F-1 Student Visa & Status

Overview

A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a student visa F-1 nonimmigrant visa.

F-1 student must meet the following criteria/F-1 visa Requirements:

• Full-time Program: A student must be enrolled as a full-time student at an academic institution in an educational program approved through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
• English Proficiency: A student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
• Financial Support: A student must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
• Family Ties: You must maintain a residence abroad and have strong family ties.

Employment F-1 Status:

1. 1. Curriculum Practical Training/Pre-Completion OPT:

Foreign Students on F-1 visa may be authorized for Curricular Practical Training in a related field of study while the school is in session,a temporary authorization for practical training that could be paid or unpaid. The training includes internship (10-12 weeks), co-operative education (semester based), or formal employment. An international student may work either on part time basis (20 hours/week) while attending the school or full-time basis (40 hours/week) while not attending the school. For example, during summer vacation.

1. 2. Optional Practical Training/Post completion OPT:

Foreign Students on F-1 visa may be authorized for Optional Practical Training in a related field of study. The student is facilitated with 12 months of practical experience period upon completion of the program. The student must file Form I-765 for Employment Authorization and must be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to start the employment.

1. 3. 24-Month STEM OPT Extension

Foreign Students on F-1 visa may be authorized for STEM Optional Practical Training in a related field of study. The STEM extension grants an additional 24-month practical training to the initial 12-month post completion OPT period after satisfying the requirements as below:

• A Student is currently engaged in post-completion OPT.
• A Students pursued a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) areas of study included in STEM Degree Program Designated List.
• The student must have a job offer and it must be a paid employment.
• The student’s employer must be enrolled in and is using E-Verify.
• We assist students that have Request for Evidence regarding their maintenance of status on F-1 visa
• • ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/stem-list.pdf

Please contact our law firm for additional discussion of this category and alternative options.