Step by step M1 visa application process
NVC can process petitions of up to certain limit for visas each year. If the application falls in the current year then the applicant can begin the application process or else the petition will be processed the next succeeding year. NVC will instruct you to begin the application process for the M1 visa and the foreign spouse or child must apply for the visa through a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
- Complete Form DS-160
- Pay Fees
- Schedule an Interview
- Prepare for visa documents
- Attend Visa Interview
STEP 1: Complete form DS-160
- Complete Form DS-160 -Fill Form
- After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation number a 10-digit number.
- This confirmation number is required for setting up of visa interview appointment.
- To complete the form the applicant needs a photo in the acceptable format Photo Requirements.
- M1 visa application fee is USD $160. A visa issuance fee may also apply depending on your nationality.
- One can pay the visa fees on US visa Service website while scheduling an appointment either electronically or in cash at the designated bank branches in the home country.
- International students in the U.S are registered in SEVIS; hence there is a fee of $200 which needs to be paid.
- The visa application fee is non-refundable and cannot be transfer it to another person.
- You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee and this receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and you can schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- All visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old have to attend a visitor visa interview.
- The interviews are held at the U.S. Embassy by an official where you are applying from.
- The applicant needs to do a Biometrics i.e. fingerprint & digital photograph at Visa Application Center (VAC) and then US visa an interview at the applicable U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- The applicant can schedule the appointments on online using USTravelDocs website.
STEP 4: Prepare your M1 visa documents
Applicant must provide all the required documents for US visa application that supports application process showing the US Embassy that you qualify to get M1 visa
Documents required to schedule a student Visa Interview Appointment are
- A valid Passport at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in the US
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- DS-160 Form confirmation page
- US Visa interview appointment letter
- A photo that complies with the US Visa photo requirements.
- The school will send the M1 applicant a SEVIS-generated Form I-20, which has to be signed by the student and school authorized official.
- Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M1) Student Status for Vocational Students or Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M1) Student Status For Academic and Language Students.
- Financial supporting documents to show that he /she can pay all educational, living, and travel costs incurred for the course opted for in the US institutions. Documents of loan to finance the stay in US if taken, or documents of any Scholarship for the education in the U.S.
- Degree and diplomas certificates from school studied.
- Any document of the scores obtained by a test taken to get acceptance in US schools
- Intent to depart the US upon completion of the course of study.
The M1 visa interview questions will be mainly around the intentions for going to the U.S, the student’s financial situation, and the ties to your home country to prove of the return to home country after the course is completed. It should take around a minimum of four weeks to get a visa.
