Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each month, we will answer a question that will help you advise your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, you can email us or ask us via social media, your Field Representative or the SEVP Response Center. We may edit questions for clarity and consistency and may not feature all submissions on Study in the States.

Question: Which countries’ citizens do not need to apply for an F or M visa to study at an SEVP-certified school?

Answer: A citizen of Canada or Bermuda who would like to attend an SEVP-certified school as an F or M student does not need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Citizens of these countries may apply for F or M status directly at the port of entry.

Note that a citizen of one of these countries who wants to obtain F or M status still has specific responsibilities:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
• Receive a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status,” from a DSO at an SEVP-certified school
• Maintain status

For more information about visa-exempt countries, visit the U.S. Department of State's website. You can also read the Department of States' page about citizens of Canada and Bermuda or the U.S. Consulate General Hamilton, Bermuda's page for information on authorities.