M Student Visa

The M-1 Student Visa is intended for foreign nationals wishing to pursue a program at a vocational or technical SEVP/SEVIS approved institution for M programs. M students are admitted in the U.S. for a fixed period of time, typically for the time necessary to complete the course or for one year, whichever is less, plus 30 days. An “end date” will be stamped on his SEVIS form which will be 30 days beyond the program end date.

 Basic Requirements. To qualify for an M-1 Student Visa, applicants must demonstrate that:

1.     Have a foreign residence with no intention of abandoning that residence

2.     Intend to depart from the U.S. upon completion of the studies

3.     Possess sufficient funds to pursue proposed course of study

4.     Will study only at an SEVIS designated institution

5.     Possess a SEVIS Form I-20 issued to him/her by a SEVIS approved school and paid the SEVIS fee (I-901)

6.     Maintain a full course of study

 Consular Processing. Students are encouraged to apply for an M-1 visa early to provide time for processing, but at least 120 days prior to the program start date or registration date. Please note that consular officers may not issue an initial-entry student visa 120 days before the program start date.

   For detailed information about qualifying and applying for a Student Visa in your home country, please contact our office. 

 Entering the U.S. New students may enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on Form I-20. The 120- and 30-day rules do not apply to continuing students who are maintaining student status and their SEVIS records are current.

 M-2 Visas are intended for the spouse/children (under age 21) of an M-1 student.  Family members must individually obtain SEVIS Form I-20. An M-2 spouse may not engage in full-time study, and M-2 family members are prohibited from engaging in any form of paid employment. An M-2 child may attend primary or secondary school.

 M-3 Visas are reserved for commuters students from Mexico and Canada only, provided they are not residing in the U.S. Border commuter students are subject to SEVIS but may not obtain M-2 status for their dependents. Border commuters will be given a date certain on their I-94.

Please contact us for additional information concerning M Visas:

-       Transfers to another institution

-       Withdrawing from an institution

-       Practical training

-       Status (Change of status to/from M, Overstays, Reinstatement, Extension of Stays)