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Traveling on OPT-F1

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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I am on OPT F-1 Status after my second degree. I need to know what other parts of US outland I can visit besides Hawaii without having any immigration problems?

Normally, travel to "contiguous territories" (like Canada and Mexico) does not require a visa when the trip is less than 30 days AND you do not happen to be a national of one of the eight countries that US govt. looks upon with some suspicion. But there can be immigration problems. Trip to any one of the 50 states presents no special issue.

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F1 visa denial

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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I was denied a visa this morning under 214(b) in Kuwait. I have been working in Kuwait for a year (I am an expatriate), and have an offer of employment upon return from my studies. I just received a letter to that effect (after the denial). This is my second denial. Would the letter be sufficient as additional evidence for reapplication? I also have a bank account containing about $3000 which I plan to keep for when I return (apart from my sponsor's account).

214(b) denial is based upon a suspicion that you have no intention of returning to your home country. This ground is almost impossible to overcome when you are an expatriate, but you can try. I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I doubt this will work.

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F1 and starting a business

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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I was just wondering what the laws say about an F-1 student working for the company that he co-founded when he's on OPT. Suppose that I start up a new business while I'm still a full time student, I can't draw a salary from it but I maintain ownership, in part or whole. When I'm done with school, and approved for my OPT, can I work at my company and draw a salary from it then?

As far as I know, theoretically, you could be working for yourself on OPT as long as your work is related to your area of study. I think I read that in one of the FAQ issued by USCIS. But you will not be able to continue doing that on H-1.

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F-1 working off-campus

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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I have a small query that F-1 student are allowed to work on-campus(20 hr) and for off-campus they need work permit but if they solve quetsions over internet and get paid by someone outside US then is it legal? or does it require any permit? In other words if some student (F1) provide support to some company outside USA (over internet) and get paid is it legal?

I do not believe there is any law that specifically addresses this issue, but I believe all work done on US soil is likely to be considered illegal.

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Social Security Card -- F-1 visa

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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I currently have both an B1/B2 and F1 visa. I got into a graduate program at a university in Teaneck, New Jersey. What are the possibilities of getting a job off campus and would i be able to get a social security card..? What are the issues i have to deal with in such cases?

You need to discuss your options with your International Students Office. Ask them also about curricular practical training, where you are allowed to work for credits.

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F1 Visa Expired on OPT

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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I got a 2 year visa for my Masters and my Visa was expired on May 31st 2009, I converted to OPT from June 1st, 2009. I am on OPT and I do have a job now. I got an emergency now to go to India. Is it possible for me to reenter United States.

You will need to get the visa stamping done again.

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Working after studying

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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After studying a 1 year graduate course in the US. Would I qualify for a work permit? Or would I still have to find an employer to sponsor me first before I could apply for the work permit?

There are several different kinds of work authorizations like OPT, CPT, etc. Contact your International Students Office.

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F-2 visa

15 years ago By Chief Editor

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Can I work in the campus of the school with F-2 visa?

I do not believe F-2 visa holders have any option for work while they are in F-2 status.

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Guestbook Entry for Preet, United States

12 years ago By Anonymous (not verified)

Name

Preet

Country

United States

State

Nebraska

Comment

It was great help from Rajiv Sir to advice free to F1 students issues and questions. My friend recommended me to contact Rajiv Khanna Law Firm. God bless you with everything you wish. I applied my OPT and got rejected because of applied ahead of time. Then I again applied and got it. Now I have completed my program but still not have degree. I was worrying about my next status without having US degree in hand. But Mr. Rajiv suggested and explained it in real good manner and now I am just going with that flow. Thank you Mr. Khanna for your service to community in USA.