Hi!
I was wondering if anyone could help me to figure out what type of visa should I apply for. I was admitted to an llm degree in a US Law school and was given finantial aid in the form of a grant and a loan. Can i apply for a F student regular visa or do I have to apply for J-1 visa because of the finantial aid given to me!

Thanks in advance

In general, a J-1 Visa is a visa for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university, or to study English at a university or language institute, whereas a F-1 visa is for who will be participating in an educational or cultural exchange program. Which visa you want will depend on which one you qualify for. You can read more about both types on the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html. I would ask the school that you are going to, which one you should apply for, but generally the J-1 visa is the student visa and the F-1 visa is generally used for people in specific programs, such as the Fulbright Scholars. There are specific requirements for what counts as an education or cultural exchange program, so I would find out whether the program you are doing qualifies or not.

Actually, it is the other way round: F-1 is the student visa while J-1 is for exchange programs.

cacr210, you did not mention the source of your grant/loan (whether the fund's from your country or the school that you will be attending) - this might have an effect on the visa type. You might wish to check this point with the school. Also, once you have sent them your financial documents, it will be clear which visa you will need, as the school will issue different forms for different categories of visas. For instance, the I-20 enables the student to apply for an F-1 visa.

Good luck, and don't worry too much.

Thanks a lot to the both of you! The funds come from the school I will be attending.

Observer is correct. I must have accidently switched the two around in my answer, the J-1 is the cultural exchange visa and the F-1 visa is for students. I would check with your school and see which one your scholarship/grant qualifies.

I already checked with the school and I should request a F-1 visa the J-1 is by request only and I dont wish to request one.

Thanks all of of you four help