Studying in or visiting the United States

Who this section is for

This section covers temporary trips: earning a degree, joining an exchange or research program, attending meetings, seeing family, getting medical treatment or simply traveling. All of these are nonimmigrant purposes. You are expected to have a home abroad and to leave the United States when your authorized stay ends. If you plan to live in the U.S. permanently, start with immigration options instead.

Pick the route that matches your purpose

Recreational study, such as a short non-credit class, is generally allowed on a visitor visa or ESTA. Study that leads to a degree or academic credit generally needs F-1 (or M-1 for vocational programs). Working in the U.S. is not allowed on B status or under the Visa Waiver Program.

What changed in 2025 and 2026

Several policies affecting students and visitors changed recently. As of October 2026:

• More interviews. Since September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend an in-person interview. Interview waivers are now limited mainly to certain diplomatic categories and some B-1/B-2 renewals. Applicants are also generally expected to apply in their country of nationality or residence.
• Online presence review. Student and exchange visa applicants (F, M and J) are asked to set their social media profiles to public so consular officers can review them.
• Travel restrictions. A presidential proclamation in force since January 1, 2026 suspends most visas for nationals of some countries and suspends visitor, student and exchange visas for nationals of others.
• Visa bonds. The State Department made its visitor visa bond program permanent in August 2026. Nationals of listed countries may be required to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 before receiving a B-1/B-2 visa.
• Higher ESTA fee. The ESTA fee rose to $40 in September 2025 and is adjusted for inflation each year; it is $40.62 for applications approved on or after October 16, 2026.
• Visa integrity fee. A 2025 law created a $250 fee on most nonimmigrant visa issuances. Rollout has been uneven, so confirm with your embassy whether it is being collected.
• Student admission rule on hold. A Department of Homeland Security rule that would replace "duration of status" with fixed admission periods for F and J holders was blocked by a federal court on September 14, 2026, before it took effect. The government has appealed.

The individual guides explain each change, who it affects, and where to check the official status.

Before you apply for anything

1. Confirm your purpose. Your visa type must match what you will actually do. Misdescribing a trip can lead to a refusal or a finding of misrepresentation that affects future applications.
2. Check your nationality against current restrictions. Review the travel restriction and visa bond country lists on travel.state.gov before paying fees.
3. Look up appointment wait times. The State Department publishes estimated interview waits for each embassy and consulate. Waits can be long, so plan months ahead.
4. Use official sites only. Apply for an ESTA only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, pay the SEVIS fee only at fmjfee.com, and complete visa forms through the State Department. See official visa sites and how to avoid scams.
5. Keep your records. After entry, download your I-94 record from CBP and check that the class and date are correct. That date, not the visa expiration date, usually controls how long you may stay.

If your plans change

Students may be able to work after graduation through Optional Practical Training, and some later move to work visas such as H-1B or O-1. Visitors in B status can sometimes request an extension or change of status from inside the U.S., but people admitted under the Visa Waiver Program generally cannot. If you are thinking about staying permanently, read adjustment of status vs. consular processing and talk to an immigration attorney before you travel, because your intent at the time you apply and enter matters.