M visas are a type of student visa designed explicitly for vocational or non-academic programs (excluding language training programs). Generally, a student visa is required for foreign students who wish to study in the United States (either an F visa for students pursuing academic work or an M visa for students in vocational or nonacademic programs). Students who come to the United States for a limited time for language training programs or recreational, non-credit study as part of a tourist trip are exempt from this requirement. For more details about related visa categories and the application process, explore our family immigration services to see how we can assist with your immigration goals.
Eligibility Requirements for M Visas
The process for obtaining an M visa is similar to that for an F visa. A student seeking an M visa must apply to and be accepted to a SEVP-approved institution in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security maintains a searchable list of SEVP-approved schools at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search. Once the student has been accepted, the school will prepare a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Every SEVP-approved school has at least one “DSO” (designated school official) who works with foreign students and who is responsible for preparing this paperwork and updating the SEVIS system.
After a student receives his I-20 form, he must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (this fee funds the SEVP and SEVIS programs). After paying this fee and receiving a receipt, the student must either apply for a student visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad (this process will include an interview), or apply to change their status with USCIS if the student is already present in the United States in a different nonimmigrant category. For a student who is already in the United States in a different non-immigrant category, he must maintain his current status and abide by its conditions until he receives his M visa.
An M visa student may arrive in the United States no earlier than thirty (30) days before the start of his program, and he must depart within thirty (30) days after his program has been completed, unless he successfully applies to change their status to a different nonimmigrant or immigrant status. M visa students generally may not work during the duration of their programs. Still, they may be eligible for practical training employment related to their program after their program has been completed.
Maintaining Status and Extending Your M Visa
An M visa student must maintain a full course load and must pass all of their classes. If he needs to take a leave of absence, cannot keep a full course load, wishes to change his course of study, needs to request a program extension, or needs to travel outside of the United States, he should speak to his DSO to ensure that he is complying with the applicable M visa requirements.
If you are interested in learning more about M visas, call 717-731-8114 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.