Prospective International Students

Steps to apply for an M-1 Visa

Do the following to get an M-1 entry visa:

1. Obtain a valid I-20 (M-1) from Istituto Marangoni Miami
2. Check the current wait times in the U.S embassy of your country.
3. Pay the SEVIS Fee , if applicable.
4. Complete the Visa Application form DS-160
5. Pay the DS-160 fee (Note that some applicants may pay an additional Visa Reciprocity fee according to their visa category and nationality.)
6. Make a visa appointment and go to an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. (See below for required documents.)

*Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter the United States as an M-1 visa, but must still pay the SEVIS Fee and present their I-20 at the U.S. port of entry.However, if the visitor has “Landed Immigrant” status in Canada, a U.S. visa is required to enter the United States.

Visa Appointments

Read the U.S. Department of State website for more information about the visa application process and Temporary Visitors to the U.S. New initial students/scholars may apply for a visa up to 365 days in advance of their program start date. 

Visa Interviews & Required Documents

When going to the visa interview, bring:

• Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
• Valid Certificate of Eligibility I-20 (M-1)
• Proof of admission or proof of enrollment from IMM.
• Evidence of Financial Support 
• Visa application forms and fees
• SEVIS Fee receipt
• M-1/M-2  spouse or child dependents will need their own  M-1 I-20 and copies of all of the primary M-1 documents

Your DSO will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your DSO must sign the Form I-20.

Some consulates may require additional documentation, so check the consulate website for visa application instructions. Visa application forms and fees can be found on the consulate website.

Visa Wait Times

Since visa appointments are limited and visa processing times can be lengthy, make your appointment as early as possible. Consulates will generally accept appointments up to 120 days prior to the start of studies. There may be long waiting periods for appointments, especially May through August. However, consulates may give priority to M-1 applicants, if requested.

Arrival : Entry to the U.S

If you are under an M-1 Visa can enter the U.S only 30 days prior to the start date of classes. 

Once you are at a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. You must present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 at the port-of-entry, a CBP official will make this decision.  

Once you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.  

Please,Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”. Your DSO will set up a meeting with you for your Initial Registration.

When traveling, carry documents with you in carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage! You need access to your visa documents at all times during transit.