M-1 Visa

OVERVIEW

The M-1 visa offers a great opportunity for students to train in a positive U.S. environment and strengthen their technical and non-academic skills. The M-1 visa is offered to students who wish to pursue full-time study at an USCIS approved vocational or non-academic school in the United States. These schools are usually community and junior colleges that offer vocational and technical training or vocational high schools. The schools, in order to be approved by the USCIS, must prove their international students program will reach certain educational objectives and will not be used to make students work.

The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an individual in M-1 status are allowed to join that individual in the U.S. in M-2 status. A prospective student's Form I-20M-N may be used to request an M-1 visa. If the student's spouse and/or dependant children are joining them later, they will need to submit a copy of the Form I-20M-N, endorsed from the school you are attending.

STEPS

An individual must first apply and be accepted to a USCIS-approved school in the U.S.

If admitted, the school will issue the individual a USCIS Form I-20 M-N/ID (Certificate of Eligibility).

The individual must submit the visa application form, Form I-20M-N and other required documents at the U.S. Consulate, Consular Office or U.S. Embassy with jurisdiction over their permanent residence.

DOCUMENTS

To apply for an M-1 Visa, the applicant must supply the following documents:

  1. A completed visa application Form DS-156.
  2. Form DS-157 is required in certain instances (some consulates require a DS-157 for all visa applicants).
  3. One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
  4. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than the applicant's intended visit.
  5. A letter of admission from the school the applicant plans to attend.
  6. A signed Form I-20M-N.
  7. Proof that the applicant has the economic funds to partake in study in the U.S.
  8. Demonstration of nonimmigrant intent.
  9. Additional documents and Visa Application Fees as determined by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. What is the difference between F-1 and M-1?
  2. Can I work in M-1 status?
  3. Can I change status after entering the U.S. as an M-1 student?

LEGAL SOURCES

 

 

 

 

ANSWERS TO FAQS

1. What is the difference between F-1 and M-1?

F-1 status is for academic students. In contrast, M-1 status is for vocational or non-academic students, including trade schools and technical schools. In addition, F-1 students are admitted for the duration of their status, while M-1 students are given an end date on the Form I-20M-N. M-1 students have thirty days subsequent to the end date listed on the I-20 to be granted an extension or depart the U.S., or they will begin to accrue unlawful presence in the U.S. Whereas students may be in F-1 status for many years, M-1 status is granted for an initial period of one year and, if eligible for an extension, can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of three years and thirty days after the start date on the Form I-20.

2. Can I work in M-1 status?

M-1 students are not eligible for work authorization, except post-completion practical training. The duration of post-completion practical training is very limited.

3. Can I change status after entering the U.S. as an M-1 student?

The ability of M-1 students to change status is limited. An M-1 student cannot change to H status if the training acquired while in M-1 status is used to qualify him or her for H status. In addition, an M-1 student cannot change status to F-1.