F-1 Student Visa
This is a non-immigrant visa category that allows foreign students to enter into the US to study in high schools, colleges, conservatories, universities and language institutions. The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of study, including the grace period. It is possible to transfer from one learning institution to another or even swap academic programs as long as the alterations are reported to the USCIS, the F-1 visa issuing authority. The F-1 visa holder may travel in an out of the country or may choose to stay in the country till completion of their studies.
Eligibility factors for an F-1 Student Visa
The applicant for the F-1 student visa must be coming to pursue and academic program in the United States in an institution accredited and recognized by the United States Government. The applicant must have a legitimate educational purpose and be a full time student. The applicant can stay in the United States for the duration of his or her studies. This visa type can be applied at the American embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of permanent residence.
Working on F-1 Student Visa:
Students holding the F-1 visa may work on campus for the duration that they will be enrolled in school. They may also apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to enable them gain work experience in their area of study at the same time they are full time students. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is also an option available to the students holding the F-1 visa. This allows F-1 student visa holders to be full time employees once they complete their degrees. Let us look at Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in detail:
a) Optional Practical Training
Optional practical training (OPT) is a common approach to working in the United States for international students. The F-1 students are allowed to work in the US for up to one year after graduation under this program. The OPT can be applied for by students through the international student advisor before completing their studies.
Requirements to apply for OPT
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Form I-538
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Copy of form I-20 endorsed by academic advisor
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Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
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$100 processing fee paid to the INS
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2 green card-style photos
b) Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
This is an employment authorization available for F-1 student visa holders if the employment is part of the academic program pursued by the applicant. The CPT is approved by the International Student Office.
How to Apply for a CPT
Applicants are required to submit the following documents to the International Student office:
Eligibility
Students eligible for CPT should:
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Be full academic students for a minimum one academic year
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Already have a job offer from the employer company
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The employment is part of the academic program
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The job type is in accordance with the field of study
The CPT has no time restriction. However, applicants that utilize the CPT for over a year will no longer be eligible to apply for OPT