<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="study-visas" data-vt-code="M-1"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/study-visas">Study & exchange</a><span>›</span><span>M-1</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Student</span><span>Vocational</span><span>Form I-20</span><span>SEVIS fee</span><span>Fixed period of stay</span></div> <h1><span>M-1</span> Vocational Student</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For full-time vocational or other recognized non-academic study — such as technical, mechanical, flight or culinary training — at an SEVP-certified school.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: ICE / SEVP · Department of State · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/m-1">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Key document</dt><dd>Form I-20 from an SEVP-certified vocational school</dd></div><div><dt>Period of admission</dt><dd>Program + practical training + 30 days, <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">max. 1 year</a></dd></div><div><dt>Maximum with extensions</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years</a> from program start, plus 30 days</dd></div><div><dt>SEVIS I-901 fee</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$350</a></dd></div><div><dt>Practical training</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 month per 4 months</a> of study, max. 6 months, after completion</dd></div><div><dt>Work during studies</dt><dd>Not permitted</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>No switching to F-1 inside the United States.</strong> An M-1 student <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-248/section-248.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may not change status to F-1</a>, cannot change educational objective, and generally cannot transfer schools after six months. M-1 students are already admitted for a fixed period, and the rule covers only the F, J and I classifications, so the July 2026 duration-of-status rule (now postponed by a court) does not change the M-1 period of stay.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The M-1 classification is for students coming to the United States for a full course of vocational or other recognized non-academic study, other than language training. Typical programs include technical and trade schools, flight schools and cosmetology or culinary programs certified by SEVP.</p> <p class="b">Unlike F-1 students, M-1 students receive a fixed admission period: the time needed to complete the program on Form I-20, plus any post-completion practical training, plus <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30 days to depart</a> — but no more than one year at a time. Extensions are possible for compelling educational or medical reasons, up to three years from the original program start date.</p> <p class="b">M-1 students may not work during their studies. After completing the program, they may apply to USCIS for practical training related to their course of study: one month for every four months of full-time study completed, up to six months in total.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">To qualify, the student must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Be accepted for a full course of vocational or non-academic study by an SEVP-certified school and receive a Form I-20</li><li>Show documented financial support for the whole period of intended stay</li><li>Have a residence abroad they do not intend to abandon, and intend to depart after completing studies</li><li>Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee</li></ul> <h3 class="s">M-3 border commuter students</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Nationals of Canada or Mexico who keep their residence in their home country and commute to an SEVP-certified U.S. vocational school; SEVP lists them as <a href="https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">M-3</a> students paying the $350 SEVIS fee</li><li>Border commuter students are <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not entitled to the additional 30-day period</a> of stay and may work only in post-completion practical training</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial admission</th><td>Program length + practical training + 30 days, <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to one year</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Earliest entry</th><td><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30 days</a> before the program start date</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>Form I-539 for compelling educational or medical reasons; cumulative limit <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years from the original start date plus 30 days</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Practical training</th><td>After completion; <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one month per four months</a> of full-time study, maximum six months</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">School transfer</th><td>Not after <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six months</a> from first admission, unless circumstances are beyond the student’s control</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Departure</th><td>30 days after completion; lost if the student fails to maintain status</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Government fees an M-1 applicant typically pays.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>SEVIS I-901 fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$350</a></td><td>Student</td><td>Paid before the visa interview; M-2 dependents do not pay</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a></td><td>Student</td><td>Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa Integrity Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$250 (statutory minimum)</a></td><td>Student</td><td>Created by <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pub. L. 119-21, sec. 100007 (8 U.S.C. 1806)</a>: at least $250, required by statute at visa issuance, not waivable, possibly reimbursable after the visa expires if all conditions are met. The State Department’s fee page did not list it as of Oct. 1, 2026; follow the embassy’s payment instructions.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 (extension, school transfer, change to M-1)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$420 online / $470 paper</a></td><td>Student</td><td>Premium processing for a change to M-1/M-2: <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,075</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765 (practical training, category (c)(6))</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$520 paper</a></td><td>Student</td><td>Category (c)(6) is not on USCIS’s <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online filing list</a></td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Amounts from USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 10/01/26), the SEVP I-901 page and the State Department fee page as of Oct. 1, 2026.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Earliest entry</dt><dd>30 days</dd><dd class="n">Before the program start date</dd></div><div><dt>Practical training filing</dt><dd>Within 90 days before</dd><dd class="n">Must be filed before the program end date</dd></div><div><dt>Premium processing (I-539 to M-1)</dt><dd>30 business days</dd><dd class="n">Optional</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Consular wait times vary by post. USCIS processing times for extensions and practical training vary; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Get admitted and receive Form I-20</div><div class="tx">Apply to an SEVP-certified vocational school; the DSO issues Form I-20 after admission and proof of funds.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee</div><div class="tx">Pay $350 online using the SEVIS ID on the Form I-20.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for the visa</div><div class="tx">Complete Form DS-160, pay the $185 fee and interview at the embassy or consulate, generally in the country of nationality or residence. Applicants are instructed to set social-media profiles to public.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Enter and study full time</div><div class="tx">Enter no more than 30 days before the program start. Maintain a full course of study; employment is not allowed during the program.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for practical training (optional)</div><div class="tx">With the DSO’s endorsement on Form I-20 (and certification on Form I-538), file Form I-765 within 90 days before the program end date; begin work only after the EAD is issued.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Depart or extend on time</div><div class="tx">Leave within the authorized period, or file Form I-539 for an extension before it ends.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>For the visa interview</h3><ul><li><span>Valid passport</span></li><li><span>Form DS-160 confirmation page</span></li><li><span>Form I-20 signed by the DSO</span></li><li><span>SEVIS I-901 fee receipt</span></li><li><span>MRV fee receipt</span></li><li><span>Evidence of funds covering tuition and living costs for the entire stay</span></li><li><span>Evidence of ties to the home country</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an M-1 student may receive M-2 status with their own Form I-20. M-2 dependents <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may not work</a>. They may study part time at an SEVP-certified school; M-2 children may attend elementary and secondary school. Full-time post-secondary study requires a change to a student status.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">M-1 is a non-immigrant classification with no built-in path to permanent residence, and its rules are stricter than F-1.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">No change to F-1</div><div class="tx">An M-1 student cannot change to F-1 status inside the United States; a new F-1 visa must be obtained from abroad.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Change to a work classification</div><div class="tx">USCIS must deny a change from M-1 to an H classification if the training received as an M-1 student is what qualifies the person for the H classification, and will deny a change to M-1 if the course is pursued solely to qualify for a later H change (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-248/section-248.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 248.1(c)–(d)</a>).</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Immigrant petition</div><div class="tx">Permanent residence requires a separate family- or employment-based petition.</div></div></div> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/f-1"><div class="c">F-1</div><div class="n">Academic Student</div><div class="tx">For academic degree and language programs.</div></a><a href="/visa/j-1"><div class="c">J-1</div><div class="n">Exchange Visitor</div><div class="tx">For trainees and interns in sponsor-run programs.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-3"><div class="c">H-3</div><div class="n">Trainee</div><div class="tx">Employer-provided training not available at home.</div></a><a href="/visa/b-2"><div class="c">B-2</div><div class="n">Visitor for Pleasure</div><div class="tx">Only short recreational courses not for credit.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Can M-1 students work?</summary><p>Not during the program. After completion they may apply for practical training — <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one month for each four months of full-time study</a>, up to six months — and must have an EAD before starting.</p></details><details><summary>Can an M-1 student switch to F-1?</summary><p>Not from inside the United States: <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-248/section-248.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 248.1(c)</a> bars a change from M-1 to F-1. A new F-1 visa must be obtained abroad.</p></details><details><summary>How long can an M-1 student stay?</summary><p>Admission is for the program length plus practical training plus 30 days, up to one year at a time; extensions cannot go beyond <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three years from the original program start date</a> plus 30 days.</p></details><details><summary>Does the 2026 duration-of-status rule affect M-1?</summary><p>M-1 students were already admitted for a fixed period, so the rule did not convert them; that rule has in any case been postponed by a federal court since Sept. 14, 2026.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>ICE / SEVP</strong> · I-901 SEVIS Fee</span><span>ice.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Student Visa</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(m) — Students in vocational educational programs</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-248/section-248.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 248.1 — Change of nonimmigrant classification</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-expanded-screening-and-vetting-for-visa-applicants.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Online-presence vetting expanded.</strong> The State Department added I, TN and TD applicants (effective Oct. 1, 2026) to its online-presence vetting, which already covered F, M and J (and F-2, M-2, J-2) applicants. Applicants in covered classes are instructed to set social-media profiles to “public.” <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-expanded-screening-and-vetting-for-visa-applicants.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 15, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Apply in country of nationality or residence.</strong> Nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence; fees paid for applications made elsewhere are not refunded or transferred. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fees adjusted for inflation.</strong> DHS final rule (published Jan. 12, 2026) raised premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, including $1,780 for OPT/STEM OPT Form I-765 requests and $2,075 for Form I-539 requests to change to F, J or M status. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Expanded travel restrictions take effect.</strong> Proclamation 10998 fully suspends entry for nationals of 19 countries and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents, and suspends B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas (plus immigrant visas) for nationals of 19 more countries. Visas issued before Jan. 1, 2026 were not revoked. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 1, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Interview waivers narrowed.</strong> Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, now require an in-person interview. Waivers remain mainly for diplomatic/official classes and certain B-1/B-2, BCC and H-2A renewals within 12 months of a prior full-validity visa’s expiration. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 9, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Travel restrictions on 19 countries take effect.</strong> Proclamation 10949 suspended entry for nationals of 12 countries and suspended B, F, M and J visas (plus immigrant visas) for nationals of 7 more, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT June 9, 2025. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/m-1">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Study & exchange", "item": "https://visatypes.com/study-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "M-1", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/m-1"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can M-1 students work?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Not during the program. 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