Non-resident student visas are available to academic and vocational foreign students. To qualify, you must apply and be accepted to a full-time school approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), be proficient or studying for proficiency in English, show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while in the US, and have full-time residency abroad. The academic visa (F-1) lasts as long as you continue matriculating full-time towards completing your course of study, while the vocational visa (M-1) covers either one year or your course of study. Provisions allow your spouse and children to join you during your studies, and academic students are also eligible for work permits after one year of study. Pay attention to regulations on exit and re-entry and extending your stay.