M-1 Student Visas: An Immigration Law FAQ
Are you interested in studying in the United States but need help determining which visa you are eligible for? You may qualify for an M-1 student visa.
Here, an experienced immigration lawyer answers a few common questions about M-1 student visas.
Am I eligible for an M-1 Student visa?
If you’re interested in studying in the United States, you need to have a student visa. The type of visa you’re eligible for will depend on your intended academic program and the type of school you want to attend.
If you want to attend a vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, you need an M-1 visa. This does not include language training programs.
If you plan to attend a different type of institution from the one listed above, you may be eligible for an F-1 visa, instead.
Can I work with an M-1 Student visa?
Unlike F-1 students who can engage in practical training after their first academic year, M-1 students can only perform practical training work after they have finished their academic studies.
When you are on an M-1 visa, all off-campus practical training must be relevant to your studies. Additionally, your school and USCIS must approve any off-campus work before you can start.
How do you apply for an M-1 Student visa?
Before applying for an M-1 visa, you need to apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the U.S. Once accepted, you can register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and pay the SEVIS 1-901 fee. You will then receive a Form 1-20 from your school. Then, you can apply for your M-1 visa.
When applying for an M-1 visa, the order in which you complete the following steps can vary by U.S. Embassy and Consulate. Please check the instructions on the embassy or consulate website for your country of residence.
Complete the Online Application
To apply for a M-1 student visa, you must first complete the online visa application, Form DS-160. You must also bring a printed copy of the confirmation page to your interview and upload your photo during this process.
After completing the application, you will also pay the non-refundable application fee.
Schedule an interview
Next, you will schedule a visa interview at your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate. With some exceptions, an interview is required for anyone aged 14 to 79. However, an interview is typically not required for anyone aged 13 or younger or 80 or older.
Before your interview, you must gather the following documents to bring with you:
- Valid Passport for travel to the U.S.
- The Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt
- Photo
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status For Vocational Students, Form I-20
Talk to the Immigration Lawyers at JAD Law
The U.S. Immigration process can be lengthy and confusing, but an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the student visa application process. JAD Law is here to help.
Contact JAD Law today to schedule an appointment.
JAD Law serves several counties across Metro Detroit, Michigan, including Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties. JAD Law also serves counties across Northern Michigan, including Grand Traverse, Charlevoix, Benzie, Leelanau, and Antrim counties.
