Student Visa Overview
Student Visa Overview
The U.S. provides several nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States.
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Processing times & status checks
Processing Times
- USCIS Service Center Processing Times
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Nonimmigrant Visas
Can B visa holder convert to F or other status?
Question details
My question is that i have just entered USA on B1 /B2 visa on February 21 and sir now I am planning to stay here in USA...I am planning to carry on my further studies in Bridgeport university my arrival is for 3 months and I want to complete this procedure as soon as possible because I don't want to take the law in my hands
While it is permissible to change from one status to another from within U.S., it may not always be advisable.
Typically, when someone enters the U.S., supposedly for a short visit (e.g. B-1 or B-2) and then tries to change it to a longer term visa (F-1, L-1, H-1, etc.), USCIS often frowns upon it (and may not grant it), but the consulates invariably frown upon it. My recommendation in most of these cases is to avoid this type of change. If you have already obtained the change, it may be very difficult to procure a visa whenever you need to travel abroad.
Can F/J holders apply for green card?
Question details
I am on F-1/J-1 visa (student visa). Can I apply for green card (Permanent Residency)?
Turning 21 - do I have to convert to F-1 from H-4?
Question details
My father is on an H1 b visa and his employer has filled for his green card Me and my Family are on H 4 but i am about to be 21 and thus my h4 visa cannot be renewed.I-140 of all the members of the family has been cleared but we cannot yet file I 485 as the priority date is not near. Do I have to convert my visa status into F 1 so that i can live and study here? Is there anyway that i can file for my green card as when i filled my papers i was not 21 and it is because the file is pending i cant put forth my 485 papers. Is there any chance that under special cases like mine we can get my papers filled as I am about to transfer to a University and it is very hard for me to afford to pay the fees as an International student when my papers are so close to green card.
I do not see any way around filing an F-1.
F Visa Overview
Student Applicants (F-1/F-2 visas) - Overview
Nonimmigrant Visas
Profession/Occupation
F Visa Services and Fees
Please contact the International Student Office in your local university for F-1 visa fee information.
Also, see this link.
Nonimmigrant Visas
STEM OPT Employed with Startups - A Special Case
For international students on an F-1 visa in the United States, the STEM OPT extension program provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience after graduation while extending their stay in the US for a chance of an H-1B lottery win.
Recording for January 4, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, January 04, 2024
FAQ: Holding two full-time IT jobs on H-4 EAD || Transitions From H-1B job loss to B-2 status and impact on future H-1B employment || NIW Criteria || H-1B laid off: grace period, last employment date, health insurance, and legal stay during change of employer
Jan 13, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
January 20, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
Recording for January 18, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Discussion Topics:
FAQ: H-1B lay off 60 days grace, options including B-1/B-2, approved I-140, Severance pay || Optimizing H-4 EAD options and bundling premium processing for H-1B and H-4 extensions || Implications of visa fraud by an employer on H-1B, L-1, green card, citizenship || Advantages of a National Interest Waiver, transitioning to EB-1, entrepreneurship, and H-4 employment for spouse
H-1B lay off 60 days grace, options including B-1/B-2, approved I-140, Severance pay
Question details
Many have asked this question before, but since rules and situations are always different, so here I go - I'm on H1B with an approved I-140.
A layoff recently impacted me - my last day on payroll is 10th Feb 2024. I will also receive a severance (lumpsum) within 75 days of Feb 10th. My questions are -
1) Given the market, it may take more than April 10th to finalize an offer and start the H1B transfer. What are the options ( if any ) to extend my stay beyond April 10th?
2) Many suggest applying for B1/B2 (I'm single, have no spouse to move to H4, etc), but I also hear if it's rejected then the time of my stay after April 10th will be an illegal presence, is that true?
3) Say I receive the severance lump sum on March 15th -- are the days from Feb 10th until March 15th counted on company payroll?
FAQ Transcript
The grace period after a layoff begins after the last pay period ends, lasting either 60 days or the remaining time on the I-94, whichever is less. Options for extending stay legally include derivative visas (F-1, H-1, L-1), practical training, or applying for a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), with guidance for applying for a B-1/B-2 visa.
Regarding visa rejection misconceptions, rejecting a change of status application to B-1/B-2 within the 60-day grace period does not result in an illegal presence. However, applying after this period without legal counsel may lead to unlawful presence. As for lump sum severance pay, uncertainty exists regarding its classification as regular salary for visa purposes. It's recommended to base the 60-day grace period from the date of stopping work for legal safety.