Browse by purpose
Study & exchange visas
Student and exchange-visitor classifications, plus Optional Practical Training, the work authorization most F-1 graduates use.
F-1Academic Student
Full-time academic study at an SEVP-certified school, with on-campus work and practical training options.
- Max stay
- Duration of status
- Annual cap
- None
- Sponsor
- School (Form I-20)
- Dual intent
- No
J-1Exchange Visitor
Sponsor-run exchange programs for study, research, teaching, training and cultural exchange.
- Max stay
- Program length
- Annual cap
- None
- Sponsor
- Program sponsor (DS-2019)
- Dual intent
- No
OPTOptional Practical Training (incl. STEM OPT)
F-1 work authorization: 12 months per degree level, plus a 24-month STEM extension.
- Max stay
- 12 months (+24 STEM)
- Annual cap
- None
- Sponsor
- Self (DSO recommendation)
- Dual intent
- N/A
M-1Vocational Student
Full-time vocational or non-academic training; fixed stay of up to one year at a time.
- Max stay
- Up to 1 year
- Annual cap
- None
- Sponsor
- School (Form I-20)
- Dual intent
- No
H-3Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor
Training visa for programs unavailable at home, plus special-education exchange (50 a year); up to 2 years.
- Max stay
- 2 years
- Annual cap
- 50 (special ed only)
- Sponsor
- Employer
- Dual intent
- No
Q-1International Cultural Exchange Visitor
Paid cultural-exchange work or training sharing one’s home culture with the U.S. public; up to 15 months.
- Max stay
- 15 months
- Annual cap
- None
- Sponsor
- Employer
- Dual intent
- No
Working after graduation?Most graduates move from OPT to an H-1B, O-1 or another work classification.
See work visas →