One of the biggest confusions for aviation students is choosing between the F1 and M1 visa categories. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.
F1 Visa (Academic Students):
● Used for programs with a degree or academic curriculum
● Allows part-time work on campus
● Offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation
● Ideal for aviation students combining training with academic courses
M1 Visa (Vocational Students):
● Specifically for technical/vocational training like CPL, PPL
● No work allowed during the course
● Must finish training within a fixed time period
● Ideal for pure flight training without academic credit
What FlyRunway Recommends: If you’re focused purely on flight training, M1 might be faster and cheaper. But if you’re planning a full aviation career including advanced courses or OPT, F1 is a better long-term path. We help with both!