F-1 and M-1 Visas: Differences and Requirements for Studying in the USA

The United States is home to some of the world’s best universities and technical education institutions, attracting over a million international students each year. To legally enroll in study programs in the country, foreign students must obtain one of the two main student visas: the F-1, for academic programs, or the M-1, for technical and vocational courses. Although both share basic requirements, differences in work permissions, extensions, and transition to other statuses make choosing between them a strategic decision with a direct impact on future opportunities.

Both visas are regulated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the Department of Homeland Security and require the educational institution to be SEVP-certified. The core document for both is the Form I-20, issued by the institution after the student’s acceptance, and registration in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is mandatory before the consular interview.

Understanding the particularities of each visa before applying prevents problems during the course and maximizes practical work opportunities in the US.

F-1 Visa: Academic Programs

The F-1 visa is intended for students enrolled in full-time academic programs: undergraduate, graduate (master’s and doctorate), language courses at accredited institutions, and private high school programs. It is the most common student visa and offers the greatest opportunities for practical work during and after studies.

Under the 2026 rules, F-1 students are admitted for a maximum initial period of four years, equivalent to the program’s duration or four years, whichever is less. For longer programs, such as doctorates, extensions can be requested through the institution’s DSO (Designated School Official).

The F-1 student must maintain a full course load throughout the program, except in circumstances authorized by the DSO, such as medical issues or documented academic difficulty in the final semester.

On-Campus Work

F-1 students may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks, without additional USCIS authorization. The work must be performed on school premises or at an educationally affiliated location.

CPT and OPT

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows off-campus work that is an integral part of the curriculum, such as required internships, cooperative programs, or practices mandated by the course. It can be part-time or full-time. Important rule: if the student accumulates 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they lose eligibility for OPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers up to 12 months of work authorization in a field directly related to the student’s area of study. It can be used before graduation (pre-completion OPT, deducted from the total) or after (post-completion OPT). The application is made via Form I-765, with a fee of $1,780 in 2026.

STEM OPT Extension

Graduates in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month extension beyond the standard OPT, totaling up to 36 months of authorized work. Requirements for STEM OPT include:

• Degree in a STEM field listed on the DHS designated list
• Employer enrolled and active in the E-Verify system
• Formal training plan (Form I-983) developed between student and employer
• Having received the initial OPT based on the relevant STEM degree

The STEM OPT extension is particularly valuable for students intending to transition to work visas such as the H-1B, as the cap-gap mechanism allows them to maintain legal status between the end of OPT and the start of H-1B on October 1.

M-1 Visa: Vocational Programs

The M-1 visa is intended for students enrolled in technical, vocational, or professional programs that are not academic in nature. Examples include courses in mechanics, aviation, culinary arts, cosmetology, technical design, and applied technology at trade schools and technical institutes certified by SEVP.

Unlike the F-1, the M-1 visa has significantly stricter restrictions. The M-1 student cannot work during the course, except for practical training after completing the program. M-1 practical training is limited to one month for every four months of completed study, with a maximum of six months in total.

Another key difference: the M-1 student cannot change status to F-1 if they wish to transition to an academic program. However, an F-1 student can, in certain circumstances, change to M-1. This asymmetry makes the initial visa choice particularly important for those considering multiple educational options in the US.

The M-1 also does not offer STEM OPT extension or the possibility of cap-gap for transition to H-1B, which significantly limits post-study stay options.

Costs and Fees in 2026

Government fees to obtain a US student visa in 2026 include:

• SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350 for both F-1 and M-1 visas. Must be paid after receiving the Form I-20 and before the consular interview, via the official FMJfee.com website.
• MRV Fee (Machine Readable Visa): $185, paid to the US consulate for visa application processing.
• Form I-765 (OPT/STEM OPT): $1,780 in 2026, applicable only to F-1 students applying for practical work authorization.

Dependents (spouses and children under 21) may accompany the student with F-2 or M-2 visas. Dependents do not pay the SEVIS fee, but pay the MRV consular fee individually. F-2 and M-2 dependents are not authorized to work in the US.

Common Requirements

Both visas share fundamental eligibility requirements:

• Acceptance at an SEVP-certified institution: the school must be on the official list of institutions approved by the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
• Form I-20: issued by the institution after formal acceptance, containing program information, estimated costs, and student data for SEVIS registration.
• Financial proof: demonstrate sufficient resources to cover tuition, housing, and expenses for the first year of studies (F-1) or the entire program (M-1).
• Nonimmigrant intent: demonstrate ties to the home country and intent to return after completing studies, as required by INA § 214(b).
• English proficiency: many institutions require TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test results, although this is an institutional requirement, not a visa requirement itself.

F-1 or M-1: Which to Choose

The choice depends on the type of program and long-term goals. The F-1 offers significantly more flexibility: it allows on-campus work, CPT during studies, up to 36 months of OPT/STEM OPT after graduation, and can facilitate transition to work visas such as H-1B through cap-gap. The M-1, though more restrictive, is the correct path for those seeking specific technical training and practical certifications in vocational fields.

Students considering the possibility of staying in the US after their studies to work should carefully evaluate OPT and STEM OPT opportunities before choosing the M-1, as this visa offers significantly more limited work options and does not allow change to F-1. On the other hand, if the goal is a technical certification with a return to the home country, the M-1 is the appropriate and direct route, with a simpler process focused on practical training.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.