U.S. Student Visa 2025: How to Get the F-1 or M-1 Visa

This step-by-step guide is for French high-schoolers, university students, and parents who want to study in the United States. You’ll find the full process for F-1 (academic) and M-1 (vocational) visas, tips to prepare a strong file, ace the embassy interview, and turn your studies into a springboard toward a Green Card.

F-1 or M-1: Which student visa should you choose?

Visa	Who it’s for	Length of study	Work allowed
F-1	Universities, high schools, English-language schools	Up to 5 years	OPT 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields)
M-1	Vocational & technical programs	1 year (+ extensions)	OPT: 1 month for every 4 months of study*

Example: a 12-month M-1 program grants 4 months of OPT.

Aiming for an engineering or computer science degree? The STEM OPT extension (12 months + 24 months) then makes the Green Card more accessible via the EB-2 NIW visa — detailed criteria. Official list of STEM fields (ICE PDF).

1) Choose a SEVP-certified program

Go to Study in the States – School Search to filter among 14,000+ programs open to international students.
Compare: tuition, scholarships, climate, job placement rates.
Shortlist 3–4 schools in the same area to optimize campus visits.
Contact each school’s Designated School Official (DSO): a (often free) video call helps confirm your eligibility and clarify real costs.
Sample pathways: engineering in Miami, accounting in New York, Russian literature in Los Angeles… There’s a program that fits your goals.

Parent tip: a scouting trip is possible with a B-2 tourist visa or via ESTA.

2) Build a strong admissions file

Transcripts (certified translation + WES/ECE evaluation if requested).
English test: TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+.
Proof of funds: tuition + living for 12 months (≈ €35,000 for a Bachelor’s in 2025).
Statement of Purpose focused on your career plan and return on investment.
Writing sample, often required for humanities or master’s programs.

Timing: apply 6–10 months before the intake (winter / spring / summer).

3) Receive and check your Form I-20

The school enters your data in SEVIS then issues the I-20.
Verify each line (name, dates, SEVIS ID, costs…).
Pay the SEVIS fee ($350); print the receipt — it’s required at the embassy.
You may submit your visa application up to 12 months before your program start; entry to the U.S. is limited to 30 days before the I-20 start date.

4) File the F-1 / M-1 visa application in France

DS-160 form (photo 5 × 5 cm / 2 × 2 in, biometric info).
NIV fee: $185 + possible Visa Integrity Fee (planned $250 in 2026).
Interview at the U.S. Embassy (Paris) or Consulate (Marseille): average wait 3–6 weeks.
Interview (French or English): demonstrate strong ties to France and a coherent study plan.
Bring: I-20, passport (valid 6 months beyond studies), bank statements, diplomas, scholarship proof.

5) Enter the U.S. and maintain your student status

Orientation: check in with your DSO as soon as you arrive.
Course load: minimum 12 credits/semester (F-1 Bachelor). Less = status violation.
On-campus work: 20 hrs/week max during term, 40 hrs in breaks.
U.S. address: update SEVIS within 10 days if you move.

Parents want to accompany you? See our guide to the B-2 tourist visa.

After your studies: OPT, CPT, and the path to a Green Card

Option	Duration	Best for
Post-completion OPT (F-1)	12 months	All F-1 graduates (except ESL)
STEM extension (F-1)	+24 months	Science, tech, engineering, math degrees
OPT (M-1)	1 month / 4 months of study	Vocational programs
CPT (F-1)	During the program	For-credit internships tied to your major

Turn OPT into a Green Card

Employer sponsorship under EB-2 / EB-3 (PERM).
Self-petition EB-2 NIW: STEM profiles “in the national interest” — see criteria.
EB-1A for extraordinary ability — Green Card details.

Need help? Contact a U.S. immigration attorney

Patriot Immigration Law Group has been assisting French students and families for over a decade who aspire to study — and then build a career — in the United States. From school selection to converting an F-1 or M-1 into a Green Card, we prepare every step: visa strategy, file assembly, consular interview coaching, and planning for potential employer sponsorship.

Want to know your chances and budget? Simply fill out the Contact Us form; we’ll get back to you within 24 business hours with a personalized proposal (timeline, fees, next actions).