F-1 AND M-1 STUDENT VISAS
By: U.S. Embassy Beijing
Revised: January 1, 2004

Applicants for U.S. student visas should be aware that they must apply for their visas no earlier than 90 days before the date when they must report to the school in the United States. Student visa applications received more than 90 days before the report date to the new school will not be processed by the Embassy. All applicants for "F-1" and "M-1" visas must present a valid I-20 form from the school which has accepted them.

To obtain a visa to study in the United States, applicants must demonstrate that the sole (not just "primary") purpose of their travel is to pursue a program of study; they have the ability and intention to be a full-time student in the United States; they possess adequate funds to cover all tuition, living and anticipated incidental expenses without taking unauthorized employment; they have sufficiently strong social, economic, and other reasons to compel their departure from the United States upon completion of the projected program of studies.

Applicants must bring proof that they have been unconditionally accepted to an accredited academic program. The school must provide a completed I-20 form and an acceptance letter. Applicants should also bring proof that they have the skills and background necessary to successfully complete the course; this generally includes their diploma, transcripts listing courses they have taken and grades received, and results from tests or exams normally required for admission to U.S. schools (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.).

Applicants must show that they have the intent to depart from the United States after the completion of their studies. This may be done in a variety of ways. They may show us that they have the talent to succeed in fields that are in demand in China. Often these are students from the top schools in China that will be able to compete for the best jobs when they return.