United States•North America21-56 days
535 USD
Up to 1 year
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
No
Not Required
Study at a vocational or non-academic institution — flight schools, technical training, trade programs.
The M-1 is a US vocational student visa for non-citizens enrolling in non-academic programs at SEVP-approved institutions — flight schools, trade programs, culinary arts, maritime training, and similar fields. It covers technical and hands-on training, not degree or language study.
Initial stay is up to 1 year (duration of status), renewable up to a 3-year total, with a 30-day departure window after program completion. Practical training is permitted after graduation but not during studies. Spouses and children under 21 join on M-2 status but cannot work. No PR pathway or dual intent.
This visa is ideal for international students accepted into a US vocational or trade program who need hands-on technical training without pursuing an academic degree.
I-901 SEVIS fee | 350 USD |
MRV Visa Application Fee | 185 USD |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Acceptance at a SEVP-approved vocational or nonacademic institution
SEVIS registration prior to visa issuance
Payment of I-901 SEVIS fee after receiving Form I-20 and before the visa interview
Demonstrate nonimmigrant intent
Proof of sufficient financial support
Valid passport
Cannot be enrolled in language training programs
Valid passport
Form I-20 (issued by SEVP-approved institution)
I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
DS-160 confirmation page
Passport-style photograph
Visa issuance fee receipt (if applicable)
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status | — |
| I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Form | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Obtain acceptance from a SEVP-approved vocational or nonacademic school; Pay I-901 SEVIS fee and obt… | travel.state.gov |
| Dependent Visa | M-2 | uscis.gov |
| Fee Breakdown | I-901 SEVIS fee: 350 USD; MRV Visa Application Fee: 185 USD | travel.state.gov |
| Fees | SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) + MRV visa application fee ($185) | travel.state.gov |
| Forms | DS-160; I-20; I-901 | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · DS-160 · description | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · I-20 · description | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status | studyinthestates.dhs.gov |
| Forms · I-901 · description | SEVIS Fee Payment Form | ice.gov |
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