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Types of visas
Types of Visas in the USA for All International Students
The USA student visa process is formal. For most language courses, you will need the F-1 Student Visa.
Table: Types of Visas in the USA for International Students
Visa Pathway | Best For | Study Limit | Work Rights |
ESTA (Visa Waiver) | Short “Study Holidays” | Must be under 18 hours/week | None |
F-1 Student Visa | Intensive English / University | 18+ hours/week | On-campus only (Limited) |
J-1 Visa | Exchange / Au Pair | Specific to program | Permitted (Program-specific) |
Important
Even if you are only studying for 2 weeks, if the course is "Intensive" (20+ hours), you cannot enter on an ESTA. You must apply for an F-1.
Short-Term / Non-Intensive Study: ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
For very short and casual courses (less than 18 hours per week), students from Japan, South Korea, and Italy can use the ESTA. This is only for non-intensive, “hobby” courses. If your course is full-time (usually 18+ hours/week), you cannot use the ESTA, even if the course is short.
Intensive Study (All Courses >18 hours/week): F-1 Student Visa
For all full-time or intensive language programs, you must get an F-1 student Visa in The USA, even if the course is only for a few weeks. This is the main visa for all serious language students.
Always check the official rules in the U.S. Department of State website.
Cost of living
Cost of Studying and Living in the USA for International Students
The cost of studying in The USA is one of the highest in the world, and a clear budget is essential.
Estimated Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for Language schools in The USA vary by city but are generally high. Below are estimated annual fees for international students. English language schools are typically billed weekly.
| Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD) | Estimated Tuition Fee (JPY) |
| English Language Schools | $350 – $550 per week | |
| Elementary Schools | $25,000 – $40,000 per year | |
| High Schools | $30,000 – $50,000 per year | |
| Universities (Public) | $25,000 – $40,000 per year | |
| Universities (Private) | $45,000 – $65,000+ per year |
Note:
Fees are estimates and vary by institution and program.
Estimated Cost of Living
The cost of living in The USA varies dramatically by city, with study in New York being the most expensive. Below is an estimated monthly budget for a single international student, not including tuition or health insurance.
City / Region | Accommodation (Shared)* | Food, Transport & Utilities* | Total Monthly Estimate |
San Francisco | $1,400 – $2,100 | $800 – $1,100 | $2,200 – $4,000 |
New York City / Boston | $1,400 – $2,100 | $800 – $1,100 | $1,700 – $3,000 |
Seattle | $1,100 – $1,600 | $700 – $950 | $1,930 – $2,820 |
Miami | $1,100 – $1,600 | $700 – $950 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Los Angeles / San Diego | $1,100 – $1,600 | $700 – $950 | $1,400 – $2,500 |
Orlando / Tampa | $900 – $1,400 | $600 – $850 | $1,300 – $2,300 |
Boca Raton | $900 – $1,400 | $600 – $850 | $1,200 – $2,400 |
Note:
Figures represent estimated monthly expenses for a single student including shared accommodation, food, and transport.
Mandatory Health Insurance
You must budget for mandatory health insurance; it is not optional. The U.S. healthcare system is private and extremely expensive. All F-1 students are required to have comprehensive health insurance, which can cost an additional $30 – $125 per month or more.
- The SHIP: Most universities automatically bill you for their Student Health Insurance Plan ($2,500 - $4,500/year).
- The Waiver: You can often save money by buying a compliant third-party plan (like ISO or PSI) and submitting a "waiver form" before the deadline.
Work rights
Working While Studying in the USA for International Students
For English language students, working off-campus is strictly prohibited.
- Off-Campus: You cannot work in a cafe, shop, or restaurant. Doing so is a violation of your visa and can lead to deportation.
- On-Campus: F-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week on-campus (e.g., bookstore, cafeteria), but these jobs are competitive and not guaranteed.
| Visa / Student Type | Work Rights? | Study Limit |
| ESTA / Visitor Visa (B-2) | No. Strictly prohibited. | Must be < 18 hours per week (Recreational). |
| F-1 Student Visa | Yes (On-Campus Only). Up to 20 hrs/week.* | Must be full-time (18+ hours per week). |
| J-1 Exchange Visa | Yes. Program-specific (e.g., Au Pair). | Varies by specific exchange program. |
USA Working Holiday Visa
The USA does not offer a standard Working Holiday Visa. The J-1 ‘Work and Travel’ visa is a separate program strictly for university students during summer breaks and cannot be used for general language courses.
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