For many students around the world, studying in America is the opportunity of a lifetime. However, students entering the United States to study must be sure to follow certain guidelines in order to continue to pursue their education stateside. The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates is available to guide prospective or current students through any legal issue that may prevent them from pursuing their education in the United States.

Below Is A List And Explanation Of The Student Visa Categories That May Be Available To You

F Visa

This category of visa is open to students who wish to come to the United States temporarily to study full time and intend to depart the US once the course of study is finished. Under certain circumstances, the student may engage in employment and practical training. Finally, the student may also transfer schools the pertinent regulations are followed.

The Out of Status Problem

Problems may arise when the student falls out of status. This may occur when the student is not pursuing a full course of study, transfers schools without permission, fails to complete a full course of study in time and cannot procure an extension, or is out of status and subject to deportation. If the government has revoked or challenged your F status, or you think that you may have possible compliance issues in the future, please call the attorneys at The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates for a consultation and explanation of the options and solutions available to you.

M Visa

The M visa is similar to the F visa, except that it is issued to students enrolling to study at a vocational and technical school. Additionally, M visa holders are only permitted in the country for a specific period of time in most situations. Finally, students in the M visa category are not permitted to engage in employment on or off campus. However, an M visa holder is permitted to engage in optional practical training.

J Visa

J visas were intended to promote cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. This visa applies not only to students, but also to professors, scholars, researchers, specialists, visitors, camp counselors and camp visitors and au pairs. J visa holders may engage in a trainee or internship program for up to 18 months. J visa holders must return to their home country for at least two years absent a waiver. Waivers are available for a variety of reasons, including waivers for international medical graduates who will practice in undeserved regions of the United States.

H–3 Visa

This visa category is available to invitees of international organizations that wish to teach or instruct the visa holder in skills not designed to eventually provide productive employment. Hospital interns and nurses may also qualify for H–3 visas under certain circumstances.

Studying in the United States is a dream and a goal for many students and graduates around the world. The lawyers of the Law Firm of Shihab and Associates stand ready to advise and defend the rights of international students