Answers to any of your questions regarding the US student visa, courses, and post-graduation alternatives

Question 1.  If a person is accepted into a school and given a Form I-20, may they change their status from visitor to student while they are in the country?

In general, if a person entered the country legally with a non-immigrant visa and their status is still valid, provided they haven't broken any rules related to their status, and provided they haven't done anything that would disqualify them, they can apply to change their non-immigrant visa status (category). The approval of the change of status application, which could take many months, is necessary before the student can start their studies.

Question 2.  How long will my student visa allow me to stay in the country once I've finished my studies?

You may stay in the country for up to 60 days following the completion of your academic program if you have not applied for any post-graduation training or other academic programs. You are allowed to travel around the country during this time, but if you leave the country—regardless of whether your academic program is finished in less than 60 days—you are not permitted to return on a student visa.

Question 3.  Can I leave the country when I have a student visa?

Yes, you are permitted to leave the country while you are on a student visa. However, in order to re-enter, you must have a current, valid signature on your Form I-20 from your Designated School Official (DSO) approving your journey outside the United States, as well as a valid passport, student visa, and student visa.

Question 4.  Do my options for courses on a student visa have any limitations?

The kinds of courses you can enroll in while on a student visa are often not subject to any particular limitations. You must enroll in courses that will allow you to pass the program to which you were admitted. Within that context, you are free to enroll in a variety of programs or courses provided by the institute of your choice, provided they are in accordance with your visa status and any restrictions or specifications imposed by U.S. immigration officials. It is recommended to speak with your DSO to confirm that the program you have selected complies with the requirements of your student visa. Additionally, it's crucial that you get in touch with the DSO before changing your course of study.

Question 5.  After I graduate, can I convert my visa from a student to a work visa?

After graduating, it is possible to switch your visa status from a student visa to a work visa. The following are typical ways for students on an F-1 visa to obtain hands-on experience or switch their status to a work visa:

1. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program enables graduates to work in the United States for a certain amount of time in their subject of study.

2. H-1B Visa: Requiring sponsorship from a U.S. employer, the H-1B visa is for highly qualified employees in specialized occupations.

Question 6.  What is OPT, and how long is the window of opportunity?

F-1 students who want to participate in optional practical training (OPT) have the chance to work in a position that is directly relevant to their primary area of study. Two OPT options exist:

Pre-completion OPT: Students who are still in school can participate in OPT either part-time or full-time.

Following graduation, students are eligible to participate in full-time OPT.

Students can typically receive up to 12 months of OPT. A total of 36 months of OPT may, however, be extended for some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders who are employed with eligible firms for an additional 24 months.

Question 7.  What is OPT, and how long is the window of opportunity?

F-1 students who want to participate in optional practical training (OPT) have the chance to work in a position that is directly relevant to their primary area of study. Two OPT options exist:

Pre-completion OPT: Students who are still in school can participate in OPT either part-time or full-time.

Following graduation, students are eligible to participate in full-time OPT.

Students can typically receive up to 12 months of OPT. A total of 36 months of OPT may, however, be extended for some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders who are employed with eligible firms for an additional 24 months.

Question 8.  How do I apply for an OPT?

It is best to speak with your DSO about any special needs. However, generally speaking, you must do the following actions to apply for OPT:

1. Ask your DSO for an OPT recommendation.

2. Prepare and send the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

3. Submit supporting documentation in accordance with USCIS guidelines and pay the appropriate filing fee.

4. Await the approval and receipt of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.

While on OPT, you can work for any employer in the U.S., including voluntary work or freelance work, provided the employment is directly related to your field of study and authorized by the USCIS.

Question 9.  Can my student visa be extended if my program takes longer than anticipated?

Within the time of the student visa's validity, travel to the United States is permitted. If you can demonstrate that you are a legitimate student and have been accepted into a qualified program at a qualified institution, you may use it on repeated visits. As long as you arrived in the country when the visa was still in effect and continue to qualify as a full-time student under immigration laws, you may continue to pursue your education in the United States after it expires. If you continue to be a full-time student, your entry into the country will be stamped D/S short for the duration of your status. If your program takes longer than you anticipated, you should speak with your DSO to make sure you are adhering to the institution's and regulatory obligations.

Question 9.  Can I change programs or schools while I'm on a student visa?

You can change schools or programs while on a student visa as long as they are allowed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). To preserve your status, you must inform your current school's DSO, get a new Form I-20 from the new school, and fulfill the correct transfer processes.

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