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CPT

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorization given to students to gain practical experience in their field of study as an inegral part of their education.

Options for extending stay in the U.S. after layoff as an international student pursuing a Master's in IT

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I moved to the USA to pursue my Master's in IT. Unfortunately, I have recently been affected by mass layoffs in the tech industry, leaving me with only 30 days to extend my stay in the country to address household responsibilities and potentially secure a full-time job.

I have researched a few options for extending my stay and would greatly appreciate your guidance on these alternatives:

1) Apply for a B2 visa promptly: This option would allow me to remain in the country for an additional six months (until July or August) and continue my job search.

2) Enroll in a community college and obtain an I-20: Many community colleges do not require GRE or TOEFL scores, and their Fall semester usually begins in mid-August. This cost-effective choice would give me time until December, and I could transfer any earned credits to a university if needed.

3) If more time is required, I could join a university in the Spring semester and transfer my community college credits. However, I understand that applying for an MS or PhD program would necessitate a direct application to the university.

 

FAQ Transcript

If you are facing a layoff as an international student pursuing a Master's in IT and seeking to extend your stay in the US, there are several options available. One option is to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Please visit Rajiv’s blog at immigration.com for more information.

Another option is to enroll in a community college and obtain an I-20. This can provide you with additional time in the US. If more time is required, you could consider joining a university in the spring semester.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option to explore. There is another blog entry specifically discussing CPT, which you should read for more information. Additionally, there is an option to secure a quota exempt job. Our website features frequently asked questions that address quota exempt jobs, so be sure to review them.

 

March 25, 2023, Rajiv in QnA on behalf of students and young professionals

1 year ago By Chief Editor

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H-4 visa dependent children change of status to F-1 before 21

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

My daughter was born in Canada and is on my H-1 visa as an H-4 dependent. She is currently studying 2nd year of her Bachelor's degree and will turn 21 in July/2024. I have a couple of questions, and they are
1. By what date/age she needs to change her status from H-4 to F-1?
2. Once on F-1 status, are there a minimum number of months/semesters/years she has to complete before being eligible for a CPT or OPT?
 

FAQ Transcript
  1. She needs to file for a change of status before she turns 21.
  1.  I believe it is two full semesters one academic year, double check that with the DSO.

 

H-1B layoff options - Going to home country and applying for jobs, going through the lottery again and documents required to apply for a new visa to explain missing pay stubs

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I am on an H-1B visa and recently got laid off.

If I don't find a job within the 60 days grace period:

1. Can I go back to my home country and keep applying for jobs and then come back once I get one? If yes, would I have to go through the lottery again?

2. If not, what are my options?

3. What additional documents do I need to provide while applying for my new visa to explain the missing pay stubs?

4. What does the company that let me go send to the USCIS as documentation for termination of contract?

 

FAQ Transcript
  1. Sure, you can go back to your home country. No, you do not have to go through the lottery again.
  2. H-4 and F-1 CPT visas would be options.
  3. You actually just need a copy of your H-1B approval.
  4. If an employer wants to conclude an H-1B, they have to do three things: First, they have to inform the employee that their job is terminated. Second, they have to offer the employee a one-way ticket back to their home country. Third, they have to put it down in writing and request that the H-1B be revoked because they have to write to the USCIS.

STEM extension expiring, options to stay in USA, Is Day 1 CPT safe and legal?

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I am currently on STEM Extension and my visa expires in July 2023. I also have a masters degree here in the states. I wanted to know what my options are..
If the suggestion is Day-1 CPT, I wanted to know how safe/legit it is! I have heard that going on Day-1 CPT can cause some issues when your H1 gets picked and may lead to RFE?
 

FAQ Transcript

It is legal and so far it has been safe. You know that the rule for Day 1 CPT requires that when you join, you are associating with a graduate program otherwise you cannot get a Day 1 CPT. The Curricular Practical Training is an integral part of your degree. You cannot finish the degree without the practical training. The other thing is the employer signs the cooperative agreement with the university. The only additional suggestion I have is if you are going to do Curricular Practical Training make it as an adjunct to your profession.

For more information please check my blog.
https://immigration.com/blogs/curricular-practical-training-cpt
 

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Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.

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