The M-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who wish to take vocational, technical, and other nonacademic programs in the United States. The M-1 Visa applicant must be enrolled in a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) institution and demonstrate financial capacity to study and live in the US. M1 students need to prove strong ties to their home country and express nonimmigrant intent during their visa application.
The M1 Visa allows the spouses and children of foreign students to join them in the US for the duration of their studies. The M1 Visa has no annual limit and can be extended for a maximum of 3 years. M-1 students can only study in nonacademic US institutions and change schools within the first 6 months of their program. M-1 Visa holders have limited work opportunities in the US. M1 students can only work in the US with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in a job that is related to their course.
What is an M1 Visa?
The M-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for foreign students who wish to study technical or vocational courses or other nonacademic programs such as cooking, cosmetology, or flight school in the United States. The M-1 Visa is issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to international students who are accepted in junior or community colleges, post-secondary vocational schools, or post-secondary business schools with at least 12 semesters or quarter hours.
How Does an M1 Visa Work?
The M1 Student Visa has specific eligibility requirements for international students. You must be accepted at a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) institution to apply for the M1 Visa. Your English language proficiency should allow you to understand and speak as required by US educational institutions. You should be able to show evidence of financial capacity to sustain your education and stay in the US. M-1 Visa approval requires you to prove nonimmigrant intent through evidence of strong ties to your home country.
What are the benefits of M1 Visa?
Here are the main benefits of the M1 Visa for international students.
- M-2 Visa dependents. You are able to bring your dependent spouse and children with you to the US for the duration of your course.
- No annual limit. There is no maximum number of visas granted each year for M-1 Student Visa, unlike other nonimmigrant visas.
- Visa extension. M1 Visa extensions are possible in cases of compelling educational or medical reasons as long as you maintain a valid M-1 status.
What are the Risks of M1 Visa?
These are the limitations of the M1 Nonimmigrant Visa.
- Work restrictions. You need to secure an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you want to work legally with an M1 Visa. Filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status is an additional requirement for M1 students who want to work in the US. You are allowed to work for 1 month for every 4 months of study at a job that is related to your course.
- Conditions in transferring schools. You can only change schools within the first 6 months of your program as an M-1 student.
- Educational limitations. You cannot enroll in academic institutions and obtain higher degrees such as Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
How Much Does an M1 Visa Cost?
The M1 Visa application fee is $160. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program System (SEVIS) I-901 fee for M-1 Visa is $350. Other costs for an M1 Visa include a visa issuance fee or reciprocity fee which varies per country.
How to Apply for an M1 Visa?
These are the 7 steps in the application for the M-1 Student Visa.
- Enroll in a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved program.
- Register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program System (SEVIS) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Get your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status which you will need for your visa interview.
- Submit Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and print the confirmation page for your visa interview.
- Pay the M1 Visa fee.
- Schedule your M-1 Visa interview and complete the necessary documents prior to your interview.
- Attend the M1 Visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country.
How Long is the Process of M1 Visa?
The processing time for an M1 Visa application takes an average of 4 weeks. You can check the exact appointment wait times for the M-1 Visa in the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
What are the Requirements for an M1 Visa?
Here is the complete list of M1 Visa requirements for foreign students.
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa fee receipts
- US Visa photo
- Form I-20
- Educational qualification documents such as transcripts, diplomas, certificates, or standardized tests.
- Proof of financial capacity such as bank statements and tax information for the past 3 years, educational loans, scholarships, or Form I-134, Affidavit of Support.
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country such as an apartment lease, property deeds, and family.
- Proof of English proficiency through tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
What are the Interview Questions of M1 Visa?
The questions in an M1 Visa interview largely involve your background, the course you applied for, your ability to finance your studies, and your nonimmigrant intent. These are the 5 common M1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers.
- At which school do you plan to take your vocational course? Name the SEVP-approved institution that you applied for to qualify for the M1 Visa.
- Where did you complete your last course of study? Mention the location and institution where you studied last. Be prepared with your educational documents such as transcripts, diplomas, or certificates.
- Do you have relatives in the US? Let the immigration officer know if you have family and relatives in the US.
- Who is going to pay your tuition fees and living costs? The immigration officer wants to know your capacity to finance your studies and living expenses in the US. Have the necessary financial documents such as bank statements, loans, or Form I-134 if someone else will be paying for your studies.
- Do you intend to stay in the US or are you returning home? You need to prove strong ties to your home country. Show proof of nonimmigrant intent through your family ties, property deeds, and permanent residence in your home country.
What are the Statistics on M1 Visa Approval?
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 72% decrease in M-1 international student enrollment from 2019 to 2020 according to the 2020 SEVIS by the Number Report from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This table shows the number of M Visas issued from FY 2013 to FY 2017 according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
| Fiscal Year | Number of M Visas Issued |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 11, 819 |
| 2014 | 12, 210 |
| 2015 | 11, 462 |
| 2016 | 10, 694 |
| 2017 | 9, 982 |
What are the Countries that Can Apply for an M1 Visa?
International students from any non-US country can apply for the M-1 Visa. Students from Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the U.S. but must present a valid Form I-20. These are the top countries that received M1 Visas in FY 2017 according to the U.S. DOS.
- Nepal
- South Korea
- Japan
- Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- India
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Colombia
- Brazil
- Mexico
What are the Differences Between M1 Visa and EB-5 Visa?
The M1 Visa and EB-5 Visa are two different visa categories. The EB-5 Visa is an immigration visa for foreign investors who can invest a minimum capital in a US business. The minimum investment has to generate at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. These are the main differences between the M1 Student Visa and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa.
- Visa type. The M-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa type that only allows for temporary entry into the US for education purposes. The EB5 Visa is an immigrant classification that allows for permanent residence in the US through investment.
- Visa validity. The M1 Visa is only valid for the duration of the vocational course of the international student. The EB 5 Visa grants an initial 2-year conditional permanent residence to the foreign investor. The conditions can be removed to become a lawful permanent resident of the US for 10 years.
- Educational and work restrictions. M1 Visa holders are only allowed to study in nonacademic US institutions. M-1 students can only work with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Form I-539 at a job that is related to their course. EB-5 investors can work anywhere in the US for any employer even without sponsorship. EB5 Visa holders and their dependents can study in both academic and nonacademic US institutions. EB 5 immigrants are eligible for lower tuition fee rates in the US as permanent residents.
What are the Differences Between M1 Visa and F1 Visa?
The M-1 Visa and F-1 Visa fall under the category of U.S. Student Visas. The F-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students taking academic degrees in a US school, college, seminary, or conservatory. These are the key differences between the M1 Visa and F-1 Visa.
- Educational program. The M-1 Visa is for students studying in nonacademic vocational or technical courses. The F-1 Visa is for students studying in academic institutions that result in a degree.
- Work opportunities. M1 students can only do practical training work that is related to their course. M1 Visa holders are allowed to work for 1 month for every 4 months of their program. F1 students can work on-campus, off-campus for economic hardship, curricular practical training (CPT), and optional practical training (OPT).
- Departure from the US. M-1 Visa students can stay in the US for a maximum of 30 days after the end of their program. F-1 Visa students are allowed to remain in the US for up to 60 days after the end of their program.
How Long Can I Stay in the US with an M1 Visa?
The validity of the M-1 Visa depends on how long your vocational course is. Extensions are possible for the M1 Visa for a maximum of 3 years.
Can an Immigration Lawyer Speed Up the Process of M1 Visa?
No, an immigration lawyer (attorney) cannot speed up the processing of M1 Visa. An Immigration Attorney helps by ensuring that there are no errors in your application and that all your requirements are complete.
Can I Apply for a Green Card with an M1 Visa?
The M1 Visa does not have a direct path to US permanent residence (Green Card). Your options for getting a Green Card from M-1 Visa include family sponsorship, employer sponsorship, or immigration investment through the EB 5 Visa.
Can I Change my M1 Visa to Green Card?
Changing an M-1 Visa to Green Card is possible through 3 immigration pathways. Foreign students who are immediate relatives of US citizens or permanent residents can be petitioned for a Green Card through family-based immigration. Students who are able to find a sponsoring US employer can get Green Cards through employment-based immigration visas. The EB-5 Visa Program does not require any sponsorship to get a Green Card. Qualifications for the EB5 Visa are a minimum investment and job creation for 10 full-time US workers.
How to Change Status from M-1 Visa to H-1B Visa?
Changing the M-1 Visa to H-1B Visa is possible if the international student does not use their experience or education obtained while on M1 Visa. The H-1B Visa is a nonimmigrant work visa for foreign workers in specialty occupations. Specialty occupation jobs include information technology (IT), finance, engineering, and architecture. A foreign worker should have a bachelor’s degree or higher to qualify for the H1B Visa. M1 Visa students can work in the U.S. through the H1B Visa if they have a different degree obtained outside of their M1 status. This degree is used to qualify for the H-1B Visa and not their M-1 educational background.
The H1 B Visa has provisions for dual intent. Dual intent allows H1B Visa holders to file for permanent residence in the US even on a nonimmigrant status. Transitioning from M-1 Visa to H1B Visa is a path to permanent residence for international students. These are the 5 steps in changing an M1 Visa to H1B Work Visa.
- Find an H-1B sponsoring US employer. You must be hired based on your education and qualification other than what you acquired from your M-1 Visa course.
- Secure a Labor Certification from the Department of Labor (DOL). The Labor Certification shows that no qualified American worker can fill the job at the prevailing wage. Your employer applies for the Labor Certification.
- File Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your employer submits the petition together with your job offer, evidence of your education, and proof of qualifications for the job.
- Fill out Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Form DS-160 is accomplished by applicants outside of the US.
- Schedule and attend your H1B Visa interview. You need to bring the necessary documents and payment receipts during the interview.
How to Change Status from M-1 Visa to EB-5 Visa?
The change of status from M-1 Visa to EB-5 Visa allows foreign students to become permanent residents of the US through investment. The EB 5 Visa Program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA). A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region with high unemployment rates or rural areas. The EB5 investment must generate a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Legal sources of funds such as income, business profits, loans, inheritance, or gifts are acceptable to use as EB-5 investments.
Here are the 5 steps in changing from M1 Visa to EB-5 Immigrant Investment Program.
- Petitioning for an EB5 Visa. Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Applying for an EB-5 Visa. Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status grants the M-1 Visa holder and their dependents green cards.
- Obtaining conditional permanent residence. A conditional permanent residence is valid for 2 years for the M1 Visa holder and their dependents.
- Removing conditions on permanent residence. Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence is submitted within the 90-day period prior to the second anniversary as an EB 5 Visa holder in the US.
- Gaining lawful permanent residence. A lawful permanent residence is valid for 10 years for the M-1 Visa holder and their dependents.
How to Change Status from M-1 Visa to Green Card?
Changing your status from M-1 Visa to Green Card is done through family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, and investment-based immigration (EB-5 Visa). A Green Card is a document that grants you permanent residence in the US. You and your dependents can live, work and travel anywhere in the U.S. without restrictions as Green Card holders. Here we will outline the procedure for going from M1 Visa to US Green Card through family-based sponsorship and employer sponsorship.
Immediate Relative and Family-based Immigration Visas are given to the foreign fiancé(e)s, spouses, children, parents, or siblings of U.S. citizens and Green Card holders.
You can change your M-1 Visa to Green Card if you are related to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to obtain a Green Card if you are in the US.
- Filing DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application if you are outside the US.
Employment-based Immigration Visas grant Green Cards to foreign nationals who are permanently employed in the United States. The EB-1 Visa is an employment immigration visa for persons with extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors or researchers (EB-1B), and multinational managers or executives (EB-1C). The EB-2 Visa is an employment Green Card Visa for professionals with advanced degrees (EB-2A), persons with exceptional ability (EB-2B), and persons with a National Interest Waiver (EB-2C). The EB-3 Visa is an employment Green Card for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
There are 4 steps to go from M1 Visa to Green Card through employment immigration.
- Locate a U.S. sponsoring employer.
- Get a Labor Certification from the Department of Labor (DOL). EB-1A Visa and EB-2C Visa applicants do not need employer sponsorship or labor certification to petition for an employment Green Card.
- File Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker to the USCIS.
- Get your Green Card.
- Go through Consular Processing by accomplishing DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application if you are outside the US.
- File an Adjustment of Status with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence if you are within the US.