- Fees updated
notes reworded for readers; no values changed.
US
M-1 Student Visa
Active
Post-study work
United States · apply online
Tuition
Full fee
Work during study
None
Post-study work
6 months
Proof of funds
—
Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 6 months
Overview
- Country
- United States
- Visa name
- M-1 Student Visa
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Max duration
- 36 months
- Renewable
- Yes
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.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
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; there is no representative national USD range.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- No
- Permission
- Not allowed
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.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-1 Practical Training | Training | 6 mo | Any | No | No |
Fees and costs
| 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 |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21. M-2 dependents cannot work and can only study part-time at avocational or recreational level.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- M-2 visa holders cannot accept any employment in the United States.
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Interview
- Required
- Official site
- travel.state.gov
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
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.
Also in United States
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 25, 2026 Source
Change history
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- Leads to a post-study visa Yes No
- Fees updated
- Post-study options updated
added the statutory Visa Integrity Fee; its amount awaits official collection guidance (uscode.house.gov).