M1 Student Visa

To obtain an M1 Visa, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Be accepted at a SEVP educational institution
• Must have paid the full cost of your studies before your studies commence.
• Knowledge of English must be at a sufficient level to allow you to study a vocational course. This can be demonstrated with an accredited test such as the TOEFL or IELTS
• Must intend to return home once your studies are complete. This can be done with proof you have strong ties to your home country
• Must prove you’re financially stable and can support yourself while you’re in the U.S. This can be done with bank statements or other documents demonstrating financial stability.

Before you can begin your application, you’ll first need to receive what’s known as an I-120 Form from your educational institution. This is to prove you’ve been accepted on a course of study, and it’s the first step to obtaining your M1 Visa. Only schools that have received USCIS approval can issue this document.

As well as the I-120 and the M1 Visa application forms, you’ll also need to provide a portfolio of supporting documentation. This should include the following:

• A passport, valid for at least 6 months after the expiration of your visa.
• Evidence of your English competency (UK citizens won’t need to demonstrate this).
• Proof of educational qualifications
• Bank statements, tax returns and any other documents showing you’re financially stable.

To apply for an M-1 visa, you must first you must be in receipt of an I-120 Form from your chosen education institution that proves you’ve been accepted on a course of study.

You will then need to fill out the DS-160 Form. Once completed, this form will contain all your information including personal details and the reason you’re travelling to the U.S.

You must then pay the mandatory application fee and arrange your interview, which should be done as soon as possible, especially if you’ve already received a start date for your studies.

During this interview, you’ll be asked a series of questions to ascertain your objectives when you travel to the U.S. It’s recommended you show, where possible, your intentions to return home to your country once your studies are complete.

You will then receive a decision from USCIS on your application.

Anyone making an application for an M1 Visa must pay the mandatory fee. Bear in mind the USCIS won’t process your application until this fee is paid.

As of 2026, the cost of submitting an application is $185.00. If for any reason your application is rejected, this fee is non-refundable so you won’t receive any money back. This is why you should always establish you’re eligible and that you’re applying for the correct visa before you submit any applications.

In addition, you’ll also need to pay another $350 to register in the SEVIS, which is the service that manages all the data of overseas students. Again, this fee is non-refundable, which means you won’t get your money back in the event your application is rejected.

Processing times

Unlike many other types of visas, the M1 Visa is usually processed in a short amount of time. In fact, you can usually expect the whole process to be completed in a matter of weeks.

Your application is usually processed before your interview is conducted, so once you’ve attended that then you shouldn’t have to wait long to receive a decision.

From start to finish, you should usually get your decision in around a months’ time. Bear in mind this is an estimate, and some applications may take slightly longer depending on the nature of the case.

The M1 Visa can be granted for the duration of your studies, although the I-120 Form is only valid for up to a year. If your studies are scheduled to last longer, you’ll need to extend your I-120 form every 12 months.

Please note this can only be extended for a maximum of 3 years. Once your studies are complete, you’ll then need to return home. Those who wish to stay in the U.S for longer who are eligible must switch to a different type of visa.

Although it’s not possible to include dependents on your M-1 Visa application, your immediate relatives will be able to travel to the U.S with you while you study a vocational course.

Any family member you bring with you to the U.S can stay for the duration of your studies. Once your visa expires, they will then need to return to the UK with you. It should be highlighted that while in the U.S with you, they will not be permitted to study or undertake any work, although they will be able to enrol in recreational courses and children can attend elementary or secondary schools.

As these visas are very similar, many confuse the two and end up applying for the wrong one. Not only is this a waste of money, but it’s also a waste of time, which could be crucial if you’re due to commence your studies soon. This is why it’s important to know the difference between the F1 and M1 Visa, so you can be sure you’re applying for the correct one.

The M-1 Visa is for students who’ll be studying vocational, non-academic studies. This includes subjects like cooking, animal care, beauty therapy and construction. On the other hand, the F1 Visa is for academic studies, which covers subjects such as languages, economics and social sciences.

So to summarise, if your course of study falls under the academic category, you’ll need an F-1 Visa. Alternatively, if you’ll be studying on a vocational course, then be sure to opt for the M1 Visa instead.

If you’re still unsure which category your desired course falls under, check with your educational institution, who will be able to tell you.

As highlighted already, when you make an application for an M1 Visa, you need to prove you have no immigration intention. However, it is possible to switch to a different visa, although it must have similar terms to your current visa.

You can’t switch to an F1 Visa, and you’ll also find it very difficult to transfer to a visa that offers permanent settlement such as a Green Card. With that said, there may be a number of avenues available to you, although your success will depend on your individual circumstances, and it’s always advisable to seek professional help with such complex matters.

Now you’ve read this guide for M-1 student visa for UK citizens, hopefully you’ll have all the information you need. However, we understand that immigration law can be confusing and tricky to navigate, so if you require any further assistance then we’re always ready and available to assist with your query.

All of our case workers are experts in all aspects of immigration law, and they can help assess your options and explain them to you in simple, jargon-free terms.

We offer a wide range of services, from untimed one-to-one advice sessions, right through to full application packages where we guide you through the process every step of the way. So, no matter what your needs or requirements, we’re on-hand and ready to assist. Speak to us today on +1 844 312 4979 (US office) or +44 (0) 333 305 9375 (UK office) to find out how we can help.