Same requirements as F-1 visa, except at a vocational/nonacademic institution.

• Must study in community/junior college for 12 semester/quarter hours leading to a specific educational and/or vocational objective.
• Must study at a post-secondary vocational/business school (other than language training program) which confers a degree or has its credits accepted by 3 accredited academic institutions. Twelve hours of instruction/week or its equivalent are required.
• Must study in vocational or other nonacademic curriculum; 18 hours/week if predominantly classroom or 22 hours if predominantly shop/lab.

In order to obtain M must present I-20 M-N form to consular officer and meet same criteria as F visa. 

Admitted for time necessary to complete course + 30 days, or for 1 year, whichever is less. 

Differences From F-l:

• You can not transfer schools only in first 6 months, unless reason for not being able to remain at present school was "due to circumstances beyond the student's control."
• Cannot change educational objectives
• Cannot accept employment, except practical training. But practical training may only be obtained after completion of study. Must have job in field of study; can only be given one period of practical training for period of time "equal to 1 month of each 4 months" student pursued full course of study. Not exceeding 6 months.
• DSO must certify that employment is related to the course of study.
• Cannot change to H status if basis of H was training or education received as M-1 student. Nor can student's request to change nonimmigrant status be granted to M if student is doing it to ultimately qualify for H. However, none of these regulations apply to M-2s.