M-1 Student Visa vs Fee Paying Student Visa
Student visa comparison: United States and New Zealand. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 US
M-1 Student Visa
|
 NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | New Zealand |
| Program type | Vocational | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 mo | — |
| Proof of funds | — | $12,000 |
| Application fee | $185 | $510 |
| Work during study | No | Yes |
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
Tuition
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Full fee | Full fee |
| Tuition-free scope | None | None |
| Tuition minimum | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Tuition maximum | $40,000 | $45,000 |
| Scholarships available | No | Yes |
Duration
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 months | — |
| Maximum duration | 36 months | 48 months |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | 12 months | — |
Financial requirements
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | — | $12,000 |
| Application fee | $185 | $510 |
| Dependent fee | $185 | $450 |
Work during study
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | No | Yes |
| Hours per week (term) | — | 25 hrs |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | No | No |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Not allowed | Automatic |
Requirements
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Not required | Required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Required |
| Accommodation proof | Not required | Required |
| Visa interview | Required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent restriction | Spouse and unmarried children under 21. M-2 dependents cannot work and can only study part-time at avocational or recreational level. | Partner work visa support depends on study level: Level 9-10 (master's/doctoral) can support partner work visa. Level 7-8 may support partner work visa if studying in a Green List-specified field. |
| Spouse can work | No | Yes |
| Spouse work unrestricted | No | Yes |
| Children can attend school | Yes | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work permit | No | Yes |
| Permanent residency | No | Yes(2 yrs) |
| Citizenship | No | Yes(7 yrs) |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | No | No |
Application process
|
US
M-1 Student Visa
|
NZ
Fee Paying Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | Online |
| Processing time | 14–60 days | 21–42 days |
| Apply in-country | No | Yes |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen access | No | No |