The M-1 Visa is a non-immigrant student visa for people who want to study in the U.S. but not in academic or language programs. Instead, it is for vocational or technical training — such as flight schools, mechanical courses, culinary programs, or other specialized non-academic training.
Unlike the F-1 visa (for universities and language programs), the M-1 visa is designed for students who want to gain practical, career-focused skills in the U.S.
You must be accepted by a SEVP-approved vocational or technical school in the U.S.
The school issues a Form I-20, which you will use for the visa application.
You must show proof of funds to pay for tuition and living expenses during your stay.
You must intend to return home after finishing your training. The M-1 is strictly temporary.
You must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay.
You may need to show you have English proficiency or that your program includes English instruction.
Allows you to legally study vocational or technical programs in the U.S.
Stay for the full length of your program plus a short grace period (usually up to 30 days after completion).
Eligible for practical training after studies (similar to OPT for F-1 students), usually up to 6 months.
Bring your spouse and children under 21 with you on M-2 visas (they can study, but cannot work).
Many people use the M-1 visa to train in industries like aviation, design, culinary arts, or technical fields where U.S. training is highly respected.
Hiroshi, from Japan, wants to become a professional pilot. He is accepted into a flight school in Florida that is SEVP-approved. The school issues him an I-20, and Hiroshi applies for the M-1 visa. He spends 18 months completing his training in the U.S., then uses his practical training period to gain additional experience before returning home to work for an airline.
Elena, from Spain, applies to a U.S. culinary school for a one-year advanced pastry program. She studies under the M-1 visa, lives in the U.S. for the duration of her training, and returns home with a strong international qualification that boosts her career.
You can stay for the duration of your program, plus up to 30 days afterwards, but no more than 1 year initially. Extensions are possible, but total stay is usually limited to the program length plus practical training.
You cannot work off-campus while studying. You may apply for practical training after completing your program (up to 6 months).
Yes. Your spouse and children can come on M-2 visas. They cannot work, but children may attend school.
F-1 is for academic studies (universities, colleges, language schools). M-1 is for vocational or technical training programs.
It’s difficult. The M-1 visa does not easily allow changes to F-1 or immigrant status. It is meant for short-term, career-focused study.