Not all foreign students coming to the US enroll in traditional degree programs. Some attend vocational schools or other nonacademic programs. For these students, M visas allow entry to the US to pursue a full-time course of study.

Institutions that can accept M students include vocational high schools, community colleges offering vocational and technical training and other institutions providing nonacademic training. Schools must demonstrate that their international student program will fulfill educational objectives and will not be used as a means of employment by the students. M-1 visas are given to students, while their spouses and children receive M-2 visas.

Obtaining an M-1 Visa

Before foreign students can obtain an M-1 visa, the school must issue them a Form I-20, which provides information about the school and the student. Before the school can issue an I-20, the following conditions must be met:

• The student must have made a written application to the school.
• The school must have received documentation of the student's academic record and evidence of financial support.
• The student must meet the school's qualifications for admission, including English language proficiency.
• The student must have been accepted by the school.

After issuing the I-20, the school sends it to the student abroad, who then applies for a visa at a local US consulate.

M-1 students are admitted for a period of one year, or for the amount of time required to complete their course of study. They are also given 30 days grace period to depart after completing the course.

Transferring

M-1 students cannot change schools after six months, unless the change is due to circumstances beyond their control. Before six months, transfers are possible, although the student must take care not to fall out of status as an M-1. Failure to do any of the following will render the student out of status:

• Transfer to a new school without submitting a transfer application.
• Enroll in the new school before the INS approves the transfer, unless 60 days have passed since submission of the transfer application.
• Fail to pursue the full course of study at the school last approved by the INS.

Obtaining an Extension

To obtain an extension of a stay on an M-1 visa, students must show they maintained valid status and will continue to do so through the period of the extension. The extension may be granted for up to one year, or the length of time required for completion of the program. If the extension request is denied, the student has between 10 and 30 days to leave the US. If they do not leave, they are subject to deportation proceedings.

Employment Issues

M-1 students are not authorized to accept on- or off-campus employment. They are, however, allowed to participate in practical training following completion of their course of study.

A request for practical training must be submitted no more than 60 days before the completion of studies, and no later than 30 days after completion. One month of training is allowed for each four-month period of study, but the practical training is not to exceed six months.