The count of visas issued in fiscal 2023 has now surpassed 392,000. To provide context, in fiscal 2016, a total of 471,728 F1 visas were issued.

In comparison to fiscal 2022, where over 411,131 international student visas were granted, including F1 visas, the U.S. will need to issue more than 40,000 international visas by the end of September to surpass the prior year’s numbers.

An F1 visa is intended for individuals attending academic programs or pursuing full-time degrees at U.S. educational institutions. Although the U.S. has a considerable way to go to reach the peak of over 644,000 student visas issued in fiscal year 2015, these figures provide optimism for sustained, long-term growth.

Last September, the Institute of International Education reported a significant recovery in international enrollment, with U.S. colleges experiencing a surge in admission applications following reduced international student enrollments in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic.

Which Countries Have Been Getting the Most US Student Visas?

The countries witnessing the most substantial percentage increases in student visas issued from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2022 are primarily of Asian origin. Notably, Uzbekistan secures the top spot on this list for the first time, while Nepal, Bangladesh, and Vietnam continue their upward trend in visa issuance. It’s worth mentioning that all four of these nations have reached the highest levels of student visas issued in the past 25 years.

Simultaneously, the report indicates a surge in the number of African students being granted F1 visas in 2022, reaching unprecedented levels. Nigeria and Ghana, in particular, received the highest number of student visas in their respective histories during this period.

According to records from the State Department, the issuance of visas to African students in fiscal 2022 surpassed 30,700, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This rise is particularly notable when considering the 21,037 visas issued in fiscal 2018, followed by 20,165 in fiscal 2019, a sharp decline to 7,333 in 2020 due to the pandemic, and a rebound to 23,229 in fiscal 2021.

Data from the 2022 Open Doors report and State Department statistics highlight China and India as the leading countries sending students to the United States, together constituting the majority, approximately 52%, of all international students in the country. In 2022, China remained the top contributor, with 290,086 students studying on U.S. campuses, representing a 9% decline year-over-year. Meanwhile, India claimed the second spot with roughly 200,000 international students, marking a notable 19% increase year-over-year.

In a statement, the State Department noted that in fiscal year 2022, U.S. Embassies and Consulates in India achieved a historic milestone by issuing over 125,000 new student and exchange visitor visas, establishing India as the second-largest source country for U.S. international students.

Are You Interested in Applying for a US Study Permit?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

There are some general considerations that any international student may take into consideration before obtaining a degree, even though choosing an institution or college is a personal choice. Does this college provide the major or program I want to pursue? Will I be at ease on campus? What will the cost of my program be, and what professional options will I have once I graduate?

Northeastern University

Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts is a popular choice for international students interested in a variety of courses and career paths. Northeastern is not an exception to the norm that a university’s present enrollment of international students is a good indication of the resources available to such students. 25% of Northeastern’s student population is made up of international students, who came to the university from 148 different countries in 2021.

Northeastern University is renowned for preparing its alumni for success and is situated in a classic New England metropolis. The university offers a wealth of internship possibilities, has a thriving postgraduate community, and esteemed business, marketing, and engineering departments. The faculty at Northeastern provides individualized assistance to international students in a variety of areas, including academic counseling, career development, financial aid, and more.

Boston University

Out of all of Boston Univerity‘s students, 21% are international students. BU provides a small number of undergraduate scholarships to international students, and the availability of scholarships for graduate students varies per institution.

Admission to Boston University requires competence in English. To assist you meet their strong language proficiency criteria and get to know your American peers, they offer reading, writing, and discussion materials.

International students, according to BU, are those who do not have US citizenship or a US Permanent Resident Green Card. To study in the US, foreign students typically need an F-1 Student Visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.

New York University (NYU)

New York University (NYU), one of the most recognizable universities in the nation, is situated in the center of New York City. 24% of all students at NYU are international students. In addition to being situated in a bustling city, NYU has a lot to offer prospective international students seeking a prestigious education.

The majority of international students in the United States attend NYU and the faculty frequently host activities and events to assist international students in adjusting to life in the country and forming a strong community on campus and off. In order to make the transition even easier, NYU provides immigration assistance to those in need of student visas. Additionally, certain immigrants may be qualified for grants and financial aid.

Arizona State University, (ASU)

One of the largest concentrations of foreign students at a public university in the United States is at Arizona State University (ASU). ASU is renowned for its top-notch research facility and has even been named the nation’s most inventive university by U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to offering a high acceptance rate of 88.4% for international student applicants interested in one of their 85 academic programs, ASU creates a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds. On ASU’s website, prospective international students can find information on admission, immigration assistance, and community services.

University of Rochester

International students are encouraged to apply to the University of Rochester, where they value the diversity that comes with a global campus. The same application materials must be submitted, but international applicants must also demonstrate their ability to speak English and their ability to support themselves financially.

They have over 3,600 international students and scholars from all over the world. As a Rochester student, you will be part of a welcoming and diverse community that welcomes students from all walks of life and from more than 120 different countries.

University of Illinois

Over 10,000 foreign students attended the University of Illinois’ numerous campuses last year, which are spread out across the state. A selection of more than 80 undergraduate and 100 graduate degree programs are available to overseas students at the university’s Chicago campus (UIC), which is recognized as one of the best universities in the United States. International students who want to get relevant professional experience even before entering the workforce frequently choose UIC’s engineering program since it is well-known throughout the U.S. The program offers guaranteed paid internships for students and lays a solid foundation for those who want to begin working in the United States after graduation.

Rice University

A more “hands-on” education is something that Rice University, a private research university in Houston, Texas, can provide for international students. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio at Rice guarantees that overseas students will receive the individualized support and direction they require. Rice takes pride in maintaining a diverse campus, and as of 2021, about 25% of the school’s enrollment was made up of international students. Rice University is a great option for any overseas student looking for a smaller university setting for their studies because of its renowned applied sciences departments.

Ivy League Schools

Ivy League and it’s eight internationally famous universities annually draw tens of thousands of students from all over the world. Many Ivy League institutions offer specialized initiatives to aid international students in adjusting to life in the United States and actively support their alumni networks.

The only colleges in the nation that provide need-blind or full-need financial aid to international students include Princeton, Yale, and Harvard. As tuition support is frequently hard to come by for international students, this can help lessen the financial strain of expensive programs.

University of California (UC) Schools

Many overseas students choose the University of California each year because of the state’s diversified campuses and well-funded programs. California is home to some of the best-rated public schools in the United States. Some of the largest international student populations in the nation attend UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and UC Los Angeles, where they may take advantage of varied cultures and highly sought-after academic opportunities. For those interested in those subjects, UC San Diego offers outstanding medical and engineering programs, while UC Berkeley boasts some of the greatest humanities and liberal arts programs available in the country.

Are You Looking to Pursue an Education in the US?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1-on-1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

President Biden has made several adjustments to the US immigration system about a year into his term, ranging from modifications inside the different immigration agencies to bigger developments.

US Visa Changes and Updates 2021

New H1-B Visa Rules

In the start of 2021, the USCIS announced a final rule that would alter the H-1B Visa cap selection process by amending the current lottery procedures, and prioritize wages to protect the economic interests of US workers. Doing so, this would also ensure that most highly skilled foreign workers benefit from the temporary employment program.

US Hits H2-B Visa Cap

The USCIS announced that employers can no longer hire foreign workers under the H-2B visa category for the first half of the 2022 fiscal year. This is because the mid-year H-2B visa cap was met on September 30th, 2021. This also means that any H-2B visa requests for an employment start date before April 1, 2022, will be rejected unless they are exempt.

Expansion of Work Authorization Eligibility for L-2, H-4 and E Dependents

As the year draws to a close, certain dependents can rejoice after a November settlement instructing USCIS to enhance work authorization eligibility for L-2, H-4, and E dependents. Benefits are contingent on individual circumstances, thus we recommend that L-2, H-4, and E dependents visit their attorneys to discover whether benefits are available under the new paradigm.

2021 Policy Changes

Biden Reverses Trump’s Plan on Legal Immigration

After taking office, President Biden lifted the freeze on Green Cards that former President Trump made in 2020. Biden stated in his proclamation that “shutting the door on legal immigrants does not advance the interest of the United States”.

Travel Restrictions

The US stayed on top of the continual developments in travel and COVID-19 during the full year of 2021. There were several updates on which countries were temporarily prohibited from entering, vaccine requirements, processing delays, and so forth.

International Entrepreneur Rule Relaunched

In May 2021, the Biden administration has stated their plan to promote the program and revive the International Entrepreneur Rule. Later the DHS announced it will resurrect the IER program, as it “goes hand-in-hand with our nation’s spirit of welcoming entrepreneurship.” The move comes in response to venture capitalist firms, which have urged the administration to back the program and enable potentially thousands of start-up founders to move or remain in the US to grow their businesses.

Changes at USCIS

As part of a larger effort to be more inclusive and transparent, USCIS implemented a number of significant improvements. In March, the agency changed the term “alien” to “noncitizen” or “undocumented noncitizen” in its policy handbook to characterize immigrants. It also said it will put a new method of calculating processing times for immigration applications to see if it might make them “more accurate, timely, and understandable.” The Senate also made history by appointing Ur Jaddou as the next Director of USCIS, making her the first woman and the first person of Arab and Mexican ancestry to manage the agency.

Are You Interested in Immigration to the United States in 2022?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Related Article: US Student Visas

US Student Visa Processing Time

The US student visas are normally one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, sometimes your study permit is processed directly after your immigration interview which is the last step of the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer should tell you whether or not your application was approved. Your student visa in the United States will on average take 3 days to a few weeks long.

Learn more about US Visa Processing Times in 2022.

Can I Get Premium Processing?

Unfortunately, there isn’t premium processing available for student visas in the United States as it is only for work-related visas. Luckily, the processing time isn’t long at all!

International Student Visa Options

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa also known as the “Academic Student” visa is for individuals who plan to study at an academic institution (including accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, and academic high school and elementary schools) or a language training program. To qualify, the program in which you are enrolled must culminate in the receipt of a degree, diploma, or certificate and the school must be authorized by the US government to accept international students.

M-1 Visa

An M-1 Visa or “Vocational Visa” is for international students who are enrolled in vocational and non-academic studies in the US. This includes cooking classes, language programs, flight school, cosmetology or mechanical education, and other programs that come under “vocational study”.

How to Apply

When applying for a US student visa, you must:

1. Apply and be accepted into a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved school
2. Determine the best US study visa for you based on qualifications and apply
3. Complete student visa application and schedule your immigration interview

It’s vital to apply far enough in advance to your school’s start date, so that you receive your visa in time to begin your studies. While your visa may be issued up to 120 days prior to the start of the academic year, as a new student you will not be permitted to enter the US more than 30 days prior to your start date. Continuing students may enter at any time, as long as their visa is valid.

Do You Need Help Applying for Your Study Visa Application?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

On-Campus Jobs

Most international students in the United States looking to work while studying stick to on-campus employment for a few reasons. For starters, this is a great choice for those who don’t have a good source of transportation and would like to stay local. More importantly, it is the only type of job available to students in your first academic year allowing you and refers to work that takes place on campus or at an “educationally affiliated off-campus location.” Being “educationally affiliated” means the off-campus location must meet at least one of these two criteria:

• Associated with the school’s established curriculum
• Related to contractually-funded research projects at the post-graduate level

On-campus employment doesn’t exactly mean you will be working on campus as many colleges and universities have buildings and educational partnerships all over town. For example, you may work on campus in your school’s bookstore, library, cafeteria, etc. OR off-campus in a research lab affiliated with your school. Work hours are limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, but you can work full-time during holidays and vacation periods. If you choose to work more than one on-campus job, your total combined hours per week cannot exceed 20 hours.

Off-Campus Jobs

Off-campus employment is only available to international students who have completed one full academic year and who have a qualifying economic hardship or an emergent circumstance. A qualifying economic hardship entails “new, unexpected circumstances beyond control,” such as:

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if the student is not at fault)
• Large increases in tuition or living costs
• A substantial decrease in the relative value of currency the student depends upon to pay expenses
• Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for a student’s sources of financial support
• Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance
• Other substantial, unexpected expenses

Emergent circumstances are defined as “world events that affect a specific group of F-1 students and which causes them to suffer severe economic hardship, including, but not limited to natural disasters, wars and military conflicts, national or international financial crises.”

To apply for an off-campus job, contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to approve the reason and recommend off-campus employment as the first part of the application process. It’s important to know that you cannot begin working while your application is still being processed so apply early to start when you receive an offer of employment. If approved, you may work 20 hours per week.

CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) was designed for students to engage in real-world experiences within the field they are studying in like an internship or practicum with a partnering employer. Unlike other employment categories, CPT can be full-time, with no weekly hour limit. You can also have more than one CPT authorization at the same time. To qualify for CPT, you must have completed one full academic year, unless you’re a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT. Once you’ve finished a year or more of full-time CPT, you are officially ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) refers to temporary jobs relating to your field of study which is eligible students can receive up to 12 months. To qualify for Optional Practical Training, your school will need to endorse your application and submitted to the USCIS. There are two subcategories within OPT, which include:

Pre-completion OPT – Available once you have completed one full academic year at a US college or university. You can work up to 20 hours a week when school is in session or full-time when it is not.

Post-completion OPT – Available after completing your studies. Those who are authorized for post-completion OPT can work either part-time or full-time.

For those interested in joining both pre-completion and post-completion OPT, the 12-month maximum work period is divided between the two. If you participated in 9 months of pre-completion OPT during your time as a student, you can only participate in 3 months of post-completion OPT after you graduate. 

Interested in Studying in the United States?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Complete US International Student Checklist

1. Plan Finances

About a year before you start the student visa process in the United States, you want to make sure this is the right move for you. This starts by making sure you have all the needed documents and determine if you are financially equipped for studying in the US. In most cases, foreign students studying abroad in the US pay more tuition than US citizens. This is the time to consider applying for scholarships, financial aid assistance, or working part-time while studying!

2. Acceptance Letter, Apply for Visa, Gather Documents

After applying to your school of choice and recieving an enrollment letter, ask your university about the process of issuing your I-20 form. This document reflects information about your enrollment and terms of study in your US university or college. Next, apply for your US student visa! We encourage those students to start this process around 10 months before moving to the United States as the visa application can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 8 months to process. After applying for the study visa, you will need to attend an immigration interview. There are a few documents that you should gather BEFORE your immigration interview. Those documents include:

• Valid Passport
• Form DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Application Fee Receipt
• Photo of Yourself
• Student Visa Certificate

It’s a good idea to scan and save your documents, including copies of your credit cards and travel documents, but carry the hard copies with you. Additional supporting documents may be requested from the college university you are going to! There is no such thing as too many supporting documents. Any proof you have to support your student visa approval and school acceptance will help secure your travel plans.

Related Article: Secrets to a Successful Immigration Interview

3. Health Insurance, Plan Accommodations

Once you’ve successfully completed your immigration interview, it’s a great time to apply for health insurance and plans for living accommodations. If you’re attending a US college, you can choose between on-campus accommodation in dorms or off-campus accommodation in a private home. Many international students prefer student housing, at least to start with. It’s an easy way to make friends, and you can’t beat the proximity to your classes and the dining hall. If you’re living off-campus, be prepared to pay a deposit upfront, and expect that your utilities, like gas and water, will be extra. To study abroad, you will need to have health insurance. You can contact an insurance company directly or ask your agent for help. Many colleges and universities have specific rules regarding insurance coverage, so make sure you check with the international student office for all relevant information.

4. Pay Tuition, Set Up Banking

You’ll probably use a checking account to do most of your daily banking, including paying your bills. If you’re receiving financial aid, it will most likely come as a check or be directly deposited into your account. It can be difficult, however, for non-US residents to open a bank account, especially online. While some banks have different requirements, you’ll probably be asked for proof of ID and your source of income, your address, and your Social Security Number (or Taxpayer Identification Number). Ask your university’s admission officer or international student office for bank transfer details.

Tips For Your Move

• Do online research to find out more about your residential area and the college campus you are attending
• Find out where the closest supermarkets, clothing stores, and public transportation facilities are
• To track expenses between friends you could use apps like Venmo
• Scan all your important documents and save them in your email or save your documents in a Dropbox or your Google Drive
• Make sure that you have a list of all the contact information you need
• Write down the mailing addresses and telephone numbers in a separate notepad

Employment Options for International Students

To secure extra funds throughout their studies, many international students decide to work part-time while studying. Students on an F-1 Visa have the option to work on-campus the first year of studies, and then take paid off-campus jobs after the year is up! You can do this through a couple of different options including:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• On-Campus Employment
• Off-Campus Employment

Learn more about your employment options as an international student here!

Do You Need Help With Your Study Visa Processing?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Since the ICE made an announcement about international students in the US facing possible deportation because of coronavirus online course transition, many students are unsettled trying to figure out there next step and how to get around this policy.

On July 6th, ICE stated that international students who fall under specific categories “may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States” and “the U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States.”

Luckily there are some options that these individuals should look into if they have been impacted before returning to their home country!

International Student Options

Adjusting Status

B-2 Status: The best option for international students that are affected would be to apply for a change of status to a B-2 status for up to 6 months. This is a great choice for those that endure hardship regarding travel to their home country.

Marriage: Maybe you are in a relationship with a US citizen! International students looking to marry their American significant other soon can adjust their status to a marriage-based green card to stay in the US.

Work: It’s also important to look into other visa alternatives such as work permits. If individuals receive a work permit while in the US, they can stay and take classes with the work permit being the primary reason for being in the United States.

Withdrawal/Leave of Absence

Another option is to ask for early withdrawal or leave of absence from the course of studies, following with leaving the US immediately. Those taking this path should contact the DSO (Designated School Official) of the school. The student can then look into continuing/finishing studies in another country outside the US, perhaps Canada!

Getting in Trouble With ICE

It’s a good thing to know that you can contest the ICE if you are facing deportation with a removal hearing. Contesting deportation means appearing in front of a judge in court through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to ultimately receive removal relief.

Are you an International Student Needing Immigration Help?

If you find yourself affected by this announcement and need legal assistance, contact VisaPlace today. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Did you know there are more than 1 million international students living and studying in the United States? As Coronavirus started affecting the nation, many universities quickly transitioned from in-person classes to online-only learning to avoid the possible spread of COVID-19. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Monday, July 6th that many of these international students may be impacted by this change.

ICE stated that international students who fall under specific categories “may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States” and “the U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States.”

Sometimes immigrating to study to the US can be challenging due to strict policies, one of these policies includes prohibiting students to come and taker online-only courses. Although some may have the chance to transfer to a school that is offering in-person courses or hybrid schedule, this announcement leaves many international students and universities scrambling to find a solution.

Challenges to Law by Universities

Not only are students upset by this announcement, so are universities. Schools including Harvard, the University of California, and MIT have decided to sue the ICE to stop the new ruling last Wednesday afternoon.

Harvard and MIT stated “By all appearances, ICE’s decision reflects an effort by the federal government to force universities to reopen in-person classes, which would require housing students in densely packed residential halls, notwithstanding the universities’ judgment that it is neither safe nor educationally advisable to do so, and to force such a reopening when neither the students nor the universities have sufficient time to react to or address the additional risks to the health and safety of their communities”

These schools and students are actively fighting against the ruling and will continue so many students aren’t forced to leave the United States.

Do You Need Immigration Assistance?

If you find yourself affected by this announcement and need legal assistance, contact VisaPlace today. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Thankfully the United States has a program that allows International Students to stay in the US after graduation for a certain amount of time.

Optional Practicing Training (OPT) for International Students

The OPT is a program that allows eligible students to receive up to 12 months or 1 year of work for students holding F-1 Visas. It allows International Students to stay in the United States for up to a year after graduation to give them time to look for US employment.

How to Qualify for OPT

There are several requirements in order to qualify for Optional Practicing Training:

• be in full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year
• be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their diploma
• be completing their program of study at US college or university
• be physically present in the United States at the time of the application to USCIS
• NOT have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time doesn’t count)

When to Apply for the OPT

If you qualify for the OPT then you may wonder when you should apply for the Optional Practicing Training. You can start applying for the OPT up to 90 days before and 60 days after your graduation date.

How to Apply for the OPT

Step 1

Review the OPT requirements to make sure you qualify before applying

Step 2

Request that your Designated School Official (DSO) at your college or university recommend the OPT. Your DSO will file your recommendation by endorsing your Form 1-20 (Certification of Elibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

Step 3

File the Form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS.

Step 4

Add the required fees and supporting documents to the application.

OPT Processing Time

The USCIS estimated processing time for OPT applications is between 2.5 and 5 months.

News Update on the OPT for International Students 2020

Most recently during May 2020 the United States released that they may suspend the OPT program.

“Suspending or ending OPT makes no practical sense — it solves no problem, it reduces the quality of America’s higher education system, and it threatens the international exchange of ideas so vital to academic freedom,”

Julie Schmid, executive director of the American Association of University Professors.

The OPT has not been suspended yet but we will update this page if the United States does end up suspending the OPT in 2020.

I’ve always dreamed of attending school in the US. I want to eventually graduate with a medical degree but I wanted to start my collegiate career at a school with a strong pre-medical program. Even though I knew that I wanted to study in the US, I didn’t know how to achieve my dreams. I decided to apply for several US schools. I was really excited when I received three acceptances, including one from my dream school!  I contacted VisaPlace because I was hoping that they could help me understand the student visa application. They helped me apply for the F-1 visa and now I am finishing up my first year of college! I am really thankful to the VisaPlace team for helping me achieve my dreams.

Name: Huian

Date of Consultation: June 2017

Turnaround: 3 months

Type of Visa: F-1 US Student Visa

Background:

Huian was a talented student in China and wanted to pursue a medical degree in the United States. She applied for several universities that offered strong pre-medical programs and was accepted to three universities. She then decided which she wanted to attend before reaching out to VisaPlace for help with her application. The United States encourages talented students to study at its universities. Since Huian had already been accepted to a university, she needed help understanding her F-1 visa requirements and completing the application.

Immigration Situation:

In order for Huian to study in the United States, she would need an F-1 visa. Since Huian had already been accepted to her university, she had met the first F-1 requirement of being accepted at a US university. Her university would act as the sponsoring institution when she applied for her visa. Because Huian was living in a country where English was not the primary language spoken, she needed to demonstrate that she was proficient in English. Students are responsible for school fees and Huian would need to prove that she would be able to afford her institution. Once she completed her application, Huian would need to attend an interview at a nearby consulate to discuss her case.

Solution:

After receiving her acceptance, she had to register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. After she registered, her university provided her with an I-20 form. Huian held on to this form and presented it to the interviewer at her visa interview. After receiving her I-20, Huian needed to apply for her F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in her home country. She filed form DS-160, after reviewing its contents with a VisaPlace employee, and paid the visa application fee. She took an English language test to prove her English skills. Huian and her parents worked with VisaPlace to demonstrate that they would be able to meet the financial requirements of Huian’s school. Huian was nervous about her consulate interview and worked with a team member to practice her interview. This helped her to present herself as confident and prepared during her interview.

Outcome:

Huian was granted an F-1 visa and was able to travel to the US to attend her program. She has been studying in the US for a year and is excited to continue her studies over the next three years.

Are You Interested in Studying in the US?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help

Can International Students Work in the US?

Working part time while studying in USA on student visa: F1 visa holders cannot accept off-campus employment at anytime during the first year of their studies. Under certain circumstances, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year of study.

Can International Students Volunteer in the US?

You may volunteer while you study in the United States, but you must maintain your nonimmigrant student status by complying with Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.

Can International Students Vote in the US?

Only American citizens can legally vote in elections for federal offices, like President or Congress. However, you may be able to vote on elections for student government on your campus.

Can International Students in the US Travel to Canada?

Yes, however, It is not advisable for international students on F or J visas to travel to Canada to obtain a new visa stamp from a United States Consulate. Only in your home country will you be able to apply for your visa stamp to reenter the US.

Can International Students Travel Inside the US Without an I-20 Form?

Yes, an F1 Visa holder can fly to anywhere inside the US without an I-20 form but there are several conditions in order to stay out of trouble. Make sure you have your driver’s license or a Temporary Resident card with you. Always keep your student ID and passport with you. If you are traveling inside the US by road, you don’t need those unless you are driving yourself. You will need a valid driver’s license to travel on your own vehicle.

Can International Students Get Internships in the US?

For F1 visa students, if you are already in the States studying on an F-1 visa, you typically can take part in an unpaid internship or an internship on your campus without having to jump through hoops or fill out additional paperwork – though there may be limitations on when and how many hours you can work.

Can International Students in the US Recieve Scholarships?

The Fulbright Program supplies full scholarships in USA for international students who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarships can also be awarded for non-degree postgraduate studies. The grant covers tuition fee, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.

Do You Want to Be an International Student in the US?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.