M-1 Visa

Under certain circumstances you may be able to extend your stay in the United States if your studies will take longer than the date listed on your I-20 ID or your vocational program lasts longer than a year.

You are allowed to stay in the United States for one year or for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student in a vocational program (plus thirty days to prepare to leave the country), whichever is shorter. You should be allowed to stay in the United States 30 days beyond the departure date on your INS Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) and SEVIS Form I-20ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students), as long as your stay does not exceed one year.

You may also apply to stay in the country after the completion of your studies to pursue practical training.

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may come with you to the United States in M-2 nonimmigrant status. The M-2 status of your family will be dependent upon your status as the M-1 vocational student. This means that if you change your status, your family must change their status as well. If you lose your status, your family will also lose their status. (For more information on changing status, please see

You first must apply to study at a SEVIS-approved school in the United States. When you contact a school that you are interested in attending, you should be told immediately if the school accepts foreign national students. If you are accepted, the school should send you SEVIS Form I-20M-N/ID (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status - For Vocational Students).

The M-1 visa is intended or individuals wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies. The M-1 category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS), issued a report on Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation . Read the full PDF here (212KB).

Students may leave the United States and be readmitted after temporary absences.

Students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) prior to traveling. Your DSO generally works in the International Student Office. You must have a current SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for travel and your DSO needs to be able to verify that your SEVIS record is accurate and up-to-date.

When making your travel plans, please remember that you must be a full-time student to keep your M-1 student status. Upon your return to the United States, you should provide immigration inspectors with:

You and your spouse and children may not accept employment. However, you may apply for practical training after you complete your studies.