F Visa Overview

Student Applicants (F-1/F-2 visas) - Overview

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides certain nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. The "F" visa is reserved for nonimmigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below when applying for their student visa, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.  Foreign students seeking to study in the U.S. may apply for the F-1 category provided they meet the following general criteria:

  • The student must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program;
  • The school must be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); 
  • The student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution;  The student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency;
  • The student must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study; and
  • The student must maintain a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of giving up.


Basic Information

Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your student visa 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary ialial clearances or other processes that may be required. Keep in mind the consular officer may need to get special clearances depending on the course of study and nationality of the student. This can take some additional time. For more information on applicants who may have additional processing requirements see Special Processing Requirements.

Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation, which requires that all new students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S.

A beginning student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S., (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain a change of classification, filing Form I-539, Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also submit the required Form I-20 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. Please be aware that there is an additional fee for this process, and that one may not begin studies until the change of classification is approved.

Continuing students may apply for a new visa at any time, as long as they have been maintaining student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the U.S. at any time before their classes start.

What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.

All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail. See SEVIS-901 Fee for further information on how to pay the fee.

Applying for a Student Visa

As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available at Visa Wait Times, and on most embassy websites. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.

Required Documentation

Each applicant for a student visa must submit these forms and documentation, and submit fees as explained below:

Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your school.You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. All students, as well as their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (F/M-2 visa holders). Your school is responsible for entering your information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS. Students will also have to pay an SEVIS I-901 fee for each program of study. Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor;

A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport. Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the form DS-156.

An interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must complete an application.

One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements;

A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable (Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Table) and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt. While all F-visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, including dependents, only the F-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee.

Students who are authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have an I-20 endorsed for OPT, and provide a USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;

scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;

financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.);

it is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

Entering the U.S. - Port of Entry

A visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Student visitors must have their Form I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States. In advance of travel, students should review important information about Admissions/Entry requirements, as well as information related to restrictions explained on the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection website. Upon arrival (at an international airport, seaport or land border crossing), you will be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry-exit program. In addition, some travelers will also need to register their entry into and their departure from the U.S. with the Special Registration program. If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). Since Form I-94 documents your authorized stay in the U.S., it’s very important to keep it in your passport.

What Items Do Returning Students Need?

All applicants applying for renewals must submit:

A passport valid for at least six months;

an application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices and on the Visa Services website under Visa Applications Forms;

a receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed;

a new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months.

All applicants applying for renewals should be prepared to submit:

A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled;

financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your schooling.

Students Away from Classes More Than Five Months

Students in or outside the U.S., who have been away from classes for more than five months, will likely need a new visa to enter the U.S.

How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:

F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.

M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2009, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2009 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Public School

There are certain restrictions on attending public school in the U.S. Persons who violate these restrictions may not receive another visa for a period of five years. The restrictions apply only to students holding F-1 visas. They do not apply to students attending public school on derivative visas, such as F-2, J-2 or H-4 visas. The restrictions also do not apply to students attending private schools on F-1 visas. The restrictions are:

Students who attend public high schools in the U.S. are limited to twelve months of study. Public school attendance in the U.S. prior to November 30, 1996 does not count toward this limit.

F-1 visas can no longer be issued to attend public elementary or middle schools (Kindergarten - 8th grade) or publicly-funded adult education programs.

Before an F-1 visa for a public school can be issued, the student must show that the public school in the U.S. has been reimbursed for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of the education as calculated by the school. Reimbursement may be indicated on the I-20. Consular officers may request copies of canceled checks and/or

Notices:

  • If you are going to the U.S. primarily for tourism, but want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so on a visitor visa. You should inquire at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa.  In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy web sites or call for specific application instructions.
  • On April 8, 2008, DHS announced an extension of Optional Practical Training for qualified students. For more information, visit the USCIS website and the ICE International Students webpage.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Profession/Occupation

Comments

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.

Submitted by K.Sridhar (not verified) on Fri, 12/10/2021 - 07:25 Permalink

I am in USA on F-1 STEM OPT and my current employer filed my H-1B under Consular Processing and approved. I have another job offer and can I join the new employer under F-1 STEM OPT while they process my H-1B transfer under premium processing which takes 2-3 weeks?

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.

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.

Submitted by Abdul Kalam Ansari (not verified) on Tue, 12/28/2021 - 16:23 Permalink

221g Refuse for F1 but i have valid B1/B2. Can I travel to USA with my B1/B2 valid visa while my F1 student status is 221g Administrative processing ?

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.

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.

Submitted by Manish Savale (not verified) on Thu, 03/31/2022 - 04:36 Permalink

Hello Rajiv Ji

I’m sharing with you the facts and the questions.

Pls help us with your expert advice:

FACTS: 1) Daughter (22 yrs old) is currently on a valid F1 Student visa. 2) No expiry date on F1. Just says till “Duration of Status (DS)” 3) She graduates this May, and the I-20 is only valid till May 25th 2022.

Questions:

a) Since I-20 valid only till May 25th, does it mean her F1 also expires on May 25th, 2022? Is she still in status after she has graduated from college?

b) She has applied for Master’s program with multiple universities and is interviewing with the Universities right now and we hope she gets accepted. What happens to her status in the US while she is waiting for the Master’s program to start. Is she still in status during the Summer break?

c) Assuming that she does not get into any Master’s program, what are her options to remain in status?

d) What does it mean (Duration of Status)? What is the validity of “Duration of Status (DS)”?

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.

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 09:07 Permalink

These questions require a fairly lengthy explanation, which I cannot provide here. I suggest you begin by contacting the DSO at her school. That would help you narrow down your questions.

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.

Submitted by Jaimini Bhut (not verified) on Thu, 04/07/2022 - 21:56 Permalink

Respected Sir, I’m currently in USA with F-1 Visa and graduating this May 2022 and travelling to india in July and returning my in August 2022. I applied and got admission for masters and also have new I-20 so I’m coming in August 2022.

It will create any problems?

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.

Submitted by Rajiv S. Khanna on Tue, 04/26/2022 - 08:07 Permalink

From what I can gather, you are continuing your education. You also have a student visa stamp on your passport. I cannot predict what your chances of reentry are, but as far as the paperwork is concerned, speak with your DSO. They might even recommend that you should wait to travel until you have attended one full semester of your master's degree.

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.

Submitted by Asif (not verified) on Fri, 07/29/2022 - 08:00 Permalink

Hello sir, I will be done with my undergrad in fall 2023 and I have landed a job, if I don’t get H1B after undergrad, I am planning to go to masters program and work full time in CPT or OPT for masters program. Is it possible cause I have heard you cannot do full time work when you are in school. I saw your video and you said that you can work full time and take classes full time. If you could give me a link I would like to show that to my school. Thank you

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.

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.

Submitted by Rakesh Krishnan (not verified) on Thu, 10/20/2022 - 10:30 Permalink

Hi, My daughter is 18 now, she is on H4 visa as my dependent. I have to file for the extension of my H1B in 2024. My daughter at that time will be 20 years old and she will be in her college studies. Is it recommended to file the H4 extension for her as she will be turning 21 and she will be out of the dependent bracket , or rather file an F1 visa after getting the forms from the college?

Thanks and regards Rakesh

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.

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.

Submitted by Aayush Chourasia (not verified) on Wed, 11/23/2022 - 11:06 Permalink

Hi Rajeev ji, I am 3rd semester computer science major student, during my second semester i went to Niagara fall's for just a visit/tour. Some people misguided us on border, so we went inside immigration office to seek help, but I was not having passport that time so officer did my immigration check and let me go later.

My I-94 did not get updated there, but my travel history got updated there, it is showing Niagara fall arrived.

I am Travelling to India this December, does there any problem while coming back in immigration??

Thanks & regards. Aayush Chourasia

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.

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.

Submitted by sammy01 (not verified) on Tue, 02/07/2023 - 12:00 Permalink

Hello I am currently on OPT & my F-1 visa expired last year. I am planning to go to India for my F-1 renewal. In 2020, during pandemic I failed to renew my I-20 on time. I could not get in touch with my DSO over the winter break in 2020.After 3 days post my I-20 expiration, I was finally able to renew my I-20 by going to the nearest port of entry as per my DSO suggestion. Due to this reason I have a new SEVIS number while on my expired visa the SEVIS number is different. Will this be an issue during my visa extension? Thank you.

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

It is difficult to predict, but you seem to have a good explanation for the problem. Make sure you can document your efforts.

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

Submitted by Srinivas Pai (not verified) on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 22:05 Permalink

I have received an internship from a company that wants me to start on June 7, 2023. But, my school allows me to go on co-op from June 19 2023 and having started school on September 19 2023, I will not have completed 1 academic year in the US. Is there any way I can work this job using pre completion OPT? The company is not flexible on my start date.

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

I do not see a choice. See this link: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-stud…

OPT Eligibility

A student is eligible for OPT if:

Note: Full-time CPT at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the CPT 12-month total affecting OPT. CPT at another program level does not affect OPT.

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

Submitted by Aarna Maheshwari (not verified) on Thu, 03/23/2023 - 02:58 Permalink

Hello sir, This is an urgent request, I am on a tight time limit and desperately need help. I am an international student with F1 status and I accidentally exceeded my 20 hour work limit. I have explored all my options, and currently the only option offered to me by the ISS is that my current I-20 gets terminated and I apply for a new one for which I would have to leave the country and re-enter with the new one. This would mean that the termination of my previous I-20 goes on my record and that would count against me during immigration at US every time I enter the country. I want to know if I get a lawyer involved, can I possibly maintain my legal status with my current I-20 without having it terminated and having to leave the country to regain legal status with a new I-20? Is it possible to successfully argue my case and keep my current I-20 and continue with my current Sevis ID?

I would greatly appreciate a response as soon as possible, I am in a very difficult position with a timer. Thank you!

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

Have you asked your DSO about reinstatement?

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

Submitted by bhp (not verified) on Thu, 03/30/2023 - 09:41 Permalink

Dear Sir,

I was planning to start masters in Summer 2023, and preparing for my F1 interview in India scheduled in mid-April. I recently applied for sabbatical leave in my company and requested to be relieved from work by May, hoping to proceed for masters.

However, I just received info that my H1B application has got through the lottery for FY24.

I have 10+ years work exp in IT. at this stage, a masters degree helps to further my career to mid-management level roles. I have also been very passionate about studying in USA.

I'm in dilemma now, and have these questions - * Do you suggest I to go to USA for masters in May-23, and finish atleast 40-50% of my course until Oct-23. * Or, do you suggest me to hold my F1 plans and wait for H1 stamping in India for FY 2024, and just go for work.

* Is there a chance I can switch to work visa within USA after Oct-23 without returning to India for H1 stamping? * Can I continue my masters course whilst still working on H1 ?

Please advise. Thank you for this forum.

Disclaimer
This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

I can comment only on the immigration law questions. You MUST speak with your lawyers. But, generally speaking, a change of status is possible.

Disclaimer
The responses are provided without any guarantee of accuracy. A one-on-one consultation with competent counsel is recommended. Not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

Submitted by Sreelaxmi (not verified) on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 15:01 Permalink

Dear Sir, I am currently on F1 and moving to OPT status. My husband is working in India. Can he be in the US on F2 and work remotely for an Indian company?

Thanks!

Disclaimer
The responses are provided without any guarantee of accuracy. A one-on-one consultation with competent counsel is recommended. Not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

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.

Submitted by Prathamesh Rawale (not verified) on Wed, 04/12/2023 - 03:50 Permalink

Hello Rajiv Ji, I have exhausted my 3 chances of H1B filling and my F1 visa is expiring in July 23, i am planning to enroll in Day 1 CPT, can i travel to india after july and come back if my F1 and EAD is expiring in July 23, provided that i will be having Day 1 CPT I-20? Does the US Consultate provide restamp for F1 based on day 1 cpt I20?

Disclaimer
The responses are provided without any guarantee of accuracy. A one-on-one consultation with competent counsel is recommended. Not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

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.

To the best of my assessment (just a guess), this will likely be a tough case for visa stamping.

Disclaimer
The responses are provided without any guarantee of accuracy. A one-on-one consultation with competent counsel is recommended. Not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

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