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Vocational Study Visas (M1-M2)

If you are looking for specialized practical education that quickly opens the doors to the job market, the M1-M2 visas are your best choice.

M1-M2
Vocational
6-24
Months
$350
SEVIS Fee
Program TypesRequirements

General Overview

If you are looking for specialized practical education that quickly opens the doors to the job market, the M1-M2 visas are your best choice. These visas are intended for students who wish to pursue vocational or technical programs in the United States, away from the traditional academic path.

From aircraft maintenance technician programs to culinary and arts institutes, and from industrial training in electricity, mechanics, and carpentry to beauty and design schools, these visas grant you the opportunity to learn specialized skills that qualify you directly for a professional career.

Visa Types

M1 Visa

Designated for international students who wish to enroll in non-academic vocational or technical programs.

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs, Culinary and Applied Arts Institutes
  • Electricity, Mechanics, Carpentry, or Industrial specializations, Beauty and Design schools
  • The duration of stay is tied to the length of the training program, with the possibility of extension in certain cases.

M2 Visa

Granted to the student's family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age).

  • Allows residence in the US throughout the period of the primary student's study.
  • M2 visa holders are not permitted to work or study full-time.
  • They can enroll in short, non-academic courses.

Vocational Program Fields

Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs.

Varies
Culinary & Applied Arts

Culinary and Applied Arts Institutes.

Varies
Electricity & Mechanics

Programs in Electricity, Mechanics, Carpentry, or Industrial specializations.

Varies
Beauty & Design

Beauty and Design schools.

Varies

Admission Requirements for Vocational Programs

Academic Requirements
  • Obtaining an official acceptance from an accredited vocational institute or school.
  • Receiving the Form I-20 from the educational institution.
  • Adequate English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS may be required for some programs).
Financial Requirements
  • Proof of financial capacity to cover program and living costs.
  • Bank statement for the last 6 months.
Other Requirements
  • A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the study period.
  • Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  • Completion of the DS-160 Visa Application Form.
  • Payment of the visa fee.
  • Scheduling an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate.
  • Attending the personal interview and submitting the required documents.

Application Steps

1

Obtain acceptance from an accredited vocational institute or school.

2

Receive Form I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee.

3

Fill out the DS-160 form online.

4

Pay the visa fee ($185 USD).

5

Schedule an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate.

6

Attend the personal interview with the required documents.

7

After receiving the visa, you must travel to the United States within 30 days before the start date of the training program.

Costs and Fees

Visa Application Fee: USD 185 per applicant (whether M1 for the student or M2 for the dependent).

SEVIS I-901 Fee: USD 350 for the student (M1). No SEVIS fee is charged for dependents (M2).

Program Admission Fees usually range between $0 – $300 USD, varying according to the program and the educational institution.

Admission fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected, and are paid separately from the visa fee and the SEVIS fee.

Key Advantages

Specialized practical education that opens job opportunities immediately after graduation.

Short-term programs compared to academic study, saving time and costs.

Diversity of fields, from technical to arts, to suit various interests.

The possibility of family reunification via the M2 visa.

Required Documents During the Interview

DS-160 confirmation page
Visa & SEVIS payment receipts
Acceptance letter & Form I-20
Appointment confirmation
Recent personal photo (5x5 cm)
Bank statement (6 months)
Previous educational certificates
Valid passport

Important Notes

Dependents (M2) only pay the Visa Fee ($185 USD), without the SEVIS fee.

Fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.

Travel is not permitted earlier than 30 days before the program start, or after the program has begun, otherwise the visa may be cancelled and you may be sent back from the airport.

Other potential costs include shipping admission documents via courier (DHL, FedEx, Aramex) and certificate equivalency fees if required.

What Kaya Offers You

Specialized consultations to choose the most suitable vocational program for you.
Professional preparation of your academic and financial file.
Follow-up on all application steps until the visa is issued.
Additional support for your family in case of M2 visa application.

Start your professional journey in the United States with Kaya — from institute acceptance to receiving the M1-M2 visa, we are your partner every step of the way.

Start Your Professional Journey in the United States with Kaya

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