schools, or a language training program requires an F-1 visa. Section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), prohibits the issuance of F-1 visas to students who are going to the United States to attend public elementary schools (grades K through 8, approximately ages 5 to 14) and publicly funded adult education programs such as foreign language classes. Students applying for F-1 visas to attend public secondary schools (grades 9 through 12, approximately ages 14 to 18) are limited to a maximum of 12 months of public high school in F-1 status and must show proof that payment has been made for the full, unsubsidized cost of the education before a visa can be processed. Students attending private elementary and secondary schools are not affected by this ruling.

Nonacademic (M-1) Visa

A student wishing to pursue a course of study which is not principally academic in nature at an established vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution such as a post secondary vocational or business school requires an M-1 visa.

Applying for the visa

You are required to obtain from the school or academic institution the Form I-20A-B Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic or Language Students or I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status Form. Schools and institutions which have received United States government approval to enroll foreign students have the authority to issue these forms.  The I-20A-B or I-20M-N is not valid for travel unless accompanied by a valid visa.

Time to Apply, Entry and Length of Stay

Students should note that the Embassy is able to issue your student visa no more than 120 days in advance of the course of study registration date.  If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa.

The holder of a student F-1 or M-1 visa may enter the United States up to 30 days before the designated registration date on the I-20A-B or I-20M. The 30 day limitation does not apply to students returning to resume studies; they may enter the U.S. at any time.

The holder of an F-1 visa may remain in the United States for up to 60 days following the completion of the course or practical training.
Note: The duration of status of an F-1 student in a publicly funded secondary school cannot exceed an aggregate of 12 months schooling.
The holder of an M-1 visa may remain in the United States for the period of time it will take to complete the course of study as indicated on the I-20M plus 30 days, or for one year, whichever is less.

If you wish to remain longer, you will be required to apply for an adjustment of status or extension of stay from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the United States.

Applicants who wish to apply for student visa must come in person to the U.S. Embassy.  To schedule an appointment, please click here

Documents required for F-1/M-1 visa are:

  1. A valid passport that has been signed by the applicant and, where applicable,
    • Previous passport with previously issued visa or
    • Police report in case of theft or loss of a previous passport with valid visa.  The report may be issued by a local police station or consular office or other foreign authority.
    • If you have ever been arrested and /or have a criminal conviction, have a medical ineligibility, or have been denied entry into or deported from the United States, you will be required to furnish documents relating to your situation in support of your application. 
  2. The paid duplicate receipt from Piraeus Bank (see step 3).
  3. The printed confirmation page with barcode generated by the DS-160 online application form (see step 4).
  4. One photograph that meets the required specifications (see step 5). Even if you have successfully uploaded the photo to the DS-160 please bring one with you on the day of your appointment.
  5. All completed pages of original form I-20 A-B or Form I-20 M-N.
  6. SEVIS I-901 fee receipt. 
  7. Documentary evidence of finances per the following table. Certificates of eligibility for F-1 status for academic and language (A-B) or Vocational (M-N) students.

    If funds are coming from: You need:
    Scholarship or loan  Item 7 on form I-20 completed by student advisor
    Family in Greece Original letter from your bank stating that your account contains enough funds for the current year of studies as mentioned on form I-20. The letter must be specific regarding the amount of funds available.
    Family in U.S. Affidavit of support, bank statement, and most recent tax return of your American sponsor
    On-campus employment Item 7 on form I-20 completed by student advisor
  8. Education USA/Fulbright Foundation - Greece Survey Form. Though this is optional please click here to download the form.  Present the completed form on the day of your appointment along with the rest of the documents.

 
Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.

Spouses and Children

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative F-2 or M- 2 visas. For derivative F-2 or M-2 visas same documents are required with the exception of the SEVIS receipt which is not required.

Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for TOURIST/BUSINESS VISA, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

F-2/M-2

The spouse of an F-1 or M-1 visa holder may not engage in a full course of study on an F-2 or M-2 visa, but may engage in study that is merely a vocational or recreational in nature.  A child may attend school in grades K through 12 (ages approximately 5 - 18) on a derivative F-2 or M-2 visa.   However, if they are qualified, they may apply for the F-1 visa. If you have school age children, you should refer to the regulations governing the issuance of F-1 visas.

Working on an F-2 or M-2 visa

The spouse or child of a student visa holder may not work in the United States on a derivative F-2 or M-2 visa.  If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa is required.