United States•North America

Open

M-1 — Vocational / Non-Academic Student

Study Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

USD $535

Stay Duration

Up to 1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

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.

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

I-901 SEVIS feeUSD $350

MRV Visa Application FeeUSD $185

TotalUSD $535

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Tied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Enables full-time vocational and nonacademic study at US institutions
Spouses and minor children may accompany on M-2 dependent visas
Visa can be issued up to 365 days before program start date
Continuing students may enter anytime before classes begin

Worth Knowing

Work authorization is extremely limited — practical training only after program completion, not during studies
Cannot use Visitor (B) visa or Visa Waiver Program for vocational study
New students may only enter up to 30 days before program start
Must depart within 60 days of program completion
Overstaying causes automatic visa revocation and potential future non-qualification
Language training programs are excluded; use F-1 for those
Must maintain valid SEVIS status throughout enrollment

Application Process

Obtain acceptance from a SEVP-approved vocational or nonacademic school

Pay I-901 SEVIS fee and obtain fee receipt

Complete Form DS-160 (online nonimmigrant visa application)

Schedule interview at a US Embassy or Consulate

Attend consular interview with all required documents

Pay visa issuance fee if applicable

Application Forms

Go to application portal

DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	Fill online
I-20 Certificate of qualification for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status	—
I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Form	Fill online

Related visas

More visas in United States

Study visas in other countries