I do not have enough facts to provide an exact answer in this case and, hence, I assume that you wished to go to the US to join a business conference. The M1 visa is for a student in a vocational or another non-academic program (other than language training). Hence, the suitable visa is B1 (business and pleasure). I recall, though have not re-read the law, that a B1 visa holder is permitted to reside in the US for 30 days even though the visa permits the holder to enter the US within 3 months for a year (singple or multiple entries) depending on the application. I had a B1 visa previously with multiple entries for one year. Please do not hesistate to ask should you have any queries in this regard. [Netwalker, I think this question should belong to the legal topic namely not in a separate topic like this. If you do not have objection I shall move this topic thereto].