What is an M-1 visa?
M1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa for those who want to enroll in vocational studies in the U.S. This can be technical and mechanical courses, cooking classes, flight school, cosmetology, etc. Immigrate.tech will help you to file an M 1 visa application.
During your stay in the U.S. you will be allowed to complete the vocational studies full-time getting an appropriate degree. You can get a driver’s license, open a bank account, change your school within the first 6 months, use healthcare services, and even work in some cases.
Can I work in the U.S. with an M1 student visa?
M-1 students are not allowed to work full-time out of campus, complete their program part-time, transfer schools after 6 months, get higher education in the U.S and obtain a Bachelor’s or other degrees, or attend language courses.
Please remember that a full-time employment with an M1 visa is serious violation!
What are the M-1 visa requirements?
To be able to apply for this type of visa, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be admitted to and receive an offer from one of the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved educational institutions.
- Provide proof of your intent to return to your home country after completing the educational program, as well as other strong ties to your home.
- Have enough funds to cover the expenses of studying and living in the U.S.
- Prove fluency in written and spoken English via standardized English proficiency tests like TOEFL or the IELTS.
What are the M-1 visa requirements?
Your visa may or may not cover the total duration of your studies. Regardless, Form I-20 expires in one year and has to be extended every time. The maximum of the extension period for both the M1 visa and the Form I-20 is 3 years.
If your visa does not cover the whole period of your studies, you will have to extend it by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status to USCIS and your Form I-20.
What documents are required?
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
- 2 photographs meeting the U.S. Visa Photo Requirements
- Proof of paid M1 visa fee and the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Form I-20 provided by your institution or educational program
- Your education certificates:
- Degrees and diplomas
- Standardized test scores
- Transcripts
- Financial standing proof (at least one of the below):
- Bank statements for the last 3 years
- Tax records for the last 3 years
- Pay stubs of previous employment
- Proof of the approved loan if you are funding your U.S. education through a loan.
- Form I-134, Affidavit of Support if you are sponsored by someone else in the U.S., and their bank statements for the last three years.
- A passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of your intended stay in the United States
The list may vary depending on each individual case, you may be requested additional documents other than listed above.
How much does it cost?
U.S. government fees are mandatory and nonrefundable:
- USCIS Visa application (Form DS-160) fee: $160
- SEVIS I-901 fee: $200
The total cost can vary depending on each individual case. The figures above do not include attorney fees, professional assistance and translation fees, travel costs, securing needed documents, postage, etc. Government fees may change by the decision of the government.
Application advisory fee charged by Immigrate.tech: from $399
Application tips:
- Submit your valid and up-to-date official documents
- Do not provide false, misleading or fraudulent information or documents
- Answer all of the questions honestly
- Avoid spelling mistakes
- Provide as much information as you can