[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” transparent_background=”on” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/www.nc-immigration-attorney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/neelam-header-2017.png” url=”https:\/\/www.nc-immigration-attorney.com” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” animation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Many students from around the world desire to come to the United States. They do so not only with a desire to advance their English skills but also to earn degrees at some of our country’s most prestigious colleges and universities. They do this in hopes that it will give them an advantage as they launch or grow their careers in the increasingly globalized marketplace in which we live.<\/p>\n
There are three types of student visas offered that prospective applicants can apply for, including the F, J, and M options. The F-1 is the most popular U.S. student visa option and one of many immigration services that our legal team helps with<\/a> at The Immigration Law Offices of Neelam Bhardwaj in Greensboro, NC. So, we will take the time and review everything you need to know about how to apply for the visa. We’ll also address your potential for transitioning your F-1 student visa to an H-1B visa and associated green card via an employment arrangement.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As mentioned above, the F1 visa is the more popular travel document students pursue when planning to come to the U.S. This non immigrant visa allows an international student to enter the U.S. to study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a division of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).<\/p>\n It’s important to note that an academic institution decides to admit a student to one of its programs. Once they do, it’s the student’s responsibility to apply for the F-1 student visa and provide proof of lawful entry into the U.S. to the SEVP-accredited school of higher education (the college or university a student plans to attend).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are pretty stringent criteria applicants must meet to qualify for the F-1 student visa aside from applying and getting into a SEVP program, submitting an application form for the travel permit, and showing proof of the award to a chosen school. Those additional requirements for the F-1 visa include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Any prospective students interested in applying for the F1 visa must first be accepted into a SEVP-certified educational institution beforehand. Once accepted into an accredited school, applicants must:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I-20 certificates should include the following key information on them, which your selected educational institution will complete based on the details you provided in your application to the university or college:<\/p>\n One of the biggest mistakes that prospective international students make is not taking the time to verify that the information on their application, and thus transferred by the school to their I-20, is accurate. Another common pitfall student visa applicants make is failing to sign the bottom of the first page of the I-20.<\/p>\n Failing to sign this document or fixing any inaccuracies on an I-20 can take months to resolve, resulting in you not being granted entry to the U.S.<\/p>\n You must retain the I-20 once you secure it, as you will need to present it when entering the U.S., seeking employment, and taking care of other official business, such as applying for a driver’s license.<\/p>\n Note that an F-1 student visa generally lasts as long as your university documents that the program lasts on your I-20 form. You must obtain your degree by the expiration date on Form I-20<\/a>, or you may have to leave the country without completing your program.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can expect to pay approximately $510 in application and processing fees to the U.S. government for an F-1 visa. This fee includes:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With very few exceptions, all applicants must attend a visa interview in person. One exception is if the applicant is under 14 or over 80. Another is if you have already satisfied visa renewal requirements. Immigration officials allow the delivery of applications by courier in these select instances.<\/p>\n The goal of embassy or consulate staff members abroad in conducting a visa interview with you is to verify that you have a serious and legitimate purpose for visiting the U.S. They will not only ask you questions to verify that’s the case but also ask to see documentation substantiating your claims, with emphasis on the following:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Applicants often mistakenly perceive that once they secure an F-1 visa, nothing could result in its cancellation. That’s certainly not the case. You must comply with the terms and conditions of the visa program, including the ones described below, to maintain your F-1 status:<\/p>\n Since there is a 60-day grace period for departing the U.S. after you have graduated or your I-20 expires, you will want to consider other options for extending your stay in the U.S. These may include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Working is not completely off limits if you are in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa; however, you must discuss your desires with your school’s DSO and secure their approval before pursuing employment if you wish to work:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many individuals who pursue academic studies in the U.S. wish to extend their time here. Those individuals wishing to remain here often consider:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary work permit for F-1 visa holders. This OPT allows recipients to continue living in the U.S. as they spend up to 12 months employed in a field related to their area of study. Special accommodations are made for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates seeking Optional Practical Training<\/a>, which may allow them to remain working in the U.S. for up to two years post-graduation.<\/p>\n Students who don’t apply for OPT or receive extensions for additional training must generally return to their home countries within 60 days of graduation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many graduates often have established professional connections in their field of study here in the U.S. and want to continue nourishing those relationships long after their OPT commitments have ended. Those individuals often apply for an H-1B non-immigrant “Specialty Occupations” visa to continue contributing to their field.<\/p>\nWhat Are F-1 Student Visas?<\/h2>\n
Qualifications for the F-1 Student Visa<\/h2>\n
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How the F-1 Student Visa Process Works<\/h2>\n
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The I-20 Certificate of Eligibility and the F-1 Visa Process<\/h2>\n
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Costs Associated with Applying for an F-1 Student Visa<\/h2>\n
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What to Expect at Your F-1 Student Visa Interview<\/h2>\n
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Maintaining Eligibility for an F-1 Visa<\/h2>\n
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Can You Work While in the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa?<\/h2>\n
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Options You Can Pursue to Remain in the U.S. After Your F-1 Visa Expires<\/h2>\n
Applying for Optional Practical Training<\/h3>\n
Transitioning from OPT to Securing an H-1B Visa<\/h3>\n