M-1 Visa in the USA
There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for individuals who reside abroad and want to study in the United States: F-1 visa and M-1 visa. The M-1 classification is reserved for students who intend to pursue a vocational or non-academic studies (other than language training) in the United States. A vocational program is a post-secondary educational institution designed to provide occupational education and technical skills required to perform the tasks of a particular job.
Examples of vocational programs include the following:
- Health care
- Food preparation
- Cosmetology
- Computer networking
How to Qualify for a M-1 Visa
In order to qualify for the M-1 visa, the nonimmigrant must establish the following:
- Bona fide student status with nonimmigrant intent
- Permanent residence in home country and no intent to abandon residence
- Acceptance for study at an established vocational or other recognized, nonacademic institution
- Proficiency in the English language
- Sufficient evidence of finances to attend the educational institution and live in the States throughout the duration of the program
- Will be enrolled in a full course of study
Important differences between F-1 and M-1 Visa
| F-1 Visa | M-1 Visa | |
| Part-time | Can reduce course load for medical reasons as long as a student obtains permission of the DSO and the reduced course load does not exceed a period of 12 months. | Can only reduce course load for medical reasons and for a period of 5 months. |
| Extension | Admitted for Duration of Status (until completion of program) and no extension of stay needed. | Admitted for the time necessary to complete the program and can only obtain extensions for a maximum of 3 years. |
| Transfer | Can transfer schools as long as student obtains a new I-20 from transfer school and notifies the DSO within 15 days of the start date listed on the new I-20. | Can only transfer schools within first 5 months due to “circumstances beyond the student’s control.” |
| Employment | Can start working on campus in the first academic year. Student may apply for part-time employment, CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or full-time employment, OPT (Optical Practical Training) after 8-9 consecutive months of school. Can apply for post-completion OPT (after graduation) for 12 months if student completed a non-STEM degree or 36 months if a student completed a STEM degree. | Can accept practical training after completion of study as long as the training is in the field of study. If approved, the student will be allowed one month of practical training for every 4 months of study he or she completed. The student is limited to a total of six months practical training time. |
| H Status | Can apply for “H” status irrespective if the basis of “H” was training or education received as F-1 student. | Cannot change status to “H” status if basis of “H” was training or education received as M-1 student. |
| Grace Period | 60 day grace period to leave the U.S. at the completion of degree or end of the OPT training. | 30 days grace period to leave the U.S. upon completion of vocation or non-academic study or end of practical training. |
Get Help from Our Silicon Valley Immigration Firm
With extensive experience in the field of immigration, our attorneys at Verma Law Firm offer the aggressive, yet compassionate representation that you need. We know how the systems work and we will work personally with you to achieve your desired visa.
Get your questions answered and begin the process of your M-1 Visa today!
Trusted & Highly Recommended
See What Our Clients Have to Say
-
I am extremely pleased with the professionalism and efficiency of Arjun and his staff
Arjun was highly recommended to me in 2004 by an acquaintance who advised me on visa procedures. I work for a company that ...
Nikhil -
Approval of Green Card (CP) at Chennai US Consulate.
Dear Arjun: Good Morning to you. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all your associates for all the help ...
Anil R. Bolleddu -
Arjun and team are highly knowledgeable and helpful in immigration matters.
I am excited to say that we have got green cards recently for entire family!!! Arjun and team are highly knowledgeable and ...
Prasad T.
