Immigration Articles

Articles

Immigration

Article Family Petitions General H1B Visa L1 Visa O-1 Visa Student Visas

5 Top Tips on How to Avoid Getting Your I-485, Green Card Application, Returned or Denied

The following 5 Top Tips address the most common reasons for why an I-485, Green Card Application, is returned or outright denied, and will help to reduce your chances of getting your application returned or denied. 1. Pay the Fees If you are including a check, make sure there are sufficient funds in your account and the check will not...

What is the difference between OPT and CPT?

You cannot work while you are here in the U.S. on a student visa unless you are authorized to do so under OPT or CPT. OPT and CPT are both employment authorizations for students on the F-1 Visa. CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training: For undergraduate students; Full-time or part-time; Requires a signed agreement between student and employer; Requires enrollment...

When to get a Visa Extension

In advance of your visa expiring Do not wait until last minute At least 45 days before hand, depending on the visa 6 months in advance (h-1b visa) For the visitor visa: If you have more upcoming events or activities planned even a few days after your visa expires If you have a legitimate reason for wanting to extend your...

What are your work options on a F-1 visa?

F-1 students do have the option of working on campus subject to certain requirements. They may not work off-campus during the first academic year. After the first academic year, F-1 students can pursue three types of off-campus employment and obtain work authorization (EAD): Curricular Practical Training (CPT); Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion); and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics...

How to change the status of your visa

Apply using the form associated with your specific visa Submit the request as soon as you decide to go pursue a different status i.e. visitor to student Know for certain you want to change the status before pursuing it Make sure to have thought it out

Who is subject to the J-1 Visa Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement?

Some J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement, which means the J-1 visa holder must return to their home country for at least two years after their exchange visitor program, unless they are approved for a waiver. The Department of Homeland Security must approve the waiver before the J-1 visa can change their status in the...

What Activities Qualify for a Temporary B-1 Business Visitor Visa

You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities that have a commercial or professional nature in the United State. Such activities include but are not limited to: Consulting with business associates Traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or a conference on specific dates Settling an estate Negotiating a contract...

How USCIS determines if a position meets the speciality occupation requirement

To meet the requirement of speciality occupation, a position must meet at least one of the following requirements: A bachelor’s or higher degree (or its equivalent) is usually the minimum requirement to enter the specific position The degree requirement is common to the industry in similar positions among similar organizations or, alternatively, an employer may show that its particular position...

How to Maximize Your Ability to Find An Employer to File a Green Card Visa Petition for You as a First Year or Second Year College International Student

This article will help you to plan and strategize to maximize your ability to get a Green Card employer sponsorship before you graduate. Your chances of getting the Green Card sponsorship are higher if you begin planning in your first or second year of college. If you only have one to two years until you graduate, then you must be...