The student’s Designated School Official (DSO) upon entering a program is the go-to staff member at NATI. M-1 students should meet with the DSO early in their program to plan their course schedule and answer their questions.

Certificate students must demonstrate proficiency in English and mathematics skills in order to successfully navigate through their academic and learning career at the Institute. Students in need of taking the placement exam for English and/or mathematics are encouraged to do so during the admissions process. Placement exams are administered by appointment and should be scheduled through the campus Academic Office or Learning Resource Center. Though taking the placement exam requires no preparation students have access to review material and resources through the Institute website.

All international students, regardless of visa type, are individually responsible for ensuring that they are in good standing with the U.S. immigration authorities. NATI is required to comply with the following policies for M-1 international students.

1. Report to NATI as listed on the SEVIS Form I-20 no later than 7 days after the program start date.

2. All M-1 students requesting an authorized break must be enrolled full-time for three consecutive quarters (may include summer) at NATI

3. Full-time enrollment equals 18-22 clock hours a week.

4. M-1 students may enroll in a maximum of one online course per quarter as applied towards full-time enrollment.

5. M-1 students must report any changes of address information to NATI within ten days of the change. Students on training are required to report changes in employment to the Designated School Official (DSO) within ten days of the change.

6. M-1 students must maintain a valid SEVIS Form I-20; including updating personal, educational and academic changes such as requests for program extension and/or changes of degree.

7. M-1 students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 for more than two consecutive terms will be required to apply for reinstatement if sufficient academic progress is not maintained in accordance with NAT’s Probation/Suspension policy.

8. M-1 students whose SEVIS record has been terminated cannot further enroll in classes until they have applied and submitted all required documentation for reinstatement.

9. Students in M-1 status are not permitted to accept employment without proper work authorization. Additional information pertaining to work authorization may be obtained from the Student Services Office.

10. Students transferring their M-1 status after completing a certificate or degree from one U.S. institution to NATI must complete the admissions process within 60 days of program completion or expiration or training from their previous institution.

11. All transfer students must receive their NATI’s SEVIS Form I-20 no later than 15 days after the beginning of the quarter.

12. Students in M-1 status that have completed their program and who have not applied for training, or a different program are required by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to leave the United States within 60 days of their last date of attendance.

13. M-1 students are individually responsible for maintaining their M-1 status. NATI is required under SEVP regulations to report the enrollment activity of our M-1 students. Students who fail to adhere to the above guidelines will be advised to apply for reinstatement and may be barred from enrollment until full compliance with SEVP regulations is obtained. In addition, NATI urges all international students to enroll in one of the group health insurance plans sponsored by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. M-1 students may contact SEVP by email at sevp@ice.dhs.gov if your DSO is unable to assist you or if you would prefer to ask someone else. Official guidelines and information on M-1 visa are available here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/guide/m-1/m-1-postsecondar.