M-1 Visa Overview

The M-1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign applicants wishing to pursue vocational or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter into the United States.

Qualifications for an M-1 Visa

To qualify for an M-1 visa, an applicant must: (1) Prove that the applicant’s intentions to enter the United States are temporary, (2) Attend an approved vocational study program, and (3) Engage in a full course of study.

Required Documents for an M-1 Visa Application

All M-1 visa applicants must provide: (1) a valid passport, (2) A completed and signed DS-160 Form, (3) A recent passport sized photograph, (4) Original I-20 issued by the school the applicant will attend, (5) Electronic verification received at the embassy from the applicant’s school that the applicant has been accepted, (6) Evidence of sufficient funds, (7) Evidence of a residence abroad that the applicant does not intend to abandon, and (8) Evidence of the applicant’s academic qualifications i.e., complete transcripts of grades, test records for the last four years of school, etc.

Applying for an M-1 Visa

To begin, all M-1 applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution which applicants submit when they are applying for their M-1 visa. Under the SEVIS procedure, the M-1 visa applicant’s proposed U.S. school must submit information electronically before a visa may be issued. The required information is: (1) the full name of the student, (2) Date and birth place of the student, (3) Nationality/citizenship of the student, and (4) the school’s code/program number. This information can only be entered by the U.S. schools and M-1 visa applicants cannot enter the information on their own behalf. The consular officer will verify the I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system to process the M-1 visa application.  M-1 principal applicants must pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program.  Along with the required documents, applicants are required to undergo an interview with the embassy consular section for applicants ages 14-79. Applicants should apply for their M-1 visa early to provide sufficient time for processing and note that embassies are able to issue M-1 visas 120 days or less in advance of the course of study start date.

How M-1 Visas Interact with F-1 Visas

M-1 visa holders may study in a vocational program for as long as the program takes to complete and then must return to the M-1 visa holder’s home country. M-1 students cannot change their status to F-1 visa status and are not allowed to continue to the university level after a vocational program.

Expiration of an M-1 Visa

M-1 visa holders may stay in the United States for one year or for as long as the M-1 visa holder is enrolled as a full-time student in a vocational program M-1 visa holders have an additional thirty days to prepare to leave the country as long as the M-1 visa holder maintained a full course of study and stayed in status. An M-1 visa holder may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

M-Visas and Optional Practical Training

M-1 visa holders are eligible for a short amount of OPT, one month for every four months of study.  An M-1 visa holder must file an I-765, as well as an I-539 to extend status. The applications are adjudicated at various USCIS service centers around the country and can vary on interpretations of the regulations.

Contradictions Regarding M-1 and F-1 Visas

It is interesting that although similar, M-1 visas and F-1 visas have distinct differences and an alien may not change from an M-1 to an F-1 visa. I understand vocational school degrees may not be on the same level as a university engineering or biology degree however, it still seems strict that M-1 visa holders are given few options after completing vocational school in the United States. If nonimmigrant aliens desire to come and study in the U.S., there should be flexibility for mobility once that alien comes to the U.S. and is successful, regardless if it’s at a vocational school or a university.

Immigration Attorney Assistance with M-1 Visa Application

If you need help with your M-1 visa application, please contact immigration attorney direct line (949)228-3922 or email me at attorney@lawofficesofjackcsung.comto receive a free consultation with immigration attorney.  Office hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00AM to 9:00PM, and email consultation are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Immigration law office located at 2975 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 352 in Los Angeles, California.  Free immigration consultation and advice within 24 hours guaranteed.