Student Visa Attorney

F-1 Visa Attorney

It’s tough being an international student. Aside from the high ‘out-of-state’ tuition fees, there are many new rules on unlawful presence, violating OPT status, and increased scrutiny on students who utilize CPT.

So what’s the bottom line? Students have to be very, very careful!

A student visa lawyer can be a huge help in navigating the treacherous waters of immigration law.

At Bashyam Global Immigration Law Group, our immigration lawyers specialize in student visas. We can provide legal advice on obtaining an F-1 student visa or maintaining status while studying in the United States.

All students should have the chance to achieve their dreams of graduating from a college or university in the US. Contact our team for a free consultation to get started.

Multi-ethnic group of Latin American college students smiling at the university campus and looking at the camera - student visa concepts

What is a Student Visa?

A student visa is a nonimmigrant, temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to pursue educational studies in the United States. The F-1 student visa is the most commonly used student visa. It enables students to study at an accredited college or university in the US for the duration of their educational program. It’s important to note that if you are entering the U.S. as a student for the first time, you will be required to obtain an F-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate in your home country.. There are other types of student visas, like the J-1 Exchange Visa for foreign exchange students or the M Visa for vocational students.

Why Do You Need an Attorney For a Student Visa?

Obtaining a student visa can be an incredibly complicated process. It requires extensive paperwork, documentation, and in-depth knowledge of US immigration laws and procedures. Additionally, there are very strict requirements that foreign students must meet to qualify for a visa. If one of those requirements fails to be completed, it could mean the denial of your student visa application.

Because of this, we highly recommend seeking the help of a Student Visa Attorney. Our staff has successfully helped F-1 students, so we can assist you with your visa application.

What Qualities Should You Look For When Choosing an F1 Visa Lawyer?

When searching for a lawyer, always seek one with expertise in immigration law and a track record of success. Ensure they are a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and have a reputation for providing excellent customer service. You deserve to have an experienced immigration lawyer guide you through this complex process.

study abroad concept. student girl holding backpack, book, notebook, passport isolated on a dark grey background, copy space, immigration, student visas

How Can Our Student Visa Lawyers Help You?

Our student visa lawyers can assist in the following areas:

  • Advising and guiding you through the student visa application process.
  • Assisting with gathering all necessary documents for the visa application.
  • Reviewing and evaluating your qualifications for a student visa.
  • Answering any questions and addressing any concerns you may have.
  • Offering post-approval assistance with Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), change in programs, maintaining F-1 status etc.
  • Providing legal advice on student visa-related issues and long-term immigration strategies.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or an experienced student looking for assistance navigating the complexities of American immigration law, our Student Visa Attorneys are here to help in every way possible.

What are the Rules & Requirements for an F1 Visa?

As stated previously, acquiring a student visa is a rigorous process. It can be done smoothly with the right resources and help. The rules and requirements for an F1 visa include the following:

  • The applicant must be accepted full-time in an accredited college or university in the US.
  • An official I-20 from the institution must be provided.
  • A valid passport and evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs associated with your studies must be provided.
  • The applicant must prove that they are a student with no intention of abandoning the course of study and returning to the country of origin.• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover all expenses while studying in the US is also required.
  • In most cases, an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate will be required.

These are just some of the basic requirements for an F1 visa. However, there could be other criteria that must be met depending on your circumstances. Our experienced Student Visa Attorneys can help you determine which requirements apply to your specific case and provide assistance with the entire process of obtaining a student visa.

Rear view of a woman at the airport holding a passport with a boarding pass as she walks to her departure gate with an F1 visa

What is the F1 Visa Application Process?

Obtaining an F1 student visa can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right resources and assistance, it doesn’t have to be.

  1. Get Accepted to a School

The first step in obtaining an F1 visa is to be officially accepted into a US school. A “school” can include universities, colleges, or language schools. Once you have been accepted, the institution will provide you with an official acceptance letter, which is required for your visa application.

  1. I-20 Form

The school you are accepted to will also provide you with an I-20 form. This form is a legal document that states the type and length of the program you will be studying and other important information, such as estimated tuition and living expenses. The I-20 form must be completed and signed by both you and the school before your visa application can be processed.

  1. DS-160 Visa Application

The next step is to fill out and submit the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-160, form. The DS-160 is an online form the US government uses to collect information about applicants seeking a nonimmigrant visa. It requires you to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, passport number, and other personal information. Once completed, you will be given a confirmation number which must be presented when scheduling your visa interview.

  1. Visa Interview

You must then interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country to apply for your F1 visa. During the interview, you will be asked why you are studying in the US and your intentions while in the country. You will also need to present your passport, I-20 form, DS-160 confirmation number, and other relevant documents at this time.

If all goes well during the interview and all necessary documents are presented, you will be issued an F1 visa. You can then use this visa to enter the US and begin your studies.

It is important to note that you must have all of your documents in order before applying for a student visa. Our experienced student visa attorneys can provide you with assistance and resources throughout the process.

What Can You Do With Your F1 Visa?

Once you have your F1 visa, you can study in the US for the duration of your program. You may also be eligible to work both on and off campus while studying in the US through on-campus programs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

STEM OPT F-1 Students

F-1 students who enroll in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs are considered STEM students.  Students who graduate from STEM programs can apply for a two-year extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT).  That means in addition to an F-1 student’s initial one-year OPT, a STEM graduate can get an additional two-years, for a total of three-years.  During this time, companies can apply for an F-1 student’s H-1B visa application or pursue other applicable visas, such as O-1 etc., so the student can remain in the U.S. and work past their OPT expiration date in another visa status.

A young woman watches the Statue of Liberty, from the Staten Island Ferry, traveling with an F1 visa

Navigate the Student Visa Process with Bashyam Global

Our student visa attorneys are here to assist you every step of the way. We can ensure that all documentation is in order, provide guidance and advice on how best to prepare for any required interviews, and answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process. Contact us online or call us at 919-833-0840 today to schedule a consultation with us. We are here to answer all questions and help you meet your educational goals.

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