Understanding your options is the first step toward achieving your goals in the U.S. Non-immigrant visas are designed for people who want to come to the United States for a specific, temporary purpose, whether it’s for work, study, or travel. While they don’t grant permanent residency, they can be a great way to start a new chapter and gain valuable experience.
Visas for students: the F-1 visa
If your dream is to study at a U.S. college or university, the F-1 visa is your primary pathway. This visa is for full-time students enrolled in academic programs. To qualify, you’ll need to be accepted by a U.S. institution and have a Form I-20, which is your Certificate of Eligibility. This form shows you have been accepted into a program certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The F-1 visa also offers possibilities for work authorization through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows for temporary employment directly related to your studies, while OPT offers a chance to work in your field of study for a period after graduation.
We recommend that you see: Understanding the different types of immigration relief in the United States
Visas for workers and victims: the H-1B and T visas
The H-1B visa is a popular choice for professionals with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. This visa is for “specialty occupations,” which are jobs that require highly specialized knowledge. It’s unique because it’s “dual-intent,” meaning you can hold this visa while also pursuing a Green Card. The H-1B process is typically sponsored by a U.S. employer, and the number of visas issued each year is limited by a cap, making it highly competitive.
For individuals who have been victims of human trafficking, the T visa offers a humanitarian pathway. This non-immigrant status allows victims to remain in the U.S. and receive protection. To be eligible, a person must be a victim of a severe form of human trafficking and must have cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, unless they are under 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma. The T visa provides legal status, a work permit, and a path to a Green Card after a period of time.
If you are a victim of human trafficking, know that there is hope for you. Contact us to know if you are eligible for T visa. Your story matters to us.
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