Category

Student Visas

Setting Yourself Up for Success Whether You Work On-Campus or Intern Off-Campus in the Summer

Many students work on campus during the semester, while others seek outside campus work experiences or internships. As an international student, you will need to factor in your student visa regulations for internships, staying on campus v. non-campus housing, going home v. staying in the U.S., having an internship that pays v. an unpaid internship,...
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Which type of Student Visa to get?

You have three Student Visa Options: J-1 Visa, F-1 Visa, and M-1 Visa. What student visa you should get depends on the answers to the following questions:  What is the objective of you coming to the US? Study in a program or get training? What type of program? How long? What is the long-term goal...
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What are the J-1 Visa Exchange Program Categories?

A J-1 Visa is suitable for those who wish to study or obtain work related experience or training, under a specific exchange visa category.  Before you can apply for a J-1 Visa, you must first be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization in the U.S. You can learn more at...
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Should you do a change of status or consular processing for a F-1 to J-1 visa?

If you are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you can stay in the U.S. and do a Change of Status application or you can return to your country, or a country that does third-country visa processing, and apply for a visa through the consulate. What option you choose depends on various factors: ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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Finding an Employer to File a Green Card Visa Petition for You When You Have Less than Two Years Left to Graduate or are in a Masters Degree Program as an International Student

This article will help you to plan and strategize to maximize your options for getting a Green Card employer sponsorship before you graduate or after 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...
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5 Considerations When You are an International Student and Have Both an Employer and A Spouse Who Can Petition for You for a Green Card

You may have an employer who agreed to sponsor you for an employment visa, and also have a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder spouse, who can petition for you. However, you may be uncertain about which option to pursue or if you should do both. This article will help you to strategize if you...
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