As an international student attending a college or university in the United States, you may find that your graduation date is right around the corner. While you may be excited to start a new chapter of your life, understanding what will happen to your F-1 visa after graduation is imperative. The following blog explores what you can expect and what options a New York immigration lawyer can help you explore if you wish to remain in the United States after your college years pass.
What Will Happen to My F-1 Visa After Graduation?
Following your graduation, your F-1 visa will expire after 90 days. Generally, this three-month period is in place so those who graduate from United States colleges and institutions can apply for and obtain a job in the country with their newfound degree.
You should also know that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a practical training program for students, meaning you can extend your visa for up to one year if you are enrolled in this post-completion practical training program. Additionally, depending on your field of study, you may be granted an additional 12 months.
If you would like to remain for an additional year while obtaining practical training, you should speak to the internal student office of your college or university. They can provide further information. However, if you wish to apply for a post-study work permit, you may want to consult an attorney who can provide legal advice compared to the college department which can likely only provide you with the necessary forms to file.
If I’m an International Student and Want to Remain in the US, What Can I Do?
As an international student, you may panic if you are not eligible for the post-completion program. However, before you start packing your bags to go to your home country, you should explore alternative options to remain in the United States. On top of pursuing employment-based visas, you may be able to apply for a green card.
If this represents your circumstances, you would have to apply for a change of status. However, this process can take, at minimum, months to go through, meaning you should begin filing your petition for an adjustment of status as soon as possible.
You should also connect with an experienced attorney who can help you through this process. Unfortunately, if you make errors during the application process, this can delay your results. As such, your status as a lawful non-permanent resident may change when your F-1 visa expires following graduation. However, working with an attorney can help ensure you go through this process as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid further delays.
At the Law Office of Jason A. Dennis, we understand how overwhelming these changing times can be. Not only are you celebrating an achievement like graduating, but you must also worry about what will come next. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with our experienced team to learn how we can help you through these matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can guide you through these complex matters so you can focus on your accomplishments as a student.
