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Non-immigrant visa for international students pursuing vocational or non-academic studies at SEVP-approved institutions in the United States. Covers technical training, flight schools, cosmetology, culinary programs, mechanical studies, and other career-focused courses.
There is no national tuition schedule: costs and financial aid vary by institution, program and location. Applicants should use the selected school's current published costs; no representative national USD range is recorded.
M-1 students cannot work during their studies. After completing the program, a student may apply for practical training that is directly related to the course, at one month per four months of full-time study up to six months; USCIS authorization is required.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-1 Practical Training | Training | 6 mo | Any | No | No |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | Registration | $350 | One time |
| DS-160 Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) | Application | $185 | One time |
| Visa Integrity Fee | Government | One time |
M-1 covers vocational or other recognized nonacademic study, excluding language training. M-1 admission is generally for the program period up to one year at a time; extensions may be requested, with total M-1 time including practical training capped at three years. Students should distinguish the M classification from F-1 academic study before applying. Visa validity and any reciprocity issuance fee depend on nationality.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
added the statutory Visa Integrity Fee with unknown amount pending official collection guidance (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?_sp=d02fae51-85f5-45de-a4ba-d141be2742fb&edition=prelim&num=0&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title8-section1806).
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