Transferring From M1 To F1: Options For International Students

International students in the United States on an M-1 visa may be able to transfer to an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa for those wishing to study in the country. The process of transferring visas is fairly simple and does not require a lot of paperwork. To transfer from an M-1 to an F-1 visa, international students must first be accepted by a new USCIS-recognised school and ensure that they maintain a valid student status at their original school up until the transfer date.

Can international students transfer from M-1 to F-1?

Maintaining valid student status

To maintain valid student status in the United States, F and M students must fulfil the purpose for which the Department of State issued their visa and follow the associated regulations. F-1 and M-1 students share the same primary purpose for coming to the United States: to study. However, F-1 students enrol in more traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enrol in vocational programs.

F-1 students

• Comply with all requirements, including registering for 12 credit hours each semester.
• Summer and winter terms do not require enrolment unless it is your first or final semester. Full-time enrolment for summer is 6 credits, and 3 credits for winter.
• If summer is your final semester, you must register for at least 6 credits during the summer.
• Register for 9 credit hours each semester if you are a graduate student with an assistantship.
• Register for 1 or more credit hours each semester if you have Certification of Full-time Status from the Graduate School while working full-time on a doctoral dissertation or master's thesis, project, portfolio, or comprehensive exam.
• To re-enter the U.S., the travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 must be valid. The travel signature is valid for one year for enrolled students and 6 months for students on OPT.
• If you renew your passport, provide a copy of your new document on UB Global.
• On-campus employment does not require special authorization. During the summer and winter terms, you may work more than 20 hours per week if it is not your final semester.
• If you are on OPT, you must report your change of address.
• F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation.
• Students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation.
• It is not possible to maintain F-1 status if you take all online courses during a required semester.
• If the program end date on your I-20 is approaching and you have not finished your program, you must apply for an Extension of Stay before the program end date.
• If your major field of study, funding source, or any other information on your I-20 changes, you must request a new I-20 from ISS.
• If your legal name changes, you must report the change to the Office of the Registrar using their online form.
• F-1 students have a 60-day grace period upon completion of studies to depart the U.S., transfer to a new school (if eligible), or begin Optional Practical Training (if eligible).

M-1 students

• M-1 students are not eligible for employment during their program of study, but may obtain authorization for practical training employment after the completion of their vocational program.
• If you want to participate in practical training employment in the United States, talk with your DSO about your options. Practical training employment requires your DSO’s recommendation and authorization from USCIS.
• M-1 students have 30 days after completing their program (the program end date on your Form I-20) to leave the United States.
• If your current nonimmigrant status will expire more than 30 days before your M-1 program start date and you wish to remain in the United States until your start date, you must find a way to obtain status up to 30 days before your program start date.
• If you are applying to change status to M-1, you must maintain a valid nonimmigrant status while your Form I-539 change of status application is pending.
• M-1 students may not change to F-1 status while in the United States.

General instructions for F and M students

• Attend all your classes and maintain normal academic progress.
• Maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full time, contact your DSO immediately.
• Speak to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension if you do not think you will complete your program of study by the end date listed on your Form I-20. An extension must be requested before your program end date.
• Take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing your program of study.
• Your DSO should be the first person you talk to if you have any questions regarding the legal requirements of your stay in the United States.
• If you require guidance on choosing a transfer release date, contact a DSO in the Office of International Programs.

Acceptance into a new USCIS-recognised school

If you are an international student in the United States, you may initially enter on an M1 visa, which is for students attending non-academic or vocational courses. However, if you wish to transfer to a different school that offers academic courses, you will need to switch to an F1 visa. F1 visas are for international students pursuing academic full-time studies in the US.

The process of transferring from an M1 to an F1 visa involves several steps, and one of the most crucial requirements is acceptance into a new school recognised by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this aspect of the transfer process:

The first step towards transferring from an M1 to an F1 visa is to gain acceptance into a new school that is recognised by the USCIS. This step is essential, as it demonstrates that you intend to continue your academic pursuits in the United States. The process of applying to a new school will vary depending on the institution, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and procedures of your chosen school.

It is worth noting that your satisfaction with your current school is not a factor in the transfer process. Even if you are unhappy with the academic programme, your connections with fellow students, or the school's location, you must maintain your student status at your original school to be eligible for a transfer. Failing to do so may result in the invalidation of your visa, requiring you to seek reinstatement before initiating the transfer process.

Once you have identified your preferred USCIS-recognised school, you should contact their International Office to discuss the transfer process and arrange the transfer of your student records. This office will be your primary point of contact for navigating the administrative aspects of the transfer, including the handling of important documents such as your Form I-20.

Remember, each student's situation is unique, and a Designated School Official (DSO) or foreign student adviser at your current school can provide valuable guidance on choosing an appropriate transfer release date. They will also work with the DSO at your chosen new school to handle the necessary paperwork, ensuring a smooth transition to your new academic home.

Contacting a DSO

Understanding the Role of a DSO:

Before contacting a DSO, it's helpful to understand their role. DSOs are designated school officials who serve as a key resource for F and M students enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. They are responsible for issuing Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective or continuing nonimmigrant students. This form is crucial for maintaining student status and complying with federal regulations.

Locating the DSO at Your School:

Almost all SEVP-certified schools have DSOs, and you can typically find them in the school's international office or the Office of International Programs. This office is the primary resource for international students and can provide guidance on various topics, including transfers and maintaining student status.

Contacting the DSO:

When you need to contact the DSO, you can do so by visiting their office during designated hours or scheduling an appointment. Many schools provide contact information for their DSOs, including email addresses and phone numbers, on their official websites. You can also reach out to the general international student support services or admissions office for guidance on reaching the DSO.

Preparing for Your Interaction:

Before meeting or contacting the DSO, prepare a list of specific questions or concerns. Remember that each student's situation is unique, so providing clear details about your circumstances will help the DSO offer tailored advice. If you are inquiring about a transfer release date, be ready to discuss your individual situation, as the same date is not appropriate for every student.

Maintaining Open Communication:

It's important to maintain open and honest communication with your DSO. They are there to help you navigate the complexities of studying in the United States and can provide valuable advice. Remember that they will need accurate information to guide you effectively, so be transparent about your plans and any challenges you may be facing.

Following DSO Guidance:

DSOs are well-versed in the rules and regulations that international students must follow. After seeking their guidance, be sure to follow their instructions and take any necessary actions, such as filling out important forms or meeting deadlines. Their advice will help you maintain your student status and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Remember, contacting a DSO is a valuable resource available to international students. They can provide specific answers to your questions and guide you through the unique challenges of being an F or M student in the United States. Don't hesitate to reach out and utilise the support services they offer.

Receiving a new I-20

To receive a new I-20, you must first contact the new school's International Office to arrange how to receive it. You will then receive an email once the transfer is complete; this typically takes around 5-7 business days. After receiving your new I-20, you must report to your new school's international office before the program start date listed on the form.

If you are an F-1 student who wishes to transfer your record, you must ensure that the start date is within five months of the requested SEVIS release date. It is important to note that F-1 SEVIS records are only available to one school at a time, so if you wish to maintain your status but transfer to a different school, you must indicate a transfer release date on your online Transfer-Out Form. Once the SEVIS record has been transferred, your previous school will no longer be able to make any updates or changes to your F-1 student record in SEVIS.

If you require guidance on choosing a transfer release date, you can contact a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Programs. They can provide personalised advice as each student's situation is unique.

It is important to carefully review the information on your new I-20 and ensure that all the details are accurate. Any discrepancies or errors should be reported to the International Office as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues or delays in your transfer process.

Work permits

International students in the US with an M1 visa are not allowed to work during their stay. On the other hand, F1 visas allow international students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) under on-campus employment. F1 visa holders are also allowed to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status before and after completing their degree. However, this requires authorisation, which is documented on an EAD card.

If an international student with an M1 visa wishes to transfer to an F1 visa, they will need to apply for a new work permit. This is because transferring to a new visa cancels the previous work permit.

To transfer from an M1 to an F1 visa, the student must first be deemed eligible by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must also maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status and complete their studies within the expiration date on their I-20 form.

It is important to note that each student's situation is unique, and specific questions about transferring from an M1 to an F1 visa should be directed to a Designated School Official (DSO) or the school's International Office.

Frequently asked questions