America is known for having some of the best colleges and universities in the world, so it should come as no surprise that countless international students flock to this country each year. Entering the U.S. to live and study requires a visa, which is not always easy to obtain.
Thankfully, a Charlotte student visa lawyer is here to help. You have the chance to complete this process and continue your education in the United States, and a dedicated immigration attorney could help you make that dream a reality.
Not all student visas are alike. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers three unique options depending on the type of studies a foreign resident hopes to pursue. A lawyer in Charlotte could assist with pursuing any of the following student visas.
The F-1 visa program is the most popular of the three options, as it applies to foreign students pursuing academic degrees. An applicant must be accepted to an accredited college or university located in the United States to qualify. There are some unique options with this program, like the ability to sponsor dependents or to live in a nearby country and commute across the border to go to school each day.
These short-term options are used for cultural exchange programs. They are frequently used for types of medical training but usually expire before an F-1 visa.
The M-1 visa is for vocational training. Anyone pursuing non-academic studies can generally keep this type of visa active until they complete their degree. It may be possible to obtain an extension to pursue vocational training. Outside of school-related training, it is not possible to work in the U.S.
Student visas can keep you in the U.S. for years, but they do not provide a path to citizenship. There is a limited amount of time to stay in the country to complete your studies, and returning home is mandatory once it expires. The good news is that there are options for obtaining an extension if you are unable to complete your degree in the allotted time.
This process differs depending on the program. A student visa lawyer in Charlotte could help you evaluate your options and request more time if needed. For students in the F-1 program, a representative at the school will need to determine if an extension is merited. For foreign residents pursuing vocational training, the only way to get more time is by submitting a request directly to USCIS.
While none of these options provide a path to citizenship, a student could qualify for an employment-based green card if they complete their degree and arrange for employment in the United States. This way, they can remain in the country and seek an adjustment of status.
Adjustment of status is the process of converting from one type of visa to another. It offers the chance to stay in the country and potentially become a lawful permanent resident.
You have the opportunity to continue your education at an institution in the United States, but the process is not always easy. To give yourself the best chance of success, let a Charlotte student visa lawyer advocate on your behalf. Call right away to learn more.
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