Student Visa - USA F-1 / M-1

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who wish to temporarily reside in the United States for the purpose of study.



Benefits

Residence in the U.S. for the duration of study

The visa is issued for the duration of the program of study. The student can legally reside in the U.S. for the entire duration of study, plus 60 days for F-1 (or 30 days for M-1) after completion.

Dual Intent (F-1 only)

Unlike many nonimmigrant visas, the F-1 visa officially allows for the possibility of subsequently obtaining a green card. The student can seek an employer to sponsor an H-1B or other work status.

Health Insurance - Affordable and Mandatory

Most educational institutions require health insurance (often offering their own plans at reduced prices for students). Students gain access to U.S. clinics and hospitals.

Path to Long-Term Status

After completing the program and OPT, F-1 students can transition to an H-1B work visa or other immigration categories, potentially leading to a green card and citizenship.

Requirements

Enrollment in an Accredited Educational Venture (SEVP)

The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time program of study at a US institution approved by the SEVP. The institution will issue a form, which is the primary document required to obtain a visa.

Payment of the Fee

A fee must be paid. After payment, a confirmation will be issued, which must be presented at the embassy interview.

Completing the DS-160 Form

You must complete the form online. After completion, you will be required to upload a US-standard digital photograph (5x5 cm).

Financial Sustainability

The applicant must prove sufficient funds to cover tuition, room and board, transportation, and health insurance for the entire duration of their studies. Bank statements, sponsorship letters, grants, or scholarships are acceptable.

Valid Passport

The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States. Having previous U.S. visas in the passport is an additional advantage.

Embassy/Consulate Interview

In-person interviews at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy are required. During the interview, the officer asks questions about the purpose of the trip, the program of study, finances, and plans after graduation.

Want to learn more?

Contact our experts — we will share all details and help you choose the best path.

Or write to us in a messenger

cases

All cases
Bulgaria

Bulgaria

How a pensioner can obtain a European residence permit

08.05.2025

A client — a pensioner from Russia who owns property in Bulgaria — approached us wishing to simplify regular trips to Bulgaria and free movement within the Schengen area given the increasingly complex visa process. We arranged a Bulgarian residence permit for him on the basis of his pension, prepared the full document package for the D visa, and accompanied him to the submission. He successfully received a 6-month visa. Upon arrival in Bulgaria, we helped him apply for a residence permit, and within a few weeks he obtained a Bulgarian residence permit valid for one year and renewable annually. He now regularly visits Bulgaria, lives in his property, travels freely around Europe, and we continue to support him with status renewals.

France

France

How to move to France and open a company there

30.01.2025

A client from Georgia approached us with the goal of moving to France with his family, opening a company there, and running a business. We proposed a French Passeport Talent – Créateur d'entreprise residence permit. To this end we prepared a business plan, a justification of the project's economic value for France, and a full dossier for submission to the Ministry of the Economy. After the project was approved, the client and his family received D visas valid for 3 months and arrived in France. We assisted with setting up the company, making the required investments, and applying for the Passeport Talent residence permit, which they received for 4 years. The client now lives in France with his family and is growing the business, while we continue to support his operations, including accounting support and document preparation for future residence permit renewals.

Poland

Poland

Restoration of Polish citizenship

13.07.2024

A client approached us wishing to obtain long-term status in one of the European countries. While analysing her situation, we found that her grandmother had lived in Brest between 1918 and 1939 and was of Polish origin. We carried out archival research, confirmed her ethnicity, and arranged a Karta Polaka for her — a document confirming Polish heritage. On the basis of the Karta Polaka, the client applied for a Polish permanent residence permit and successfully received it. She is currently preparing to confirm her knowledge of the Polish language at A2 level so that she can later apply for Polish citizenship.

Spain

Spain

How to quickly obtain a European residence permit with a C visa

10.06.2024

A client from Russia with property on the French Riviera and an account with a French bank contacted us, having trouble obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To preserve access to the account and continue travelling to France, we arranged a French residence permit for financially independent persons, issued for one year and not requiring permanent residency. As a result, the client travels freely around France and the Schengen area and continues to use their bank account.

France

France

How to unblock a bank account thanks to French residency

12.01.2024

A client from Russia with property on the French Riviera and an account with a French bank contacted us, having trouble obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To preserve access to the account and continue travelling to France, we arranged a French residence permit for financially independent persons, issued for one year and not requiring permanent residency. As a result, the client travels freely around France and the Schengen area and continues to use their bank account.

Paraguay

Paraguay

How to open up the world visa-free with a Paraguay passport

12.01.2024

A family of entrepreneurs who regularly travel to Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia faced growing difficulties obtaining visas and approached us for an alternative solution. After reviewing several options, we suggested Paraguayan citizenship, which can be obtained in about 2.5 years with no investment, residency, or language requirements. The family needed only three visits to the country, and during the last one they received their passports, allowing them to travel freely around the world and respond quickly to their business needs.

Reliable partner at every step

Our experts guide you from initial consultation to final documents. Personal approach and transparent terms.

Sophia Defosse

Sophia Defosse

CEO

Andrey

Andrey

Head of the Visa Department

Zalina

Zalina

Visa specialist

Maksim

Maksim

Visa Specialist

Elena

Elena

Visa Specialist

Anna Morozova

Anna Morozova

Visa Specialist

reviews

Olesya R.

Cyprus Bank Account

We opened a bank account in Cyprus remotely in just 2 weeks. Without Global Resident, it would have taken months. Thank you for the efficiency and professionalism!

yandex Yandex
Maxim L.

Portugal Residence Permit

The best company in the migration services market! We received a Portugal residence permit for our family of 5. Our personal manager was always available 24/7.

Google
Irina D.

Turkey Real Estate

They helped us find and buy an apartment in Antalya. Everything went smoothly, but we would have liked a few more options within our budget. Overall, we are satisfied with the result.

Google
Sergey V.

UAE Visas

They quickly and professionally processed work visas for me and my team in the UAE. No bureaucracy — they handled everything. Now we work in Dubai.

yandex Yandex
Natalya K.

Cyprus Citizenship

We received Cypriot citizenship for the entire family. The process took 8 months instead of the promised 12. The Global Resident team worked ahead of schedule.

Google
Andrey M.

Greece Residence Permit

We turned to them for help obtaining a Greek residence permit. Everything was organized impeccably — from property selection to receiving the resident card. Special thanks to Maria for her patience and professionalism. Highly recommend!

Google

frequently asked questions

Here you will find answers to the most common questions about visa processing, to quickly understand the key stages and opportunities.

Yes, we handle real estate transactions remotely. You can choose a property via video call, and we will organise the legal due diligence, signing of documents by power of attorney and registration of the title.

In a number of countries (Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, UAE) foreigners can obtain a mortgage. Conditions vary by country: usually a down payment of 30-50% and proof of income are required. We will help you choose a bank and prepare the documents.

We process all the main types of visas: work, student, business visas, Digital Nomad visas, family visas, investor visas, and also long-stay tourist visas.

Yes, in many countries a visa is the first step toward obtaining a residence permit. For example, a Digital Nomad visa in Spain or Portugal can be converted into a residence permit. We will help you build the optimal migration strategy.

Timelines depend on the program: citizenship by investment in Caribbean countries - from 3 to 6 months, Malta - 12-14 months, naturalisation in EU countries - from 5 to 10 years. We will help you choose a program that fits your timeline.

The renewal procedure depends on the country and type of residence permit. Usually the renewal application is submitted 1-3 months before the expiry date. We remind clients of the deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents for the renewal.

Yes, most programs allow you to include minor children in the application. Some programs also let you include adult children up to 26-30 years old, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant.

Minimum stay requirements depend on the program. Some programs (for example, the Greek Golden Visa) do not require mandatory residence. Others (work residence permit) imply a constant presence. We will choose a program that fits your lifestyle.

Yes, we specialize in comprehensive support for families. We will prepare documents for all family members, including minor children, help with school selection and adaptation in the new place.

Yes, in most countries a visa can be extended without leaving the territory. We help with preparing documents for renewal and monitor the deadlines so that you do not violate immigration law.

contact us

Submit a request and get a free specialist consultation

Or write us in a messenger

UAE
  • UAE
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Bulgaria
  • France

Office address:

Downtown Dubai, Boulevard Plaza Tower One, Level 03 P.0. box 334155