Temporary or Non-Immigrant Visas There are as many reasons as there are visas to come to the United States. We can help you secure the right one for you based on your specific needs. Crime Victims (U Visa) A person who has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of certain crimes may obtain a U visa if he or she has cooperated, is cooperating, or is willing to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. In Transit Visas (C Transit Visas) C visa is available to persons in immediate and continuous transit through the U.S. ( e.g., crewmen joining a ship, businessmen/women traveling from Ecuador to Canada through the U.S.) Diplomats (A Visas) Available to foreign governments officials, their employees, and family members recognized by the U.S. coming on official business. On-Board Crewmen/Woman (D visas) Available to people serving in good faith in any capacity required for normal operating and service on board a vessel (crewman), crewman trainees, and employees of owners or concessionaires. Student/Academic (F-1 Visas) Available to students pursuing full-time, non-vocational academic programs at post-secondary institutions who are qualified to pursue such programs. For how long is my F-1 visa status valid? A student in F-1 status is granted duration of status (“D/S”), meaning he/she maintains the F-1 student status as long as he/she is enrolled in the program full-time. Absent prior permission by the school and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the student must be enrolled at school full-time in order to maintain the F-1 status. Can I work under an F-1 visa? CPT Program: An F-1 student may work pursuant to a curricular practical training (CPT) program during school years. OPT Program: An F-1 student may also work pursuant to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program while in school or after graduation for up to one year unless the student is studying as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program, in which case she or he may receive 29 months of OPT. Attention: Any OPT period used during school years is subtracted from the maximum one-year opt period. OPT must be completed within 14 months of the completion of the study. How Long Can I Stay in the U.S. After My Study Program Is Completed or I Complete My OPT?: An F-1 student is given a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S. immediately following either completion of study or OPT. Can I change my F-1 visa status?: A person in F-1 status may change status to H-1B (or another status) during the 60-day grace period. Foreign Government Employees (G Visas): G visas are for representatives of foreign governments and international organizations and their employees and family members. Media/Journalists (I-1 Visas): Available to members of the foreign press or the media seeking to enter the U.S. solely for non-commercial vocational purposes. I visa holders are admitted for the duration of status (D/S) and may extend their stay as long as they continue to pursue their vocational activities in the U.S. Vocational Students (M-1 Visas): The person seeking to pursue non-academic vocational study at post-secondary vocational/business schools may be eligible for M-1 visas (e.g., cooking school). The maximum period is typically 18 months. M-1 visa holders may not change their status to another non-immigrant status. NATO Employee Family Members (N Visas): Available to parents and children of G-4s and NATO employees afforded special immigrant status under INA §101(a)(27)(I) or (L) if the child is given the visa during the time s/he is under 21. Tourism (B-1/B-2 Visitor’s Visas): Available to visitors coming to the U.S. for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). B-1 business visitor visas are for a short duration and must not involve local employment. Visa Waiver Program: Nationals of certain countries may also be eligible for a visa waiver to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without the need to obtain a visa at the U.S. consulate before seeking entry (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Taiwan). Victims of Human Trafficking (T Visa): A person who has been subject to severe forms of trafficking in persons (the use of force, fraud, or coercion for sex trafficking and/or involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery). Witnesses/Informers (S Visa): Available to persons who assisted the U.S. federal or state government by providing information essential to the success of an authorized criminal investigation or prosecution. DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT VISAS? CONTACT US TODAY! Our firm provides personalized attention to our clients and will handle your case with care and professionalism. Schedule a consultation through our website or by calling our office at 818.322.6540.