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The M-1 Visa: Enter the U.S. as a Vocational or Non-Academic Student

General

The M-1 non-immigrant category permits students to enter the U.S. to participate in a technical or vocational study program.  A vocational/technical school is one where students are taught skills and practical knowledge needed to perform a specific type of job as opposed to academic or theoretical knowledge. 

Requirements

To enter the U.S. as an M-1 student, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be admitted and enrolled in a full-time course of study in a qualified institution, such as a community college, vocational school, or business school that grants associate degrees
  • You must be entering the U.S. to learn a particular trade and/or skill and thus you may not participate in a general studies program
    • You must be able to demonstrate that you have the financial capacity to cover your schooling expenses, residence, and cost of living while in the U.S.
    • You must prove that your intention is to return to your home country once your studies are completed (2) sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while a student

What are the Limitations of an M-1 Student Visa?

The M-1 visa has numerous limitations when compared to its F-1 counterpart:

  • You may not transfer from one school to another without authorization from the USCIS
  • You are not permitted to change your course of study
  • You are not permitted to work legally off-campus without authorization from the USCIS
  • You may not transfer over to F-1 status

As an M-1 student, you are also prohibited form working while in the United States.  However, your may participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) after you complete your studies. However, unlike with F-1 status where you may work for 12 – 29 months under OPT, as an M-1 student you may only work one month for every four months of study have completed, and for no more than 6 months in total. 

Length of Stay

M-1 students are admitted into the United States for a fixed time period rather than the duration of their status.  Thus, unlike with F-1 status, M-1 students are given a set date of departure.

Ife S. Ashabo, B.A., J.D., F.L.C

 

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