⚖️ 🇺🇸 F-1 Student Visa vs 🇺🇸 M-1 Student Visa
| 🇺🇸 F-1 Student Visa | 🇺🇸 M-1 Student Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Program Type | Full time | Vocational |
| Status | Active | Active |
📊 AT A GLANCE
| Metric | 🇺🇸 F-1 Student Visa | 🇺🇸 M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | — | 12 mo |
| Proof of Funds | — | — |
| Application Fee | $185 | $185 |
| Work During Study | Yes | No |
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | Yes |
💰 TUITION
| Detail | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Policy | Full fee | Full fee |
| Tuition Free Scope | None | None |
| Tuition Min | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Tuition Max | $65,000 | $40,000 |
| Scholarships Available | Yes | No |
📅 DURATION
| Detail | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Duration | — | 12 months |
| Max Duration | — | 36 months |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal Duration | — | 12 months |
💵 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $185 | $185 |
| Dependent Fee | $185 | $185 |
💼 WORK DURING STUDY
| Detail | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Work Allowed | Yes | No |
| Hours/Week (Term) | 20 hrs | — |
| Unlimited Hours | No | No |
| Freelance Allowed | No | No |
| On Campus Only | Yes | No |
| Work Permission Type | Automatic | Not allowed |
📋 REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Required | Required | Required |
| Institution Accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health Insurance | Not required | Not required |
| Medical Exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal Record Check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation Proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa Interview | Required | Required |
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
| Detail | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Dependents Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent Restriction | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 only. F-2 dependents cannot work. | Spouse and unmarried children under 21. M-2 dependents cannot work and can only study part-time at avocational or recreational level. |
| Spouse Can Work | No | No |
| Spouse Work Unrestricted | No | No |
| Children Can Attend School | Yes | Yes |
🌍 POST-STUDY PATHWAYS
| Detail | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work Permit | Yes | No |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | No |
| Citizenship | Yes | No |
| Time Counts Toward PR | No | No |
📝 APPLICATION PROCESS
| Detail | F-1 Student Visa | M-1 Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | Online |
| Processing Time | 14–60 days | 14–60 days |
| Apply In-Country | No | No |
| Multiple Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen Access | No | No |