US Visas

There are different categories of US visas. A brief description of the visas is given below:

1.Student visas F1, M1 and J1

Student visas are issued for the period it takes the visitor to complete his/her course of study,program or
work assignment. Non-immigrant student visas can be categorized as F-1 visa, M-1visa and J-1 Visa.

F1-Visa

F1 visa is for students qualified to attend full time college, university etc. in the United States. Inorder to
be qualified for getting an F1, you must be accepted by a recognized university in a fulltime capacity,
must also prove the sufficient financial support during this stay in United States.Except for the training
required by the course an F-1 holder cannot work.

a. CPT - Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Issued to students currently enrolled on a full-time basis at an approved educational institution to

obtain work experience in their field of study.

The student usually receives academic credit for this training. CPT is granted by the university and the
student's USCIS Form I-20 is endorsed with the dates the student is eligible to work, as well as the
number of hours per week. A student with CPT must present an original Form I-20 indicating CPT
approval to an intended employer before employment may lawfully commence.

b. OPT –Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Issued to students who wish to work in their field of study but are not going to work as part oftheir
academic program.

OPT is granted for a maximum of 12 months throughout the student's academic career. Students can
work during their vacations or during the school year, or save OPT to be used after graduation. If working
during the school year, the student is only permitted to work 20 hours a week. If used after graduation,
OPT must be completed within 14 months of graduation. For OPT eligibility, the student must apply with
USCIS for an EAD card (Form I-688B – Employment Authorization Document). The F-1 OPT employment
cannot begin until actually receiving the EAD card in hand from the USCIS. (Upon approval, USCIS will
mail this card directly to theapplicant.)
How do I convert my F1 visa to a H1-B visa?

Once you find a suitable job and employer who can sponsor your H1B visa, you can convert F1to H1
status can start working based on that H1B visa for the that employer.

Can I get the H1B stamp in USA itself?

No, first time H1B stamp can only be done in your home country.

M1 Visa

M1 visa is for students attending vocational courses.

J1 Visa

J1 visa is an "exchange program" in which one might obtain a legal status to work in the UnitedStates if
he/she is a doctor, scientist, researcher, university professor or teacher, and has beenaccepted by an
exchange program. In order to be qualified for J-1 sponsorship, the program youhave been accepted for
must be approved by the United States Information Agency.

The spouse of the J-1 can also be allowed to work in the United States, only when approved bythe INS.
Check out the details with your program sponsor beforehand.

*** We don’t work with M1 and J1 visas.

2.Green Card

The green card (Alien Registration Receipt Card) is obtained upon the approval of the immigrant visa or
the adjustment of status. This permanent residency can be obtained throughFamily Sponsorship, Labor
Certification through an employer in the U.S., by National InterestWaiver, or other special category for
persons of Extraordinary Ability or the Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa). With a green card, the
applicant can work legally in the U.S. and it is proof oflawful residence within the U.S