Frequently Asked Questions - Students

  1. F-1 OPT Requirements
  2. F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  3. H-1 Quota issues for students
  4. Accredited University to get Master’s Degree to Process an EB-2 Green Card
  5. Processing Times Involved in NIW
F-1 OPT Requirements

1. Once you receive a recommendation for post-completion OPT from your Designated School Official (DSO) to pursue OPT, you must apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) with USCIS within 30 days. Additionally, you may file up to 90 days prior to your program end-date and not later than 60 days after your program end date. 

F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

You have two choices that I can see: apply for reinstatement or go outside USA and reapply for a visa.

H-1 Quota issues for students

Q. I am a student graduating in December with my Masters degree. I have an offer from an university. I understand that universities apply for exempt-H1B. I also understand that exempt H1B's cannot be transferred to non-exempt H1B's.

Will I be able to work in the period from April to October 1st with the private company, when my non-exempt H1B is still in process? Will accepting this offer be a problem if i want to move to a private firm later?

Accredited University to get Master’s Degree to Process an EB-2 Green Card

Watch the Video on this FAQ: How to find an accredited university to get Master’s degree to process an EB-2 green card

Video Transcript

Processing Times Involved in NIW

You can change employers any time if you are a self-applicant and will continue to work in your stated area of national interest.  But NIW priority date will take the same time as a normal EB-2 application does.  See: