FAQ

L1 processing time varies:

• USCIS petition: 2-4 months (regular) or 15 days (premium processing - $2,500)
• Consulate processing: 1-4 weeks after petition approval
• Blanket L1: Direct consulate processing, 1-2 weeks

Total time: Typically 3-6 months from filing to visa in hand. Premium processing recommended for faster processing.

No, F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S.:

• F-2 spouses and children are not authorized to work
• F-2 children can attend school (K-12)
• F-2 spouses can study part-time but cannot work
• To work, F-2 spouse must change to F-1 or other work-authorized status

Exception: F-2 children can attend public school, but F-2 spouse cannot work even part-time.

After F-1 program ends, you have a 60-day grace period to:

• Prepare to depart the U.S.
• Transfer to another school
• Change to another status (H-1B, etc.)
• Start OPT (if approved)

During grace period:

• Cannot work (unless on approved OPT)
• Can travel within U.S.
• Must leave before 60 days expire

Grace period starts from program end date or OPT end date, whichever is later.

Generally no, F-1 requires full-time enrollment:

• Undergraduates: Minimum 12 credit hours per semester
• Graduates: Minimum 9 credit hours per semester
• Exceptions: Final semester (can be part-time if only few credits needed), medical issues (with DSO approval), academic difficulties (first year only)

Summer: Can be part-time if not required term. Always consult DSO before reducing course load.

If you fail to maintain F-1 status:

• Your F-1 status is terminated
• You become out of status (unlawful presence)
• Must leave U.S. immediately or reinstatement may be possible
• May face 3 or 10-year bar if unlawful presence exceeds 180 days

Reinstatement: May be possible if violation was due to circumstances beyond your control, you are pursuing full course of study, and have not worked illegally. Consult DSO immediately.

Yes, your spouse and children can come on F-2 visa:

• Each family member needs separate F-2 visa
• F-2 dependents can live with you in U.S.
• F-2 children can attend school (K-12)
• F-2 spouses cannot work but can study part-time
• Must show sufficient funds to support family

Requirements: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of relationship, financial documents.

F-1 Visa (Academic Student):

• For academic programs (universities, colleges, high schools)
• Can work on OPT after graduation
• Can transfer between schools
• More flexible work options

M-1 Visa (Vocational Student):

• For vocational/non-academic programs (technical schools, trade schools)
• Limited work options (practical training only)
• More restrictive than F-1
• Shorter duration typically

Yes, you can transfer schools on F-1:

• Must be accepted to new school
• New school issues new I-20
• Must transfer SEVIS record within 60 days
• Can transfer during semester or between semesters
• Must maintain F-1 status throughout

Process: Get acceptance, request transfer from current DSO, new DSO issues I-20, update SEVIS. No need for new visa if current visa is valid.

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) tracks F-1 students:

• Maintains electronic records of all F-1 students
• Tracks enrollment status, address changes, employment
• DSO updates SEVIS for all status changes
• Required for visa issuance and status maintenance

SEVIS Fee: $350 (one-time, paid before visa interview). Must be paid and show receipt at visa interview.

Yes, F-1 students can work on-campus:

• Up to 20 hours/week during school term
• Full-time during breaks (summer, winter)
• Must be enrolled full-time
• Work must be on school premises or for school-affiliated organization
• No special authorization needed (but inform DSO)

Types: Library, cafeteria, research assistant, teaching assistant, etc. On-campus work doesn't count toward OPT time.

I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility):

• Document issued by school (DSO)
• Shows you're eligible for F-1 status
• Required for F-1 visa application
• Must be valid and current to maintain F-1 status
• Can have multiple I-20s (if transferring schools)

F-1 Visa Stamp:

• Sticker in passport from U.S. consulate
• Allows you to enter U.S.
• Can expire while F-1 status remains valid
• Need valid visa to re-enter after travel

To apply for H4 EAD:

• File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• Must be eligible (H-1B spouse has approved I-140 or in 7th year extension)
• Include supporting documents (I-797 approval, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Processing time: 3-5 months
• Fee: $410 (as of 2024)

Requirements: Valid H-4 status, H-1B spouse's I-140 approved or in 7th year extension based on I-140.

No, H4 children cannot work in the U.S.:

• H4 children can attend school
• H4 children cannot get EAD (only H4 spouses are eligible)
• To work, H4 children must change to another status (F-1, H-1B, etc.)
• H4 children can study on H4 status

Note: H4 EAD is only available to H4 spouses, not children. Children must pursue their own work authorization.

If H4 EAD expires:

• You must stop working immediately
• Can renew EAD if still eligible (file I-765 before expiration)
• Can continue working 180 days past expiration if renewal filed on time
• If not renewed, must stop working until new EAD approved

Important: File renewal 6 months before expiration. Working with expired EAD is illegal and can result in removal.

Yes, H4 EAD allows you to work for any employer:

• Not tied to specific employer (unlike H-1B)
• Can work full-time or part-time
• Can work in any field (not restricted to specialty occupation)
• Can change employers freely
• Can be self-employed or start business

Benefits: More flexibility than H-1B, can pursue any career, no employer sponsorship needed.