M-1 Visa vs. F-1 Visa

PRESS RELEASE
Published August 19, 2023

If you are a foreign national looking to pursue vocational or non-academic training or education in the United States, the M-1 Visa might be for you. This visa should not be confused with the F Visa, which also permits you to enter the U.S. to study at a university, college, high school, private primary school, seminary, conservatory, or another intellectual institution, including a language training program. Schedule an appointment with Vanderwall Immigration today to learn more.

Different types of student visas

As previously stated, two types of student visas are available in the United States: F-1 and M-1.

F-1 visa

For students wishing to study in the United States, the F-1 visa is most commonly used. The following requirements must be met to receive this visa:

An approved academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program must be used.
The student’s school must be recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
You must be a full-time student.
Must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency or be enrolled in courses to learn it.
You must have enough money to be financially independent while studying.
You must not abandon your overseas residency.

M-1 visa

This is a visa for international students seeking non-academic or vocational training at a U.S. institution. Courses in aviation, culinary arts, computer technology, cosmetology, and other fields are covered by the M-1 visa. M-1 visa holders are allowed to remain in the United States for the length of their technical or vocational program but are not permitted to work. The M-1 visa can be issued up to 365 days before the commencement of your study course; however, you can only enter the United States within 30 days of the start date. The following are the M-1 visa requirements for the United States:

Must be enrolled full-time in a vocational or non-academic program.
Have a high level of English proficiency or are currently enrolled in English language classes
You must be financially self-sufficient throughout your stay and have a domicile outside the United States.
The Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) must approve the program.

Remember that to apply for an M-1 visa, you must first enroll in a vocational or non-academic program. After receiving your acceptance notice, you can proceed with the application procedure. One major similarity between both visas is that the applicant must establish that they want to return to their home country once their studies are over.

CDN Newswire