If you are an international student looking to pursue your vocational or non-academic studies in the United States, you will need an M-1 student visa. This guide explains what an M-1 visa is, the requirements you need to meet, and the step-by-step instructions to apply for an M-1 visa successfully.
September 2025 Update
Shorelight anticipates increasing availability for visa interviews at embassies worldwide. Be aware of new social media guidelines for all incoming students heading to US universities and institutions: Check out our FAQs guide to studying in the US in 2025 or reach out to a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance. Get in touch>
What Is an M-1 Visa?
The M-1 visa is designed for international students who wish to enroll in technical, vocational, or other non-academic programs at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institutions in the US.
As an M-1 student, the duration of your visa is tied to the length of the program you choose and any practical training you may pursue. M-1 visas are initially granted for up to one year. In the event that you require more time to complete your studies or practical training (PT), you can contact your designated school official (DSO) to request an extension of stay. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, you may request one one-year extension at a time up to a total of three years from the original M-1 start date on your visa, plus a 30-day grace period.
Now that we have explained what is an M-1 visa, let us go over the requirements to apply for one.
M-1 Visa Requirements in 2025
To apply for an M-1 visa, you will need to meet the following requirements, which are similar to F-1 student visa criteria.
Program enrollment — You must be enrolled in a vocational or other non-academic program.
Approved institution — Your school must be approved by the SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
Full-time enrollment — You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
English proficiency — You must meet English proficiency scores required by the institute you hope to enroll in, or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
Sufficient funding — You must show proof of sufficient funds to finance your studies and living expenses for the duration of your visa.
Proof of ties to home country — You must demonstrate a residence in your home country and a plan to return following the completion of your studies.
Meeting the requirements for an M-1 visa is the first step towards obtaining your visa. Next, let us look at the process of applying for an M-1 visa.
How to Apply for an M-1 Visa
There are several steps you need to take to apply for your M-1 student visa.
1. Research and Enroll in an Accredited Institution
Before you can apply for your M-1 student visa, you need to be accepted by the school that is offering the vocational or technical program you want to pursue. The school you plan to apply to has to be an SEVP-accredited institution, and you can check for SEVP institutions that accommodate M-1 visa students by using the School Search Map tool on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
As part of the admissions process, you will also need to meet the minimum English language proficiency scores. Required scores may vary depending on the institution and the program where you hope to enroll.
2. Enroll and Receive Your I-20 Form
After you are accepted to a US institution, you will receive an I-20 form. This document is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status and includes important details like your SEVIS ID number, your program’s start and end dates, and information about your funding source.
Be sure to review your I-20 carefully before signing it. This form confirms that you are enrolled in a US institution and this documentation will be required throughout your visa application journey.
Before moving forward with your M-1 visa application, you must pay the SEVIS fee of $350. Once you have made the payment, make sure to print a copy of the payment receipt as you will need to bring it with you to your visa interview.
3. Complete the Required DS-160 Application
Submit the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application online through the U.S. Department of State application portal. You can visit the official website to learn more about the DS-160 process. Remember to enter correct and accurate details — once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes.
After submitting the form, you will be required to pay the $185 visa application fee. Once the payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Be sure to print this page and bring it with you to your visa interview, as it is a required document.
The application process and specific requirements can vary based on the U.S. Embassy you plan to apply through. Be sure to check the website of your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
4. Schedule Your Visa Interview
Once you have received the I-20 and completed the DS-160 form, use the DS-160 confirmation barcode to schedule a visa interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Appointment wait times will vary by country and can take months, so remember to schedule your appointments as early as possible. You can check the U.S. Department of State website to see current interview wait times. Monitoring US visa appointment availability and estimated wait times can help you plan your application timeline effectively.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
While scheduling your visa interview, make sure that you enter the same barcode (beginning with “AA”) on your DS-160 confirmation page. If the DS-160 barcode does not match the one in your appointment profile, you will not be able to attend your interview.
US VISAS TIP
Remember to practice answering mock interview questions with a friend or your Shorelight enrollment advisor.
5. Prepare and Attend the Visa Interview
During the interview segment of the M-1 visa application process, the U.S. Consulate or Embassy will confirm you are coming to study as a legitimate international student. In your visa interview, you will need to present all required documents. You must also prove you have the funds to cover your time studying in the US and confirm that you plan on returning home after your studies are complete.
Consular officers may also review your social media profiles, so remember to set your profile privacy to ‘public’ leading up to the date of your interview. This is only a temporary requirement, and you can change your privacy settings once you have received your visa.
Attending your visa interview in person is required, though there are a few rare exceptions (e.g., if you are younger than 14, or older than 80 years of age, or if you meet certain visa renewal requirements).
M-1 Visa Admission Requirements
There are several M-1 visa requirements you need to keep in mind when applying. You must bring the following to your interview:
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless your home country is exempt due to bilateral agreements)
Passport-sized photo(s) meeting US visa specifications
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrants, Form I-20
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
School transcript and official test scores you used on your university application
Diploma and other certificates (if applicable)
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or scholarship letters
Evidence of ties to your home country, such as family, property, or job prospects
If you need help navigating M-1 visa requirements or preparing the documentation required for your US student visa interview, a Shorelight advisor can provide one-on-one support.
M-1 Visa Denials
If your visa does not get approved, you will receive an official letter from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate stating the reason for your visa getting denied. Once you know the reason, it will be easier to reapply for the student visa and submit it any additional documents required. The most common reasons for visa denials include:
1. Insufficient Financial Resources
A frequent reason for visa denial is the inability to demonstrate adequate funding for tuition, housing, and living expenses in the United States. Students are often asked to provide official bank statements or other financial documents showing sufficient resources to cover the full duration of their studies.
Tip: When preparing financial documents, account for all expenses, program fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, and personal costs.
2. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation
Visa applications can be denied if required documents are missing, incomplete, or inconsistent. Any information that is identified as inaccurate can also raise concerns about a student’s eligibility and intent.
Tip: Carefully review your application and ensure that all required documents, such as your admissions letter, transcripts, English proficiency scores, and financial records are included and accurate.
3. Lack of Genuine Intention
Consular officers must be confident that you are pursuing studies in the United States for genuine educational purposes and that you plan to return to your home country after completing your program. If you are unable to demonstrate this intent sufficiently, your visa application may be denied.
Tip: Practice mock interview questions with a friend, family member, or a Shorelight advisor to clearly explain your academic and professional goals, as well as your plans after graduation.
4. Insufficient Proof of Residential Ties at Home
You are expected to show that you have strong reasons to return home after your studies. A lack of evidence, such as property ownership, family connections, or employment opportunities, may lead to concerns that you do not intend to return.
Tip: Collect and present documentation that demonstrates strong ties to your home country, such as lease agreements, property records, family obligations, or job offers.
5. Failure to Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
Since English is the primary language of instruction in the US, applicants must show they can succeed in an English-speaking environment. Failure to provide valid scores from standardized English tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, can result in visa denial.
Tip: Enroll in English preparation courses and take practice tests to strengthen your skills. Consistent practice with family, friends, or classmates can also help you improve — both for your exams and your visa interview.
Maintaining M-1 Visa Status
Once you receive your M-1 visa for the USA, you must follow the rules and regulations of your educational institution and the US government to maintain your student visa status. These include:
Attending all of your classes and maintaining normal academic progress as required by your course of study.
Speaking with your DSO before dropping a class.
Talking to your DSO regarding program extensions in the event you are not able to complete your studies before the end date listed on your I-20 form.
Participating in practical training employment only after completion of your program.
Informing your DSO regarding any changes to your program, school, major, education level, and address.
Can M-1 International Students Work in the US?
M-1 students are not permitted to work while studying. However, you may apply for practical training authorization after completing your program. This requires a recommendation from your DSO and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Apply for your US International Student Visa with Shorelight’s Help!
Applying for an M-1 visa to get training in the US can be complex, but you do not have to do it alone. Shorelight advisors provide step-by-step guidance on program selection, documentation, visa preparation, and interview practice. With Shorelight, you gain access to admission support, on-campus services, and career readiness resources.
Need help with your M-1 visa application? Talk to an advisor today >
