Overview of U.S. Non-Immigrant Student M-1 Visa

The M-1 visa classification is reserved for the student who intends to pursue a vocational, non-academic program (other than a language training program) in an established institution in the United States. Examples of vocational study are training programs for health care technicians, machinists, dental hygienists, and other, similar pursuits.

Requirements for U.S. Non-Immigrant Student M-1 Visa

• Ability to demonstrate bona fide student status with non-immigrant intent and strong ties to the home country
• Acceptance for study at an established vocational or other recognized, nonacademic institution
• Proficiency in the English language and evidence of sufficient funding to attend the educational institution one will attend while living in the United States throughout the program.

How We Can Help You To Apply for a U.S. Non-Immigrant Student M-1 Visa

• IMIGRUS attorneys assist in providing a strategy and course of action to increase one’s chance of obtaining the M-1/M-2 visa at the consular post abroad, especially after a previous visa denial.
• IMIGRUS attorneys provide advice and assistance with requests for changing between M-1 and M-2 statuses.

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training. Cooking classes, technical courses, mechanical classes, flight school, and cosmetology are considered vocational studies.

M-1 students are only admitted into the United States for the period that is needed to complete their course of study as indicated on their Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status,” plus any practical training (PT) after they complete their program. This time cannot exceed one year.

However, if an M-1 student needs more than one year to finish their program or any relevant PT, that student may work with their designated school official (DSO) to request an extension of stay (8 CFR 214.2(m)(10)).

The following rules apply for U.S. Non-Immigrant Student M-1 Visa extensions of stay:

• M-1 students may only request extensions in one-year maximum increments at a time.
• An M-1 student’s record is only eligible for an extension within a very specific time frame.
• The cumulative time of extensions that can be granted to an M-1 student is limited to a period of three years from the M-1 student’s original start date, plus 30 days.
• This three-year maximum limit includes extensions granted due to school transfer or reinstatement to lawful status.

U.S. Non-Immigrant Student M-1 Visa holders are not permitted to work during their studies. After their vocational studies are over, however, they can work full-time in a practical training setting. This means that they can work in a role related to their vocation, to gain training in your field, after they complete their studies.

For every 4 months of study, U.S. Non-Immigrant Student M-1 Visa students are permitted 1 month of practical training. There is a maximum of 6 months. To do this, the foreign national must apply for the Designated School Officer’s permission.