Explaining the M-1 Student Visa

Introduction

In 2024, the US Department of State issued 6,322 M-1 student visas

Do you want to travel to the US for a non-academic course? Are you looking for an opportunity to gain practical learning experience? 

If your answer to either of the above questions is yes, then you should go for an M-1 visa, which doesn’t focus on traditional academic coursework, allowing you to join courses such as culinary arts, automotive repair, computer technology, cosmetology, aviation, and even healthcare.

What is an M-1 Student Visa?

An M-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign student to temporarily enter the US and study full-time at a vocational, technical, or non-academic program, other than a language training program. If you visit the US on an M-1 visa, you will get a “vocational student” status. 

How Long Can I Stay in the US on an M-1 Student Visa?

Coming on an M-1 student visa means that you can stay in the US for the duration of your course, plus 30 days after your course ends, so that you can prepare to leave the US. Plus, you can enter the US 29 days before your program’s start date.

If you change schools or need an extension of your stay, you can apply in one-year increments. However, the maximum time you can stay in the US with an M-1 student visa is three years from the start date of your program, plus thirty days for departure. 

What is the Eligibility to Apply for an M-1 Student Visa?

Applying for an M-1 student visa would require you to meet the Department of State’s eligibility criteria. Here’s a list of the main requirements that you must fulfill:

• You must be enrolled full-time in a vocational or other non-academic program, other than a language training program. 
• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the US.
• You must have a residence outside the US, which you do not intend to leave.
• You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in an English proficiency program.
• The Student and Exchange Visitors Program must approve your school/program. 

Search for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)- certified schools and programs to see if your program is approved or not.

How to Apply for an M-1 Student Visa in 2025?

The first step to start your M-1 student visa is to get admission in an SEVP-approved school/program. Once that’s done, you have paid your SEVIS I-901 fee and received your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status, and your visa process can start. 

Step 1: Filing M-1 Student Visa Application

Start your M-1 student visa process by filing the DOS Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and paying the filing fee. Visit our detailed DS-160 guide to understand the process better. After that, you should print a copy of the confirmation page and carry it to the visa interview. 

The interview can be scheduled from another country; however, if you apply from your home country, you can prevent unnecessary delays. 

Step 2: Preparing for M-1 Student Visa Interview

While it’s best to study up on the visa process followed by your nearest US Embassy/Consulate, mainly you should ensure that you have documents to prove you meet the eligibility criteria, and have the following documents with you:

• An unexpired passport that will be valid for at least 6 months after you enter the US. 
• A copy of your Form I-20, signed by you and an official from your intended program. 
• A copy of your DS-160 confirmation page. 
• Degree, transcripts, and diploma certificates (if applicable)
• A copy of your bank details or tax forms that show you can financially support yourself during your stay in the US. 
• Documents to prove you have strong ties to your home country, and plan to leave the US after your program ends. 

Step 3: M-1 Student Visa Interview

On the day of your interview, reach the embassy early to easily find parking and go through the security check, with time to spare. Check the notice scheduling the interview to see what documents you have to bring, as well as the date and time of the interview. 

The consulate officer taking your interview may ask questions to see if you are eligible for an M-1 student visa. Sometimes, your fingerprints may also be taken. 

Want to apply for an M-1 student visa? Book an expert consultation with our experienced immigration lawyers for just $79!

Step 4: Entering The US

An M-1 student visa does not guarantee entry to the US. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent makes the final decision. If you can enter the US, the agent will stamp your passport or provide you with a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. 

You may worry about not being allowed to enter this final stage. We understand! 

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and are not otherwise ineligible to enter the US, you will likely not face any trouble.  

What is the Processing Time of an M-1 Student Visa?

Like other non-immigrant visas, the processing time to get an M-1 student visa depends on the country you are applying from and the backlog of that Embassy/Consulate. Typically, the process takes at least 4-6 weeks and may extend to a couple of months.

How Much Does it Cost to Get an M-1 Student Visa?

To get an M-1 student visa, you would have to pay a $330 SEVIS I-901 fee and a $185 DS-160 application fee. 

Conclusion

Typically, you cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the intended start date of your program, so keep that in mind while finalising your travel plans. Typically, during your program, you cannot be employed. However, you may be allowed to participate in practical training. 

Before starting your application journey, find an SVEP-approved program to avoid delays and complications.   

How Can FileRight Assist You? 

In 2024, the DOS refused 2,237 M-1 student visa applications out of 8,559, signifying a refusal rate of 26%.

FileRight’s US immigration attorneys can handle high refusal rates for M-1 student visas, as we are experts in solving any visa complications you may face during the process. Plus, if your application is denied, you must reapply and pay the application fee again. With FileRight’s error-free online application software, you can file your paperwork in an easy-to-use online format, minimizing mistakes and extra costs.

Book a consultation with FileRight’s seasoned immigration experts today!