M-1 | Nonacademic or Vocational Studies

M-1 is a student visa designed for those participating in nonacademic or vocational studies in the U.S., including, but not limited to:

  • Mechanical education
  • Flight school
  • Cosmetology
  • Healthcare & social assistance
  • Food services

Qualifications

  • Show non-immigrant intent by proving strong ties to native place
  • Be accepted at a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) institution
  • Have necessary English proficiency for your desired program
  • Prove financial stability and the ability to cover your expenses during your stay

What You'll Need

  • Proof of educational qualifications and financial stability
  • Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from SEVP institution
  • Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Questions? Contact us.

Whatever your immigration issue may be, we are here to help. Our team of attorneys and staff work hard to help you reach your goals.

FAQs

What can I not do with an M-1 Visa?

M1 students are restricted from the following, but not limited to:

  • Work full-time out of campus
  • Complete their programs as part-time students
  • Change their program
  • Transferring to another institution
  • Continuing higher education in the U.S.
Is there a fee to file the M-1?

Yes, there is a $350 fee for SEVIS I-901 and a $200 fee for Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How can I file my M-1 form?

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

  • Pay your filing fee online
  • Check the status of your case
  • Receive notifications and case updates
  • View personalized case completion date estimates
  • Respond to requests for evidence
  • Manage your contact information, including updating your address

 

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Why should I work with ImmigrationUSA?

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.

Latest News

Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in U.S. Immigration.

President-elect Trump confirmed that he plans to use the U.S. military for a nationwide deportation of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.

USCIS released updated guidelines for children of U.S. citizens seeking citizenship through their parents. The new rules clarify custody requirements for both derivative and acquired citizenship.

Trump has chosen Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan for key roles in his administration. Both Miller and Homan are strong supporters of Trump’s immigration policies.

President Biden has some options he can take to protect U.S. immigration programs from future potential changes.