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INA §101(a)(15)(M)
M-Visa status pertains to vocational students.
The M Visa is similar to F-1 except it is used at vocational/ nonacademic institutions.
1. Full Course is defined as:
a. Study in community/junior college for 12
semester/quarter hours leading to a specific educational and/or
vocational objective.
b. Study at a post-secondary
vocational/business school, other than language training program; which
awards a degree or has its credits accepted by 3 accredited academic
institutions. Twelve hours of instruction per week or its equivalent
are required.
c. Study in vocational or other nonacademic
curriculum, including a language training program taken at the school
to further vocational training; 18 hours per week if predominantly
classroom or 22 hours if predominantly shop/lab. Flight schools,
cooking schools and other vocational schools are included.
d. Study in vocational or other nonacademic
high school curriculum for not less than minimum number of hours for
normal progress toward a degree.
e. No Online Courses or Distant education
2. Commuter students from Canada and Mexico may attend school part time
or full time in the U.S. as M-3 visa holders as long as they are not
residing in the U.S.
3. In order to obtain M must present SEVIS Form I-20 to consular
officer, pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee, and meet the same general
criteria for a student.
4. Admitted for time necessary to complete course + 30 days, or for one year, whichever is less.
5. Extension of Stay
- Can cumulatively obtain extensions up to 3 years (+30 days) from the original start date to complete program.
6. Cannot begin vocational studies until student enters the U.S. with the M-1 visa or c/s to M-1.
7. SEVIS/Data Collection
- Congress now requires approved institutions
for M programs to keep computerized data on students and exchange
visitors and their accompanying family members that includes their
current address and status at the institution. The students are
required to pay a fee to operate the program. The program called SEVIS
(Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is now mandatory for
all schools issuing SEVIS I-20s.
8. Family Members
- Must individually obtain SEVIS Form I-20s.
8 C.F.R. Family members cannot obtain employment. Nor family members
engage in full time study unless it is a child attending primary or
secondary school. Can only obtain an extension of stay if M-1 obtains
an extension.
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