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The M-1 visa is intended for persons who have a non-academic, practice-oriented training at a recognized educational institution in the USA. If you are seeking a vocational qualification in the United States, we will be happy to assist you with your M-1 visa application.
The M-1 visa is specifically designed for individuals who wish to complete a career-oriented training or specialized training program in the United States. Whether mechanics, gastronomy, cosmetics or aviation - the programs are aimed at those who want to acquire practical skills in a specific professional field.
Typical areas of application for an M-1 visa include
In order to successfully apply for an M-1 visa, certain requirements must be met by both the educational institution in the USA and the applicant.
SEVP certification and SEVIS registration
Only educational institutions with a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) may issue an I-20 form. This form is mandatory in order to apply for an M-1 visa at the US consulate.
The I-20 must be completed in full and signed by an authorized person at the facility - the Designated School Official (DSO) - be signed. Without this document, the M-1 visa can not be applied for.
Apprenticeship in a recognized program
Applicants must have been accepted for a fulltime, practice-oriented training program at an accredited educational institution in the United States. Depending on the program, certain minimum requirements for hours or credits apply.
Financial security
The costs of education and living expenses must be demonstrably covered - either by your own funds or by a scholarship. This must be proven at the time of the visa application.
Permanent residence and intention to return
As with all non-immigrant visas, applicants must prove that they will return to their home country or current residence after completing the program. Proof of permanent residence, family ties or career plans can support this.
Language skills
As the training is usually provided in English, applicants must have sufficient language skills to follow the lessons.
The I-20 form is issued exclusively by authorized educational institutions that offer a complete training program and are registered with SEVIS. Not every organization or educational institution in the USA is authorized to do so. It is therefore advisable to check in advance whether the chosen institution is SEVP-certified and listed in the official School Search Tool of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The residence status with an M-1 visa depends on the exact duration of the program as stated in the I-20 form of the respective educational institution. The status is valid for the entire training period - plus a so-called "grace period" of up to 30 days after the end of the program, during which a tourist stay in the USA is still possible. However, you may not work or continue studying during this period.
Important: An extension of M-1 status is only possible under certain conditions and must be applied for in good time with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The prerequisite for this is that the maximum total duration for M-1 programs (usually up to 12 months) is not exceeded.
Multiple re-entries with the M-1 visa during the program are only possible if the I-20 form has a valid travel endorsement, which must be obtained in advance from the educational institution. A stay outside the US for more than five months that is not related to the training program may result in the loss of residence status and thus the invalidity of the M-1 visa.
The visa is issued based on reciprocity, e.g., for up to 5 years for German citizens. The M-1 visa is usually issued to German citizens for up to five years. The period of validity depends on the nationality of the applicant and is determined based on the Reciprocity Schedule.
The following applies: The validity period of the visa determines the period during which a person may enter the US – not how long they may stay there. The actual residence status is based on the information provided in the I-20 form plus 30 days (grace period).
The M-1 visa can only be used in conjunction with a valid I-20 form. If the form expires or loses its validity, the M-1 status also expires, even if the visa in the passport is still valid.
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