F1 vs. M1 Student Visas. A Complete Guide for International Students

If you're an international student with a dream of becoming a professional pilot in the United States, choosing the right student visa is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Your visa doesn’t just determine how long you can stay—it affects your training options, ability to gain practical flight experience, and even whether you can work and build flight hours after completing your program.

There are two main types of student visas offered by the U.S. government for aspiring pilots: F1 Visa and M1 Visa.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

 

• The key differences between F1 and M1 visas
  
• Eligibility requirements for each type
• Rules for transferring schools and changing programs
• Work options during and after training
• How to maintain your visa status and extend your stay legally

What is a U.S. student visa?

A U.S. student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa issued to international students who wish to pursue academic or vocational education in the United States. These visas allow students to attend approved educational institutions while living temporarily in the country.

F1 visa: academic study pathway

The F1 visa is the most widely used student visa in the United States—and for good reason. It offers international students access to academic programs, along with the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience during and after their studies. For aspiring pilots, this can be a game-changer in launching a career in U.S. aviation.

What is the F1 visa?

The F1 visa is issued to students who plan to study full-time in an academic or professional program at a U.S. school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). At Pelican Flight School, we offer a full-time academic aviation program that qualifies under the F1 visa and provides students with comprehensive flight training and eligibility for post-training work opportunities.

Eligible programs at Pelican Flight School

With the F1 visa, students can enroll in our 15-month full-time aviation program that includes:

 

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Instrument Rating (IR)
  
  
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL – Single Engine Land)
  
  
• Multi-Engine Add-on (ME)
  
  
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  
  
• Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
  
  
• Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
  
  
• 215 total flight hours
  
  

This program is ideal for students pursuing a career as a professional pilot, with training structured to meet the qualifications required by many regional airlines in the U.S.

Benefits of the F1 visa

The F1 visa provides students with more than just classroom instruction—it opens doors to real-world aviation experience:

 

• Longer Duration: the visa stays valid as long as you remain enrolled and make progress in your program.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): hands-on training during your course, integrated with your curriculum (6 months, after you complete your program).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): up to 12 months of authorized employment after completing your program. This allows you to build 1,500 flight hours, qualify for U.S. commercial pilot roles, and even get sponsored for type ratings by airlines.
• Pathway to Regional Airline Careers: work experience gained during CPT & OPT can lead to employment in regional U.S. airlines—a key stepping stone in any pilot’s career.
  
  

When to apply

You must be accepted into an SEVP-approved school (like Pelican Flight School) before applying for an F1 visa. Once admitted, you'll receive a Form I-20, which is required for your visa application and interview.

Ready to take off?
Download our program presentation or contact our admissions team to learn more about how to qualify for our F1-approved full-time aviation program.

Start Your Pilot Journey with the Right Visa →

M1 visa: vocational study pathway

The M1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa designed for international students who want to pursue vocational or technical training in the United States. It's a great option for students to have airline ties back home, after completing the program the student must return back to there home country.

At Pelican Flight School, we offer FAA-approved programs that are eligible for M1 visa holders, allowing students to gain critical flight skills in a shorter time frame and return home with internationally recognized credentials.

What is the M1 visa?

The M1 visa is issued to students enrolling in non-academic, career-oriented training programs. It is typically valid for the duration of your program, up to 12 months, and can be extended to a maximum of 3 years in some cases.

Unlike the F1 visa, the M1 visa is more restrictive:

 

• You cannot work while studying
• You cannot change your course or program easily
• You must return to your home country after your training is completed
  
  

However, for many students seeking focused, skill-based pilot training, it remains a practical and cost-effective option.

Eligible flight programs at Pelican Flight School

Pelican Flight School offers multiple M1-eligible programs that vary in scope and duration:

 

1. IR + CPL SEL
   
   
• Duration: 10 months
  
  
• Price: $45,643
2. PPL+ IR+CPL SEL
• Duration: 10 months
  
  
• Price: $58,782
3. PPL+ IR + CPL SEL + MEL
• Duration: 10 months
  
  
• Price: $63,967
  
4. IR + CPL SEL + ME Add-on
   
   
• Duration: 10 months
  
  
• Price: $51,070

These programs focus on building strong foundational skills and preparing students to fly commercially in their home countries after returning.

Limitations of the M1 visa

 

• No Optional Practical Training (OPT): unlike F1 visa holders, M1 students cannot apply for extended work in the U.S. after their program ends.
  
  
• Limited Transfer Ability: M1 visa holders face strict transfer rules. They can transfer schools only within the first 6 months of arrival, and even then, only with USCIS approval.

To complete a transfer, students must:

 

• Obtain a new Form I-20 from the school they plan to enroll in.
  
  
• Exit the U.S. and re-enter using the new I-20.
  
  
• Repay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350.
  
  

Because of these requirements, transferring as an M1 student is more complicated and costly compared to the F1 visa.

Important: The M1 visa is ideal if your goal is to get certified and return home quickly, not to build work experience in the U.S. aviation industry.

Who should choose the M1 visa?

• Students seeking short-term, intensive pilot training
  
  
• Pilots planning to return to their home country immediately after certification
  
  
• Those who do not need U.S. work authorization or airline sponsorship
  
  

Explore our M1 programs and pricing today.
Download a program presentation or contact our admissions team to determine if the M1 visa aligns with your training goals.

Explore M1-Eligible Flight Programs →

Choosing between the F1 and M1 student visas is more than just a paperwork decision—it’s about selecting the right path for your aviation career. Both visas allow you to study in the U.S., but they differ significantly in terms of flexibility, work opportunities, and long-term career potential.

At Pelican Flight School, we’re here to help you decide which option fits your goals best, whether you're aiming to build flight hours and work in the U.S. or complete a focused training program and return home.

Side-by-side comparison: F1 vs. M1 visa

Feature	F1 Visa (academic track)	M1 Visa (vocational track)
Purpose	Full-time academic or professional study	Vocational or technical training only
Eligible Programs at Pelican	15-month full aviation program:PPL, IR, CPL,SEL, MEL, CFI, CFII, MEI (215 flight hours)	10 month programs: PPL,IR, CPL SEL, ME Add-on
Work During Studies	Allowed to work at the front desk, if recommended by instructors	Not allowed
Post-Training Work (OPT/PT)	CPT & OPT after completing the full program CPT 6 months OPT 12 months in total 18 months.	Not eligible
Program Flexibility	Can change major/course without USCIS approval (update SEVIS I-20 only)	No program changes allowed; limited transfer options within 6 months
Visa Duration	As long as enrolled full-time + potential extensions	Up to 1 year (extendable to 3 years)
School Transfers	Can transfer anytime during the program with DSO coordination	M1 Transfer Rules: Can transfer only within the first 6 months with USCIS approval, but must get a new I-20, leave and re-enter the U.S., and repay the $350 SEVIS fee.
Career Progression in U.S.	Ideal for working post-training and moving toward U.S. regional airline sponsorship	Best for skill-building and returning home

Which one is right for you?

 

• Choose the F1 Visa if you want to:
  
  
• Gain hands-on flying experience in the U.S.
  
  
• Build hours for a future job with a U.S. regional airline
  
  
• Work toward long-term career goals in American aviation
  
  
• Take advantage of Optional Practical Training (CPT and OPT)
  
  
• Choose the M1 Visa if you:
  
  
• Need a short-term training solution
  
  
• Plan to return home after certification
  
  
• Want to gain quality FAA flight training without work authorization
  
  

Still unsure?
Contact our admissions specialists to explore which visa fits your background, goals, and timeline.

Download our full program brochure or apply now to begin your journey at Pelican Flight School—one of the most trusted aviation academies in South Florida.

Dependents: F2 vs. M2 visas

If you're planning to bring your spouse or children with you while you train in the United States, it's important to understand how dependents are handled under both the F1 and M1 visa categories. These dependent visas are known as F2 (for F1 holders) and M2 (for M1 holders).

At Pelican Flight School, we frequently work with students who travel with family members and can assist you in understanding and preparing the required documentation for their visas.

What are dependent visas?

A dependent visa allows eligible family members of student visa holders to accompany them during their educational stay in the United States.

Dependents include:

 

• Your spouse
  
  
• Your unmarried children under the age of 21
  
  

F2 Visa (dependents of F1 visa holders)

If you’re enrolling in our full-time F1-approved aviation training program at Pelican Flight School, your eligible dependents can apply for F2 visas.

What F2 dependents can do:

 

• Live in the U.S. while you complete your training.
  
  
• Enroll in part-time or recreational study (such as community education or English classes).
  
  
• Children can attend school (K–12) in the U.S.
  
  

What F2 dependents cannot do:

• Work in the U.S. under any circumstances.
  
  
• Enroll in a full-time academic or vocational program unless they change their visa status to F1 or M1.
  
  

Example: If you are training in our 15-month F1 program and your spouse or child is joining you, they’ll stay legally in the U.S. on an F2 visa as long as your F1 status remains valid.

2 Visa (dependents of M1 visa holders)

If you're coming to the U.S. on an M1 vocational visa to complete one of our short-term aviation programs, your family members can apply for M2 dependent visas.

What M2 dependents can do:

• Live in the U.S. during your M1 training period.
  
  
• Children can attend school (K–12) while in the U.S.
  
  

What M2 dependents cannot do:

• Spouses cannot study or work under the M2 visa.
  
  
• No full-time study or employment for any M2 visa holder unless their status is adjusted.
  
  

Requirements for F2 & M2 visas

To bring dependents with you:

• You must prove financial support for your entire family during your stay.
  
  
• Each dependent must apply separately using the Form I-20 issued by Pelican Flight School for dependents.
  
  
• Documentation should show intent to leave the U.S. after the student’s program ends.
  
  

Bringing family with you to Pelican

Pelican Flight School welcomes students with families and can guide you through the F2 or M2 visa process. Whether you're enrolled in our long-term F1 flight training or a focused M1 program, we’re committed to supporting your training journey—and your family’s transition.

Need help with dependent visa paperwork?
Contact our admissions team for personalized guidance and support.

Apply now or schedule a consultation to begin your training with Pelican Flight School—with or without your loved ones by your side.

School transfers

Sometimes, students decide to transfer to another flight school during their training—for better facilities, more flight hours, instructor preferences, or relocation. However, the process for transferring schools is different for F1 and M1 visa holders, and it’s essential to follow the correct steps to maintain your legal status in the U.S.

At Pelican Flight School, we regularly support both incoming and outgoing transfers and help ensure a smooth transition in compliance with U.S. immigration rules.

F1 Visa: flexible transfer options

Students on an F1 visa enjoy more flexibility when it comes to changing schools. You can transfer at any point during your program or between programs, provided you maintain your status and follow the correct procedures.

Transfer process for F1 students:

1. Inform your current DSO (Designated School Official) that you intend to transfer.
   
   
2. Decide on a “transfer release date”—the point when your SEVIS record will be released to the new school.
   
   
3. The new school (e.g., Pelican Flight School) will issue you a new Form I-20.
   
   
4. Once your SEVIS record is transferred, you can begin studying at the new school immediately.

Example: If you began training at another school and want to complete your CFI/CFII certification at Pelican, we can work with your current school to coordinate your SEVIS transfer and help you continue training without interruption.

M1 visa: strict limitations on transfers

For students on the M1 visa, transfers are much more limited and must be carefully timed.

Transfer rules for M1 students

• You can transfer only to another SEVP-certified school and only within the first 6 months of arrival in the U.S.
  
  
• To transfer, you must file Form I-539 with USCIS and obtain approval.
  
  
• Your new program must be similar in focus to the original one.
  
  

After 6 months: transfers are generally not allowed. In rare cases with USCIS approval, you may still transfer, but the process is more complex: you must obtain a new I-20 from the new school, leave and re-enter the U.S. with that I-20, and repay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee.

Important: if you're not sure about your training goals, it’s best to choose the right school from the beginning—especially under M1 status, where switching is difficult.

Thinking about transferring to Pelican?

Whether you’re an F1 or M1 visa holder, Pelican Flight School can help you transfer smoothly into one of our aviation programs. Our admissions team will guide you through the SEVIS process and help align your training with your long-term pilot career goals.

Already in the U.S. on a student visa and want to transfer to Pelican?
We can review your SEVIS record and help you plan your next steps.

Apply for a transfer, download our program brochure, or speak to our admissions team to see how you can continue your journey with Pelican Flight School in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Work options during & after study

One of the most important factors when choosing between the F1 and M1 visas is understanding what kind of employment opportunities you’ll have—both during your training and after graduation. For students pursuing a career in aviation, the ability to gain practical flight hours and even earn income can significantly impact your path toward airline qualification.

At Pelican Flight School, we’re committed to helping students build not just skills—but real-world experience. The type of visa you choose determines how much flight training and job experience you can legally pursue in the U.S.

F1 visa: broad work opportunities

The F1 visa provides multiple legal avenues for employment, especially valuable for students who want to accumulate 1,500 flight hours to qualify for regional airline jobs in the U.S.

1. On-campus employment

• Up to 20 hours per week during school sessions.
  
  

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• After you complete your full program, you can start working as a flight instructor.
  
  
• Must be approved by your DSO and related to your field of study (aviation).
  
  

3. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Up to 12 months of work authorization after you complete your training.
  
  
• Can be used to work as a flight instructor or commercial pilot, helping you:
  
  
• Gain valuable experience for airline sponsorship.
  
  
• Start earning income in the aviation industry.
  
  

At Pelican, our full-time F1 program qualifies for both CPT and OPT, giving you the ability to train and then work in the U.S. aviation environment—an essential step toward your airline career.

M1 visa: limited work permission

The M1 visa offers very limited employment options, with strict guidelines around work during and after your training.

During training:

• No work is permitted—on-campus, off-campus, or internships.

Summary: work comparison table

Work option	F1 visa	M1 visa
On-Campus Work	Allowed (up to 20 hrs/week)	Not Allowed
Curricular Practical Training	Allowed with school approval, typically for up to 6 months during your program.	Not Allowed
Optional Practical Training	Up to 12 months (OPT)	Not Available
Practical Training After Study	Not needed (covered under CPT and OPT)	Not available

Build your career with Pelican Flight School

If your dream is to train, fly, and work in the U.S., the F1 visa opens far more doors—from becoming a flight instructor to getting hired by regional carriers. Our F1 program is designed with this in mind, offering the practical experience and flexibility to launch your aviation career with real momentum.

Want to work as a pilot after training?Choose the visa that supports your ambitions.

Download our full training brochure or talk to our admissions team to learn how Pelican Flight School can help you fly—and work—toward your future in aviation.

Compare F1 vs. M1 visa pathways →

Special note for aviation students

If you're an international student dreaming of a career in aviation, understanding the difference between F1 and M1 visas is more than just paperwork—it’s a critical step toward achieving your goal of becoming a professional pilot.

At Pelican Flight School, we specialize in helping aviation students not only train, but also build real-world experience, earn certifications, and launch aviation careers both in the U.S. and globally. Choosing the right visa directly affects how far you can take your flight training.

F1 Visa: the career-building pathway

The F1 visa is the best choice for aspiring professional pilots who want to:

• Complete comprehensive aviation training (PPL, IR, CPL, CFI, CFII, MEI—215 flight hours)
• Become a flight instructor and build up to 1,500 flight hours
• Apply for CPT and OPT to gain real job experience
• Work toward U.S. regional airline employment and type rating sponsorship
• Establish a long-term career foundation in American or international aviation markets

This path is ideal for students committed to not just training—but flying professionally. The flexibility and post-training work benefits make it the preferred visa type for students who want to fly, work, and grow in the U.S. aviation industry.

M1 visa: a short-term training option

The M1 visa is better suited for students who:

• Need to complete short-term flight training
• Plan to return to their home country after earning their FAA certifications
• Want to enhance their skills without pursuing employment or advanced licensing in the U.S.

While M1 training can prepare you for a flying career back home, it does not offer on-the-job experience, instructor certification, or a pathway to U.S. airline jobs.

Why Pelican Flight School is the perfect fit

Located in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Pelican Flight School offers the best of both worlds:

• Year-round flying weather (350+ flyable days per year)
• Four-runway airport (North Perry Airport) with access to busy metro airspace
• English only (95% international students from all over the world)
• SEVP certification to accept both F1 and M1 visa students
• Structured programs designed around your goals, visa requirements, and future career plans

Whether you're aiming to return home with FAA credentials or build a future in U.S. aviation, Pelican is ready to get you airborne.

Ready to turn your passion for aviation into a global career? Let’s build your flight plan—starting with the right visa.

Download our aviation program guide or talk to our admissions team to see which training track and visa option fits your dreams of becoming a pilot.

Conclusion

Choosing between the F1 and M1 student visas is a pivotal decision that can shape your aviation future. Whether your dream is to train and return home as a licensed pilot or to build hours and launch a long-term career in the U.S. aviation industry, selecting the right visa ensures you start on the correct flight path.

To recap:

• The F1 visa is ideal for students seeking academic-level flight training, with the ability to work, gain real-world experience, and even become eligible for airline sponsorships in the U.S.
  
  
• The M1 visa is best suited for those looking for short-term, vocational training who plan to return to their home country after certification.
  
  

At Pelican Flight School, we offer programs for both visa types, backed by:

• SEVP certification and accredited flight school by ACCSC
  
  
• Professional, English only instruction
  
  
• 350+ flying days a year in sunny South Florida
  
  
• Access to major airspace and hands-on training at a towered airport
  
  

Whether you're a first-time flyer or advancing toward your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) goals, our team is here to support you—from admissions to certification.

Let us help you take off—confidently, legally, and professionally.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS