Non-Academic Study
Total Duration
Required Form
Practical Training (PT)
Your pathway to U.S. business ownership and entrepreneurship
The E-2 Treaty Investor visa allows nationals of treaty countries to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want to start, purchase, or manage a business in the United States.
Unlike many other visa categories, the E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely in 5-year increments as long as your business continues to operate and you maintain your eligibility. There is no maximum time limit on E-2 status.
You must be a national of one of the 80+ countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Popular treaty countries include: Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and many more.
Essential criteria for vocational student status
You must be accepted by a vocational school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The school will issue Form I-20 M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Vocational Student Status.
You must maintain a full course of study throughout your program. This typically means at least 18 hours per week of classroom instruction or 22+ hours per week of laboratory/shop instruction.
You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for your entire program duration. Financial evidence must show funds are immediately available.
You must prove you have a residence in your home country that you have no intention of abandoning. Strong ties include family relationships, property ownership, employment prospects, and community connections.
Note: These restrictions make the M-1 visa significantly less flexible than the F-1 visa. Carefully consider your program choice before applying.
Understanding which student visa is right for your educational goals
| Feature | M-1 Visa (Vocational) | F-1 Visa (Academic) |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type |
Vocational/Technical
Trade schools, flight training, culinary arts, technical certifications |
Academic
Universities, colleges, high schools, language programs |
| Required Form |
I-20 M-NVocational Student |
I-20Academic Student |
| Duration of Status |
Fixed period only
Program length + 30 days (max 1 year initially, 3 years total with extensions) |
Duration of Status (D/S)
Valid for entire academic program plus grace periods |
| Work During Studies |
NOT Permitted
Cannot work during the course of study (even on-campus) |
Limited Work Allowed
On-campus employment after 1 year, CPT during studies |
| Post-Completion Work |
Practical Training (PT)
1 month PT per 4 months of study (max 6 months total) |
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
12 months standard (36 months for STEM) |
| Program/School Changes |
Very Limited
Cannot change programs or transfer schools; cannot change to F-1 |
More Flexible
Can change majors and transfer schools with DSO approval |
| Maximum Duration |
3 Years TotalIncluding all extensions |
No Set LimitAs long as program lasts |
| Course Load |
18+ hrs/week (classroom)
Or 22+ hrs/week (lab/shop) |
12+ credit hours/semester
For undergraduate programs |
| Change of Status |
Cannot change to F-1
Must leave U.S. to apply for different visa |
Can change to H-1B, etc.
More flexibility for status changes |
Choose M-1 if you:
Choose F-1 if you:
Post-completion work authorization for vocational students
During Your Studies: M-1 students CANNOT work in any capacity during their course of study—not even on-campus employment.
After Completion: You may apply for Practical Training (PT) authorization to gain temporary work experience directly related to your field of study.
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After completing your M-1 program or PT period, you have a 30-day grace period to prepare for departure from the United States. You cannot work during this grace period.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your M-1 vocational student visa
Apply to and receive acceptance from an SEVP-approved vocational or technical school in the United States.
Once accepted, the school's Designated School Official (DSO) will issue Form I-20 M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Vocational Student Status.
Pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee online to activate your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee and schedule your visa interview appointment.
Appear at the embassy or consulate for your visa interview with all required documents.
If approved, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 M-N.
The M-1 visa's unique requirements—fixed duration, work restrictions, and program limitations—require careful planning and expert guidance. Our immigration consultants help you navigate the I-20 M-N process, understand practical training eligibility, and ensure your application presents the strongest case for approval.
Expert guidance • Document review • Success strategies
Deep understanding of M-1 requirements
Navigate SEVP requirements
Practical training guidance
High M-1 approval rates
Alternative visa options for international students
For full-time academic and language students at SEVP-approved schools. Offers more flexibility than M-1 with Duration of Status and OPT opportunities.
For exchange visitors including students, interns, and trainees. Offers practical training opportunities but may include 212(e) home residency requirement.
Specialty occupation work visa for skilled professionals. Not available directly after M-1 PT, but possible pathway after returning home.
The M-1 visa is specifically designed for vocational and technical programs, while the F-1 is for academic studies. If your program qualifies as academic, the F-1 visa offers more flexibility including Duration of Status, on-campus employment, and longer OPT periods (12-36 months vs. max 6 months PT). However, if you're pursuing vocational training like flight school, culinary arts, or technical certifications at a non-academic institution, the M-1 is your appropriate visa category. Note: You cannot change from M-1 to F-1 status while in the United States.