F-1 | Student Visa

Yes, you may work in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, but only for short periods of time as your visa is for students and not workers. You are allowed to work part-time on campus while school is in session and full time during breaks.  If you want to work outside of campus, you have two options:

• Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) – Designed for when working is part of your institution’s curriculum. You have to complete the practical training in order to graduate. This training or practical work must be in your field of study and must be approved by your Designated School Official (DSO).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Designed for students to get practical experience working in their field here in the U.S. You can start your OPT before or after graduation, but the maximum amount you can work is 12 months. Your work must be related to your field of study. If you are in a STEM-related subject, you can file for an OPT extension of another 24 months.

Yes, there is a $510 filing fee. If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

• Pay your filing fee online
• Check the status of your case
• Receive notifications and case updates
• View personalized case completion date estimates
• Respond to requests for evidence
• Manage your contact information, including updating your address

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.