What is a M1 Visa?

M1 visa is a vocational student visa as opposed to a F1 visa which is an academic student visa.

What are the Key Features of a M1 Visa?

1. The application process can be quick.
2. You may enter the US as a full-time academic student in a vocational school.
3. You can travel into and out of the US for 1-year or until you complete your program.  You can always apply for an extension and the maximum is a 3 year extension.
4. If you receive a M1 student visa, then your relatives may join you but they cannot work in the US unless they receive a work visa.
5. You cannot change your course of study but you can change schools.
6. You may get permission to work for up to six (6) months after you complete your vocational study.

Do you Qualify for a M1 Visa?

1. Accepted at an Approved School in the US: In order to be approved for a M-1 visa you will have to be approved by the US school before applying for the M-1 visa.  Check with your school before you apply for the M1 visa to see whether they have been approved by the USCIS.  You should also have a letter of acceptance from your school when you are ready to apply for your M-1 visa.
2. Bona Fide Student: You must intend to go to the school you have been accepted to as a full-time student.
3. Full Course of Study: If the majority of your school takes place in class, then you must attend at least 18 hours per week in class.  If your course is mostly made up of lab work then you must attend 22 hours of lab work per week.
4. Knowledge of English: Your English should be fluent enough that you can attend the program and understand what is going on in class.  Most colleges will require you to pass the TOEFL test which measures your English proficiency. Also, at your visa interview, the interviewer will be listening to see if you can understand and communicate well enough in English.
5. Adequate Financial Support: You need to show that you have enough money to cover your first year of expenses at the school without have to work.  In addition, you must show that you will be able to be supported for the following years of your study without you having to work.  This can be done through a relative attesting and submitting proof that they can support you while you study in the US.
6. Intent to Return to Home Country: The M-1 visa is only available for those who intend to return to their home country, it is a temporary visa.  Therefore, you may want to show evidence that you do intend to return home.  Items to show could be that have family, property, and incentives to return home.  Young people may not have all of these things and will not necessarily be penalized if they cannot show actual proof.

Can You Bring Your Spouse and Children with You?

The good news is that if you are approved for a M1 visa, then your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you to the United States.  They will of course need to apply for a F-2 visa.  Your school will also have to issue them a SEVIS form I-20.  They will not be allowed to work while in the US so they will need to show evidence of how they will be supported while they are staying in the US.  Children may attend elementary school through 12 grade while staying in the US.

How Long Will Your M1 Visa Last?

Your M1 student visa will last up to 60 days after you complete your course of study.  While you are taking your courses your M1 student visa will be in good standing.  You may request extensions to extend your stay if you need more time to complete your course of study.

M1 Visa in 3 Steps:

1. Apply to the school of your choice in the US.  If you are accepted then request a certificate of eligibility SEVIS I-20 form.  This document states to the US government that you have been accepted into their program.
2. Apply for the M-1 Visa: It is important to contact an immigration attorney who can help you through this process.  It can be confusing and you do not want to mess it up.  Your spouse and children if they are accompanying you will need to apply for a F2 visa.
3. Attend Your Consular Interview: You will probably have to attend a consular interview in your country.  During this interview, you will be asked about your plans in the US, your course of study, how you will support yourself, and your plans to return home.  As an immigration attorney, we can help you prepare for this consular interview so you give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Ultimate M1 Visa Application Checklist

1. SEVIS I-20 completed by your school and then you must sign it.
2. Receipt of Form I-901 SEVIS fee of $100
3. Complete form DS-156
4. Complete form DS-158
5. Complete form DS-157 (check with your US immigration attorney)
6. Visa application fee ($131)
7. Visa issuance reciprocity fee
8. Current copy of your passport
9. 2×2 inch passport photo of you and spouse and children if they are accompanying you.
10. Birth certificates of you and your spouse and children if they are accompanying you.
11. Marriage certificate if you spouse is accompanying you
12. Divorce papers if either you or your spouse was married previously.
13. Degrees, diplomas, standardized tests, TOEFL, etc required by the school to attend their program.
14. Proof of sufficient funds to support you in your first year.
15. Documents or proof showing your intent to return to your home country.