International Students (F-1)
Thousands of foreign-born academic students study at universities and training programs across the United States.
If you wish to pursue academic studies in the United States, you may be eligible for “F-1” status.
This page explains how you can obtain an F-1 visa, how you can qualify for a work permit under Optional Practical Training (OPT) and how to change your status from F-1 student to H-1B professional employee, and then to permanent residence in the U.S.
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This page is divided into the following subtopics:
- General Information
- Recent University Graduates
- Employment for University Students
- Guides to Studying in the U.S.
- SEVIS-Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Study in the States (DHS)
- Education USA: Your Guide to U.S. Higher Education (State Department)
- Students and Employment (USCIS)
RECENT UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
Graduation day is approaching and you’ve finally made it. You are about to receive your diploma and go out into the working world. You and your classmates are competing for the best jobs, but you feel at a disadvantage because you are not a U.S. citizen or even a green card holder. How are you supposed to navigate through the strange new world of immigration laws and procedures?
This is a practical guide for foreign-born students about to graduate from universities in the U.S.:
- Practical Training
- Temporary Working Visas: Who is Eligible?
- Procedure to Obtain H-1B Status
- Numerical Limitation
- Family Members
- Duration of H-1B Status
- Applying for Permanent Residence
- Employment-Based Immigration
- What is PERM?
- Alternatives to Labor Certification
- Getting Your Green Card
EMPLOYMENT FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS/GRADUATES
- Optional Practical Training (ICE)
- Extension of OPT Program for Qualified Students (USCIS)
- Optional Practical Training Update (ICE) – (4-23-10)
- Judge Rejects Student Visa Injunction Sought by H-1B Opponents (8-07-08)
- Opponents Challenge OPT Extension Rule in Court (5-31-08)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) Regulations (4-08-08)
- Updates to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training – 30 Pages (4-25-08)
USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status (4-18-08)
- STEM Designated Degree Programs (ICE) – Effective date: April 8, 2008
- OPT Regulations FAQ (USCIS) – (4-04-08)
- USCIS Announces Increase from 12 to 29 Months for OPT for “Certain” Students (4-04-08)
GUIDES TO STUDYING IN THE U.S.
- International Education Service
- Institute of International Education
- International Student Organization
- Kaplan
- Princeton Review
- Embark
- U.S. Journal of Academics




