The M-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals who wish to study in the United States at a non-academic institution, such as a vocational school, technical training program, or other career-focused educational institutions. To apply for an M-1 visa, the applicant must first be accepted into a program at an SEVP-approved institution. Once accepted, the school will issue a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which is necessary for the visa application process. The applicant must then complete the DS-160 visa application form, pay the visa application fee, and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, the applicant will need to provide the Form I-20, proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses, and evidence of their intent to return to their home country upon completing their studies.
After the interview, the U.S. consulate will process the application, and if approved, the appli-cant can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of their program. The M-1 visa is typically granted for the duration of the program, plus any necessary practical training, up to a maximum of one year. Extensions may be possible in some cases if the student needs additional time to complete their course of study. M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work while studying, ex-cept for limited opportunities related to practical training after completing their program, and they are prohibited from changing schools without prior approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
M-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment in their vocational program and comply with the specific conditions of their visa to retain legal status in the U.S. Unlike F-1 students, M-1 visa holders are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and can only participate in practical training that is directly related to their field of study and authorized by their institution. The M-1 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency, but students may apply for a change of status to another visa type, such as the H-1B work visa, after completing their program. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of M-1 visa holders can accompany them to the U.S. on M-2 visas, but they are not allowed to work. The M-1 visa allows individuals to pursue specialized vocational training in the U.S., and adherence to the visa conditions is essential for maintaining legal status during their stay.
