M-1 Visa — Vocational or Technical Student Visa

The M-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the United States for vocational, technical, or non-academic programs. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue studies in fields such as mechanical trades, culinary arts, flight training, or other skilled professions.

Key Features of the M-1 Visa:

• Eligibility: Applicants must have an official acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified vocational or technical school in the United States.
• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility): Once admitted, the student will receive Form I-20 from their institution, which is required to apply for the visa and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Program Duration: The M-1 visa is issued for the length of the student’s vocational program plus an additional 30-day grace period to prepare for departure. Typical programs last from a few months to several years.
• Full-Time Enrollment: M-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment throughout their course of study. Part-time attendance or course reduction is allowed only with approval from a designated school official (DSO).
• Work Restrictions: Unlike F-1 students, M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work off-campus while studying. Limited on-campus employment may be possible with prior authorization, but this is uncommon.
• Practical Training: After completing their program, M-1 students may apply for practical training related to their field of study, such as internships or supervised work experience. The training period cannot exceed six months in total duration.
• Dependents (M-2 Visa): Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may accompany the M-1 visa holder on M-2 visas. M-2 dependents may attend school part-time (for recreation or language courses) but are not allowed to work or engage in full-time study.
• Change of Status: M-1 visa holders wishing to transition to another visa type (such as F-1 or H-1B) or apply for permanent residency must meet all eligibility criteria and file the appropriate application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Maintaining Status: Students must maintain a valid I-20, keep their records updated in SEVIS, and follow all reporting requirements through their Designated School Official (DSO).

The M-1 visa offers valuable opportunities for international students pursuing skilled and technical education in the U.S. At Visa2Migrate, we help students understand visa compliance, navigate SEVIS processes, and make the most of their study experience in America’s vocational sector.