Immigration Articles

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Immigration

Article Family Petitions General H1B Visa L1 Visa O-1 Visa Student Visas

5 Top Tips for a Successful Family Petition

These 5 Top Tips will help you build a successful I-130 Petition, or the concurrent filing of an I-130 and I-485 Application, so you can avoid a Request for Evidence (RFE) and reduce your chances of getting a denial. 1. Establish the Family Relationship Submit documentary evidence of the family relationship through birth certificate, marriage certificate, photos, and affidavits. 2....

Should you do a change of status or consular processing for a F-1 to J-1 visa?

If you are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you can stay in the U.S. and do a Change of Status application or you can return to your country, or a country that does third-country visa processing, and apply for a visa through the consulate. What option you choose depends on various factors: -the time you have before...

Can I have multiple employers for my O-1 Visa petition?

Having multiple employers for your O-Visa petition is by no means necessary, but can be beneficial. Employer letters are a significant part of the petition, because they sponsor you and emphasize you are extraordinary ability and how that would be beneficial to the employer in the United States. These well-drafted letters can help establish your recognition in the field, so...

5 Top Tips on How to Avoid Getting Your I-485, Green Card Application, Returned or Denied

The following 5 Top Tips address the most common reasons for why an I-485, Green Card Application, is returned or outright denied, and will help to reduce your chances of getting your application returned or denied. 1. Pay the Fees If you are including a check, make sure there are sufficient funds in your account and the check will not...

What is the difference between OPT and CPT?

You cannot work while you are here in the U.S. on a student visa unless you are authorized to do so under OPT or CPT. OPT and CPT are both employment authorizations for students on the F-1 Visa. CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training: For undergraduate students; Full-time or part-time; Requires a signed agreement between student and employer; Requires enrollment...

When to get a Visa Extension

In advance of your visa expiring Do not wait until last minute At least 45 days before hand, depending on the visa 6 months in advance (h-1b visa) For the visitor visa: If you have more upcoming events or activities planned even a few days after your visa expires If you have a legitimate reason for wanting to extend your...

What are your work options on a F-1 visa?

F-1 students do have the option of working on campus subject to certain requirements. They may not work off-campus during the first academic year. After the first academic year, F-1 students can pursue three types of off-campus employment and obtain work authorization (EAD): Curricular Practical Training (CPT); Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion); and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics...

How to change the status of your visa

Apply using the form associated with your specific visa Submit the request as soon as you decide to go pursue a different status i.e. visitor to student Know for certain you want to change the status before pursuing it Make sure to have thought it out

Who is subject to the J-1 Visa Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement?

Some J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement, which means the J-1 visa holder must return to their home country for at least two years after their exchange visitor program, unless they are approved for a waiver. The Department of Homeland Security must approve the waiver before the J-1 visa can change their status in the...