Pursue Your American Education

F-1 students have several work options with specific restrictions:

On-Campus Employment: Work up to 20 hours/week during school, full-time during breaks. No special authorization needed.

CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internships/co-ops integral to curriculum. Must be enrolled for one academic year first. Part-time or full-time available.

OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months of work authorization in your field of study. Can be used during or after studies. STEM graduates eligible for 24-month extension.

Severe Economic Hardship: Off-campus employment due to unexpected financial changes. Requires USCIS approval.

Important: Unauthorized employment is a serious violation that can result in termination of student status and removal from the United States.

While both allow study in the US, there are key differences:

F-1 Student Visa:

• For academic studies at universities, colleges, high schools, or language programs
• No home residency requirement
• Can potentially change to other visa status more easily
• OPT work authorization available
• Funded privately or through personal funds

J-1 Exchange Visa:

• For cultural exchange programs, research, teaching
• May have 2-year home residency requirement
• Limited work options (Academic Training)
• Often government or institution sponsored
• Subject to 12-month or 24-month bar for repeat participation

Choose F-1 for traditional degree programs; J-1 for exchange programs or when required by sponsor.

Your post-graduation stay depends on your visa type and work authorization:

F-1 Students:

• 60-day grace period: Automatically granted after program completion or OPT ends
• With OPT: 12 months of work authorization, apply up to 90 days before graduation
• STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for qualifying STEM degrees (36 months total)
• During grace period: Can travel domestically, prepare to depart, or change status

J-1 Students:

• 30-day grace period: After program ends
• Academic Training: Up to 18 months (36 months for PhDs)

M-1 Students:

• 30-day grace period: After program completion
• Practical Training: 1 month per 4 months of study (max 6 months)

Plan your next steps early – apply for work authorization or status change before grace period begins.

Yes, you can transfer between SEVP-approved schools while maintaining your status:

F-1 Transfer Process:

• Must be maintaining valid F-1 status
• Notify current school’s DSO of intent to transfer
• Get acceptance from new SEVP-approved school
• Request SEVIS record transfer (specify release date)
• Complete transfer within 5 months of last attendance or OPT end
• Report to new school within 15 days of program start date

Important Considerations:

• Cannot travel internationally during transfer pending period
• New I-20 required from transfer school
• May need new visa if changing education level
• OPT applications affected if transfer during OPT period

J-1 Transfers: More complex, may require sponsor approval and new DS-2019. Some J-1 categories don’t allow transfers.

Falling out of status is serious but may have solutions:

Common Status Violations:

• Unauthorized employment or excessive work hours
• Not maintaining full-time enrollment
• Failure to extend I-20 before expiration
• Not completing course of study by program end date
• Unauthorized drop below full course load

Reinstatement Options (F-1):

• File I-539 for reinstatement if violation was beyond your control
• Must not have been out of status for more than 5 months
• Show you’re pursuing or will pursue full course of study
• Not deportable on other grounds

Alternative Solutions:

• Leave US and re-enter with new I-20 (if visa still valid)
• Apply for new visa from home country
• Change to another status if eligible

Critical: Consult an immigration attorney immediately. Unlawful presence can trigger 3/10-year bars.

Your family has different options depending on the length and purpose of their stay:

F-2 Dependent Visa (for F-1 students):

• For spouse and unmarried children under 21
• Can stay for duration of your F-1 status
• Children can attend K-12 school full-time
• Spouse cannot work but can study part-time
• Must prove financial support for all dependents

J-2 Dependent Visa (for J-1 students):

• Spouse and children under 21
• Can apply for work authorization (EAD)
• Can study without restrictions
• Subject to same 2-year rule if applicable

B-2 Tourist Visa for Visits:

• Parents, siblings, or other relatives
• Maximum 6-month visits
• Cannot work or study
• Good for graduation ceremonies or short visits

Financial Requirements: Must show additional $5,000-8,000 per year for spouse, $3,000-5,000 per child.

Planning your transition from student to work status requires strategic timing:

Common Pathways:

• F-1 → H-1B: Most common for bachelor’s degree holders
• F-1 → O-1: For extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business
• F-1 → TN: For Canadian/Mexican citizens in NAFTA professions
• F-1 → L-1: If worked for company abroad for 1 year
• F-1 → Green Card: Through employer or self-sponsorship (EB-1, EB-2 NIW)

Critical Timeline (H-1B):

• October-November: Find employer willing to sponsor
• March: H-1B registration/lottery
• April-June: File H-1B if selected
• October 1: H-1B start date
• Use OPT/STEM OPT to bridge gap

Cap-Gap Extension: Automatic extension of F-1 status and work authorization if H-1B is pending and current status expires before October 1.

Strategy Tips: Start job search early, prioritize cap-exempt employers (universities, non-profits), consider Day 1 CPT programs if H-1B not selected.