F and M student visa
The Department of Homeland Security issues quite a handful of student visas, where people from different places apply- especially from the South Asian countries. F-1 is a status of the current student visa, and M-1 is a status of a student visa meant for vocational courses, which require a different status, other than F-1 and J-1. Some of the differences of these visas are meted below.
| Credentials | F-1 | M-1 |
| Academic Program | Academic coursework with a core academic curriculum | Vocational program without any core academic curriculum |
| Annual Leave | Eligible for annual leave which means break in the calendar | Not eligible for annual leave meaning no breaks under any coursework |
| Change of program of study | Can change their program of study | Cannot change their program of study |
| Credit transfers | Can take credit transfers anytime during their course of study | Cannot take credit transfers, if not availed within a trimester or semester |
| Type of training | Can participate in on-campus and off-campus for economic hardship, Curriculum Practical Training(CPT), or Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Only practical training (PT), post the completion of their program |
| Staying in the USA | Can remain in the USA post their program of study | Can only remain in the USA for one year, but need to apply for an extension |
| OPT tenure | Can stay in the USA post 60 days at the end of OPT | Can stay in the USA post PT or Practical Training for 30 days |
| Work Authorization | Require Work Authorization 6 months prior to the end of OPT | Require Special existing Visa status under M-1 to work for an year |
| Preferences in Clustering | STEM, Business Studies and Economics are given preference for the students | Nursing, Mechanics, General Graduates, Artists, Mid-end worker students get this status |
| Extension for work visa | Can take H1-B post the end of CPT or OPT session, within credit accrual and post-training completion | Can take a status transfer by filling an immigration form, say I-56, under the new immigrant reforms |
An immigration system is the backbone of any G-7 country, where the lawful immigrants serve the economy and the populace of any country. Can an overhaul of the immigration system under USCIS be an imminent need for the USA? Can the USA work out a better deal for quality immigrants?
