M-1

M-1 US Vocational and Non-Academic Student Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The M-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for vocational and technical education in the United States. It is intended for Kazakhstan citizens planning to study in non-academic programs, such as technical training, professional certification, or vocational schools.
This visa remains available in 2026.

What the M-1 visa allows

• Full-time study in approved vocational or technical programs

• Training in fields such as mechanics, aviation, culinary arts, IT, design, or other technical professions

• Study only at the institution listed on the visa documents

• Limited practical training after program completion with official authorization

The M-1 visa is strictly tied to vocational education.

What the M-1 visa does NOT allow

• Academic or degree-based study

• Transfer to academic institutions or programs

• Employment during studies

• Long-term employment in the United States

• Permanent residence or immigration

Violation of M-1 conditions leads to status termination and future visa refusals.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens can apply for an M-1 visa if they can prove:

• Acceptance to an approved U.S. vocational institution

• Clear vocational or professional purpose

• Sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses

• Intention to return to Kazakhstan after completing training

The visa is evaluated strictly as temporary vocational education.

What visa officers really check

During the interview, officers primarily evaluate:

• Logic of choosing vocational training in the USA

• Relevance of the program to prior education or work

• Financial ability to complete the program

• Career plans after returning to Kazakhstan

• Absence of immigration intent

The officer must be convinced the applicant is not using study as a migration path.

Validity and stay rules

• Initial authorized stay: up to 12 months

• Extensions possible, up to a maximum total stay of 3 years

• Entry type: multiple

• Grace period after completion: up to 30 days

Staying beyond authorized time is a violation, even if the visa stamp is valid.

Employment and practical training rules

• Employment during studies is not allowed

• Practical training is permitted only after program completion

• Training requires official approval and is time-limited

• Unauthorized work is a serious immigration violation

Work authorization is very restricted under M-1 status.

Common reasons for refusal

Most refusals happen due to:

• Weak justification for studying a vocational program in the USA

• Poor link between the program and applicant’s background

• Insufficient financial proof

• Unclear post-study plans

• Suspected immigration intent

Clear professional logic greatly increases approval chances.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Receiving acceptance and Form I-20M-N

• Paying the SEVIS fee

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Approval depends on profile quality, not agencies.

Important note for 2026

• M-1 visas are available for Kazakhstan citizens in 2026

• Immigration visa restrictions do not affect vocational student visas

• Compliance with stay and training rules is strictly enforced

Unsure if you should apply now?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess your student visa risk.
A professional evaluation helps identify weak points and choose the correct timing.

Additional conditions

Employment or receiving a salary in the United States during studies is not permitted.

The M-1 visa is strictly for vocational and technical education and cannot be converted into academic study.

An interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for almost all applicants from Kazakhstan.