The F-1 visa is the most common visa granted to international students and remains valid until the student completes their academic degree. The visa allows the student to work on-campus, and in certain situations with authorization from USCIS, even off-campus. The F-1 visa permits students to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) post graduation, allowing them to stay in the country for a maximum of 12 months and work in the field he/she graduated in. The F-1 lets the student stay in the USA for upto 60 days after they complete their studies and training. After this, the student must apply for a work visa or the well-known H1-B visa to continue working in the field they studied in. Their employer must file paperwork for the same.

The requirements for the F-1 student visa:

1. Valid passport with a validity date that extends to 6 months after completion of your degree

2. Recent passport size photograph

3. Confirmation page of DS-160

4. Form I-20

5. Payment of Application fees for SEVIS

6. Application as a non-immigrant

7. Additional University requirements

Permanent residency (or Green card) prerequisites

There are 4 main categories under which an immigrant can be given the status of permanent residency (or green card status):

1. Through a family relationship where the petitioner is a US Citizen or permanent resident

2. Employment Sponsorship

3. Diversity Immigrants

4. Refugees & Asylees

One can apply for US Citizenship three or five years after the date of acquiring permanent residency, as long as they are not otherwise ineligible.

The task of applying for a student visa can be daunting and overwhelming. Get in touch with our experts for help at each step of the process!
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