As a foreigner wishing to pursue academic or vocational study in the United States, you will need one of the following non-immigrant visas:

1. F-1 Visa for full-time academic or language studies in the United States at an approved school, college or university. This is the most common and flexible visa issued.
   
   The F-1 visa allows for on campus employment only during the first year of study. An F-1 student can change minors or schools with relative ease. This is the most favorable status (unless special circumstances or special educational objectives require J-1 or M-1 status).
   
   
2. J-1 Visa for full-time studies in the United States at an approved school, college or university, for the specific purpose of educational or cultural exchange in the fields of education, arts, and sciences.
   
   The J-1 visa students must be financed, at least in part, by the United States or your home country’s government, or be part of an exchange agreement program. The J-1 student may change majors or schools only with the permission of the original school or sponsor. They may also be required to return to their home country for at least two years before continuing in the U.S. in any lawful status, even if they marry a U.S. citizen. This is particularly true if the field of study you pursue is in a field in which personnel are in short supply in your home country. This requirement may be considered undesirable and restrictive.
   
   Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers of primary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of travel, observation, consultation, research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs.
   
   
3. M-1 Visa for technical or vocational studies suited to specialized jobs, such as airplane pilot, auto mechanic, dentist, hairdresser, hygienist, paralegal, secretary, etc.
   
   The M-1 has very restrictive rules. An M-1 student may not change schools or even change majors at the same school without permission from the Immigration Service. The M-1 student may change to J-1 status, but not F-1 status.