F1 Student Visa Process
Tanya Freedman, CEO Connetics USA Nursing Recruitment Agency: I'm thinking of coming to the United States to study on a student visa, can you explain what an F1 is, and an OPT?
Atty. Anshu Anand: Sure. So an F1 is a student visa that allows you to come to the United States and study in a degree-seeking program, the process is pretty straightforward, you just need to reach out to well, first you need to find the program that you're interested in, and then apply to the school and the school was an issue you what's called an I-20. And then with that I-20, along with a few additional documentation, you will then make an appointment with the US Embassy for an F1 visa, you will then come to the US on the f1 visa, you will go to your school, and pursue your program.
Once you finish your program, every school that's accredited will allow what the USCIS allows for F1 students once they finish the program to engage in what's called OPT - optional practical training and that's the ability to be able to work in your field after you graduate.
The good news there is if you are, you know seeking to permanently you know, reside in the US, what I tend to see is a lot of students will get on their OPT, and then they will find an employer that's willing to sponsor them for a green card. And so that's kind of the pathway that a lot of students take is that they come here they study, they get their degree, and then they pursue OPT. And while they're pursuing their OPT and working, then the sponsor can then file for their green card. And you know, and then move forward from there.
Tanya: Okay, thank you for clarifying that. At Connetics USA, we have many students that we've got green cards for. Mike, do you want something to add something to that?
Atty. Michael Hammond: Going back to the visa bulletin that was put up earlier, if you are an individual from India or China, the path of coming as a student is available to you. And the path of getting OPT is available too. But the path of staying while waiting for Green Card sponsorship is not available to you, because the line is too long. So the fact that the hospital that you work for on your OPT sponsors you for a green card, all they can sponsor you for is the first stage which is referred to as the I-140. And then you would have to go home and wait in the queue. And it's obviously so long that it would be I find it would be very unlikely that anyone does that. So that path works great for any country other than India and China.