What is the Difference Between F1 And M1 Visa

F1 and M1 Visas: What Sets Them Apart

Do you dream of studying or training in the United States? Understanding the difference between F1 and M1 visas is crucial. These visas are not the same; each has its purpose and limitations. The difference between F1 and M1 visas lies in their intended use. 

F1 visas are for academic studies, while M1 visas are for vocational studies. On the other hand, if you plan to attend a vocational or non-academic institution, such as a technical school or a language training program, you would need an M1 visa.

Knowing the difference between F1 and M1 visas can help you choose the right path for your educational or vocational goals in the United States. 

Quick Summary

Below is an overview of the critical points of this blog article.

• A student visa is for people who want to study in the United States. The length of your visa depends on your program or course.
• An F1 visa is a standard student visa for academic studies in the United States. Your visa stays valid as long as you’re studying, and you can request more time if needed.
• If you’re accepted to a school in the United States and will be a full-time student, you can apply for an F1 visa. You can apply to many types of schools, but not public elementary schools or adult education programs. 
• An M1 visa is for students who want to study vocational subjects in the United States, not academic ones like with an F1 visa. Your M1 visa can last up to a year but can be extended to 3 years, depending on your course.
• If you’re good at English, have money for your stay, and live outside the United States, you can apply for an M1 visa. You can also apply to vocational training schools, such as business, flight, cooking, and cosmetology schools, but not for language programs. 
• Changing your major or course of study on an F1 or M1 visa can be complicated. F1 visa holders can change their major without government approval but must update their SEVIS I-20 form. M1 visa holders usually can’t change their course but can transfer to another school within six months of arrival with USCIS approval.
• Transferring to a new school on an F1 or M1 visa has specific rules. F1 visa holders can transfer anytime during their program, while M1 visa holders can only transfer within the first six months after arrival.
• On an F1 visa, you can work on-campus and off-campus during hardship and do Curricular or Optional Practical Training. M1 visa holders can only do Practical Training, which allows them to work for one month for every four months of their program, up to six months after finishing it.
• To keep your student status, follow these rules after starting your studies: take a full course load, attend classes, get permission for off-campus work (up to 20 hours per week), update your address within ten days of any change, and keep your passport valid.
• To extend your stay as a student in the United States, you can apply for more time or change your visa type. Fill out a form to USCIS before your allowed stay ends and apply early, at least 30 days before your program starts. 

What is a Student Visa?

The student visa is a nonimmigrant visa for students who want to study in the United States. How long your visa lasts depends on how long your program, course, or work assignment takes. You can apply for different student visa types, depending on what you want to study and where.

What is an F1 Visa?

The F1 visa is the most common student visa given to many students and researchers annually. It’s for academic reasons and doesn’t have a limit on how many can be issued. To get an F1 visa, your study program must eventually give you a degree, diploma, or certificate. 

Don’t worry; an F1 visa stays valid as long as you’re studying in the United States, and you can ask for more time if you need it for your studies.

Who Can Apply for an F1 Visa?

If you get accepted to a recognized school in the United States and will be a full-time student, you can apply for an F1 visa! You can apply to colleges, universities, conservatories, seminaries, language training institutions, high schools, and elementary schools.

However, public elementary schools and adult educational programs (like foreign language classes) are not included. This rule doesn’t apply to public high schools. For high school students with an F1 visa, it can be valid for up to 12 months. You need to show you’ve paid for a whole year of education. 

What is an M1 Visa?

The M1 visa is for students who want to study vocational subjects in the United States. It’s different from the F1 visa because it’s for non-academic studies. Your M1 visa can be valid for up to a year, but it can be extended to 3 years, depending on what you’re studying.

Who Can Apply for an M1 Visa?

If you speak English well, have enough money for your stay, and live outside the United States, you can apply for an M1 visa! There are many types of schools you can apply to, like business schools, flight schools, cooking schools, cosmetology schools, and others that offer vocational training. Language training programs are not included. 

To qualify for an M1 visa, the school or schools you want to apply to must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

What is the Flexibility If I Want to Change My Major or Course of Study?

Changing your major or course of study while on an F1 or M1 visa can be complex. Here’s a breakdown of the flexibility you have:

F1 Visa

F1 visa holders studying at a college or university can change their major, which is their educational focus. In the United States, there’s no need for government approval to change or add majors. 

However, if an F1 student does change their major, they must update their SEVIS I-20 form. This means they must tell their international student advisor about the change so a new SEVIS I-20 can be issued.

M1 Visa

M1 visa holders usually can’t change their course of study. However, in some cases, they could transfer to another SEVP-certified school for the same learning goal. This is only allowed within the first six months after arriving in the United States. 

To do this, the M1 holder must get approval from the USCIS by submitting a Form I-539 (Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status).

What Are the Requirements If I Want to Transfer Schools?

Transferring to a new school while on an F1 or M1 visa involves specific requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

F1 Visa

F1 visa holders can transfer to a new school anytime during their program or start a new one after finishing one. If an F1 student is studying, they must inform their current DSO (Designated School Officer). The current DSO and the DSO at the new school will help the F1 student choose a transfer release date. 

This is when the new school’s DSO takes over responsibility for the F1 student’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. After this, the F1 student must get a new Form I-20 immediately.

M1 Visa

M1 visa holders can only transfer to another school within the first six months after they arrive in the United States. They must apply to the USCIS for this transfer by completing Form I-539 (Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status).

What Are My Options for Working?

Specific options are available to visa holders when working on F1 and M1 visas. Let’s take a look:

F1 Visa

F1 visa holders can do four kinds of work: on-campus jobs, off-campus jobs during economic hardship, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

M1 Visa

M1 visa holders can do only one kind of work, which is Practical Training (PT). They can work for one month for every four months of their program. This lets students get job training that they can’t get in their home country. Students who qualify can have up to six months of practical training after they finish their program.

How Can I Keep My Status as a Student?

Once you begin your studies, it’s crucial to maintain your immigration status! To stay as a student, you must follow some rules. Here are the must-dos to avoid any issues:

• Take a full-time course load
• Go to your classes
• Get approval to work off-campus, but not more than 20 hours per week
• Update your address within ten days if it changes
• Make sure your passport is always valid

How Can I Extend My Stay As a Student?

If you’re studying in the United States and need more time to finish your studies, or if you want to change your visa to a different type, it’s okay! Changing your student visa to match your new plans is doable, but you have to follow the deadlines of your original visa.

• Before your allowed stay ends, complete a form for USCIS to ask for more time. Your student visa should still be valid.
• Apply as soon as possible because you need approval at least 30 days before your program starts.
• Your change of status will not be approved right away. Your studies might be put off until the next semester or program start date if it’s still being decided.

Trusted Legal Support for F1 and M1 Visa Holders in Kentucky

Understanding the difference between F1 and M1 visas is crucial for international students pursuing education in the United States. F1 visas are for academic studies, while M1 visas are for vocational studies. Farmer & Wright, PLLC, can provide the proper guidance and legal assistance for those navigating the complexities of visa issues in Kentucky.

If you need help with your F1 or M1 visa or have questions about your legal rights and options, contact Farmer & Wright, PLLC, today for a free consultation. Our team of dedicated immigration lawyers is ready to assist you every step of the way. Don’t let visa issues derail your educational goals. 

Our legal team can also represent you in Bankruptcy, personal Injury, and Social Security Disability. Trust Farmer & Wright, PLLC, to provide you with the guidance and support you need.