For International Students

※ The U.S. host school you plan to attend will determine whether you need an F-1 or an M-1 visa.

This is the most general type of student visa. If you plan to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school – such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school, or approved English language school – you will need an F-1 visa.

If you plan to engage in non-academic study, vocational study, or training at a U.S. institution, you will need an M-1 visa.

The J-1 visa was created to promote the exchange of knowledge and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. If you participate in an exchange visitor program of a school or organization that is approved by the U.S. Department of State, you will need a J-1 visa.

J-1 Training Program

Please note that if your host academic institution or organization is not approved by the U.S. Department of State, you may apply to be sponsored through the program of an organization instead, such as Cultural Vistas’ exchange and training program. (Cultural Vistas is a global partner of JIPT.)

• J-1 Training Program

1. Travelers of Visa Waiver Program countries coming to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less will not need to obtain a visa. However, they are required to receive authorization though the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and will be screened at their port of entry prior to entering the United States.
2. The ESTA authorization is valid for 2 years from the date you receive authorization. It is not necessary to reapply for as long as you go to the U.S. for the same purpose.
3. Please confirm ESTA details on the following U.S. Embassy website:
   • U.S. Embassy

If your country is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B visa to travel to the U.S. even if the length of stay is 90 days or less.