F-1 Visa

Desmond Du

Last edited 128 days ago by Desmond Du

F-1 Visa FAQs

Can I freelance on a F1-visa?

Yes with work authorization (OPT,dCPT, Stem Extension, H1B) to perform any work.

Can I remain in the US if my F-1 visa status has expired?

The F-1 visa is a document required for entry into the United States. Once you are in the United States your status is dependent on your maintaining the F-1 status with a valid SEVIS Record. The SEVIS Record is reflected in your printed Form I-20.

Therefore you may remain in the United States with an expired F-1 visa as long as you continue to maintain your F-1 student status. We will update your SEVIS Record when you complete your program of study to reflect your program end date and your Post-Completion requested dates which will reflect your continued F-1 status.

You may continue to remain in the USA after your F-1 student visa expires. You will need to apply for a visa renewal the next time you travel after your visa expires.

— Mindy Ward, Senior ISSO Adviser (DSO)

Work Authorization

Volunteering during OPT

Hey all, if you are graduating and concerned about accumulating 90 days or more of OPT unemployment which cause a violation of your F-1 status, my friend and SCAD Alumni Ginger Tontaveetongruns runs a volunteer program at ASIFA-South which counts for OPT:
https://www.asifa-south.com/volunteer⁠
⁠

If you are not getting a response, then email volunteer@asifa-south.com

Visa

Past events

H-1B info session with immigration attorney Roz Hall, Feb 3, 2023

Immigration attorney Roz Hall will explore every step of the H-1B visa, from eligibility to filing to changes in employment and more.

For those who missed the session, here is the recording:

https://scad.zoom.us/rec/play/glnF026QiE9_NNDapNHV964UQlbqj7tBqfQQTbsLye1c38IzID3XUU-vUrixSn6ztSFBksZeRmAD9zST.Pu0uoHeHD31Eadd9?startTime=1675441972000&_x_zm_rtaid=8fbQC_fpRfuzX3RllCxEUg.1675552098016.5e4450b9fc4fc7a95bb7d3d5ab8279e8&_x_zm_rhtaid=511⁠

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STEM Extension

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How to add 2nd employer for STEM Extension

Eligibility: Check if E-Verified, etc.

Upload your new Form I-983 to the STEM Participation Report E-form > Change of Employer in your

ISSO portal⁠

. It should not require a final evaluation so you will skip that part of the e-form. After you complete and submit the STEM Participation Report e-form it will go into the DSO queue and they will review it in 3-5 business days and advise you on the next steps.

Notify DSO: Report new employment to your DSO: Hello [NAME], I have started a new position with [New Employer's Name], while continuing my employment with [First Employer's Name].

Compliance

Work Hours: Maintain a minimum of 20 hours per week across both jobs.

...

Employment

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Situation you may have to navigate through

You have been approached by a company for a job opportunity, but they seem to have limited knowledge about the international hiring process. The decision-maker is likely to be someone from HR or Legal who may have a better understanding of the process. Despite receiving several positive signals that you are an exceptional candidate, it is crucial to keep your expectations realistic. Typically, due to visa-related challenges, the company may offer you a contract-based work arrangement instead of a permanent position.

Thoughts

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It’s important to differentiate between staying in the US and working for US-based companies (eg. for better opportunities, pay, culture, type of work)

Consider a Digital Nomad Visa in 53 countries:

https://citizenremote.com/⁠

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