Miami Student & Exchange Visa Lawyer

Helping Students Pursue Their Education

U.S. immigration law provides non-immigrant visa options for foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in an exchange program in the United States. FIGUEROA-CONTRERAS LAW GROUP’s attorneys assist prospective international students to achieve their dream of pursuing higher education in the United States.

The F-1 Student Visa is the most commonly-used visa for foreign nationals coming to study in the United States. In order to be granted an F-1 visa, the selected program must be an accredited academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. The educational institution must be accepted by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP). The student must be proficient in English or enrolled in English proficiency courses. F-1 visa holders must also be able to demonstrate that they have has access to sufficient funds to cover their tuition and stay in the United States without working.

The M-1 Vocational Student Visa allows foreign nationals to study at “non-academic” or vocational schools in the United States, as well as certain apprenticeship programs. This visa is similar to the F-1 visa in many aspects.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is accorded to foreign nationals who come to the United States to participate in an educational or cultural exchange visitor program administered by the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 category encompasses a wide variety of programs, including au pairs, foreign medical graduates, professors and research scholars, trainees, camp counselors, and others. Many J-1 visa holders are subject to a two-year home residency requirement following the end of their J-1 status, unless a J-1 waiver is obtained.

Call (305) 501-4141 for more information about how the Miami student and exchange visa attorney can help.