US Vocational Training (M1) Visa Application Guide 2024

The US vocational training (M1) visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa issued to international students who wish to receive vocational and technical education in the United States. In the United States, educational programs such as culinary courses, technical courses, mechanical courses, flight school, and cosmetology are considered vocational training.

In order to obtain a US M1 visa, it is necessary to be accepted to an educational institution that provides vocational or technical education and grants an associate degree at the end of the education; such as a vocational high school, state college, college, trade school, or other non-academic educational institutions other than language education.

How to Apply for a US M1 Visa?

To obtain a US M1 vocational training visa, the application steps given below must be followed.

An I-20 form is obtained from a SEVP-approved vocational training institution and the SEVIS fee is paid.
The US DS-160 visa application form is filled out.
Necessary documents for the M1 visa are prepared.
By paying the visa fee, an appointment is made at the US foreign mission.
Fingerprint procedures and visa interviews are performed during the appointment.

I-20 Admission Form and SEVIS Fee for M1 Visa

Before starting the US M1 visa process, the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved vocational training institution in the United States must register the student in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and prepare the Nonimmigrant Student Status Eligibility Form called Form I-20.

The student who receives the I-20 form must pay the SEVIS I-901 registration fee through the SEVIS I-901 website or by using Western Union Quick Pay. The SEVIS fee for M1 visa applicants in 2024 is $375.

Filling Out the US M1 Visa Application Form (DS-160)

The US M1 visa application form (DS-160) must be filled out online at ceac.state.gov. When filling out the form, the SEVIS identification number written on the I-20 form must be entered in the relevant section, and the travel purpose must be marked as “Vocational/Nonacademic Student – M” and “Student – M1” in the travel information section, respectively.

The screenshot of the DS-160 form for the US M1 visa application is as follows.

The DS-160 form includes personal information about the student, details about education, accommodation information, and information about how expenses will be covered, and all information must be filled in completely. Once the DS-160 form is completed, a digital biometric photo of the student must be uploaded to the system and then a printout of the confirmation page must be taken.

Documents Required for US Vocational Training Visa

The documents that must be submitted for US vocational training visa applications are listed below.

Current and undamaged passport
Old passport and US visas, if any
DS-160 form barcode confirmation page
Form I-20 from vocational training institution
SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
Invitation letter from the institution in the USA
Educational documents (such as transcripts, diplomas, certificates)
Current CV
Biometric photo
Identity card
Financial qualifications or sponsorship documents
Military service certificate for male applicants
Appointment confirmation email printout

M1 Visa Fee Payment and Appointment Process

The M1 visa fee is $160 and must be paid before scheduling a visa appointment.

After completing the US DS-160 form, an account must be created at usvisa-info.com with the code in the application form, the US foreign mission where the interview will be held must be selected, the fee must be paid by following the instructions given, and an appointment must be made for the appropriate date.

USA Vocational Training Visa Interview

The US vocational education visa interview is held on the appointment date and the visa documents are submitted and fingerprint registration procedures are completed during the same appointment. When you go to the student visa interview, the questions will mostly be about your reasons for going to America and the institution you will go to. The interviewer wants to evaluate whether you plan to return to your home country after completing your education. At the end of the interview, you will be notified of the approval status of your visa and those whose visas are approved can enter the United States within 30 days before the start date of their education.

How Long Does a US Vocational Training Visa Last?

A US vocational training visa is issued for the purpose of completing training for a period determined by Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” and any practical training. The visa period cannot exceed 1 year.

Can the US M1 Visa Period Be Extended?

The US M1 visa can be extended if the student needs more than one year to complete the program of study. An application for extension can be completed with the school official. The M1 visa and Form I-20 can be extended for a maximum of 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions frequently sent to our center regarding the rights granted to US vocational training visa holders are answered below.

Can I Work in the USA with a Vocational Training Visa?

With a vocational training visa, you are not allowed to work while you are studying in the U.S. After you complete your training, you are allowed to do full-time practical work in the same field; this means that you can work in a job related to your field after you complete your training.

For every 4 months of education, students are given a 1-month practical training permit, which can last up to 6 months. It is possible to work with the permission of a school official, and visa extension procedures must also be completed for the period of work.

Can Family Members of M1 Visa Holders Go to America?

Spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 of an M1 visa holder may travel to the United States on an M2 visa. The M2 visa allows dependents to accompany the M1 visa holder to the United States for the duration of their education. M2 visa holders receive an individual I-20 form, but must return to their home country as soon as the M1 visa expires.

M2 visa holders are not allowed to work or study for an academic degree; individuals are only allowed to attend basic courses and minors are allowed to complete primary and secondary education up to grade 12.

Can I Get Language Education in America with an M1 Visa?

No, I-20 acceptance forms received from language schools are not accepted for the US M1 visa. M1 visa holders do not have the right to receive language education during their stay in the US.

People who want to study a foreign language in the United States must be accepted to a SEVP-approved school and apply for a US language school visa .

What are the differences between US Vocational and Student Visas?

Below are the differences between US vocational training and student visas.

USA Student (F1) Visa	US Vocational Training (M1) Visa
The right to reside in the United States for the duration of the training is granted.	You can stay in the USA for a maximum of 1 year (except for applying for an extension).
The right to change the subject of the training program is granted.	There is no possibility to change the training program.
Students have the right to annual holidays.	Students are not entitled to annual holidays.
It is possible to work with permission during and after the training period.	After completing the training program, work can be done with permission.
At the end of the training, students are allowed to stay for an additional 60 days before leaving the United States.	At the end of the training, you are given a 30-day stay before leaving the United States.

International students who hold an American M1 visa have the right to obtain a driver’s license, open a bank account, change schools (within the first 6 months), and benefit from certain health services in the United States, just like F1 visa holders.