FAQ – F1 Students and M1 Students

F1 and M1 Students - FAQ

(1) Can an international student work on campus?

Yes. An international student may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

If an F-1 student wants to work off-campus, he or she may do so after his or her first academic year. M-1 students, however, can only engage in practical training after completing their course of study.

There are three types of employment F-1 students can engage in after their first year.

(3) I am on a visitor visa ( B1/B2 visa). Can I change my status to an F1 or M1 visa?

Yes. To be eligible to do so you must meet the criteria listed below:

    • You must have been lawfully admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant status;
    • Your nonimmigrant status must remain valid;
      You must not have violated the conditions of your status; and
    • You must not have committed any crimes or engaged in any other actions that would make you ineligible for a change of status.

If you meet these conditions, to change your status you have to file an application with the USCIS. Additionally, when filing the application, you must:

      • Apply to and receive acceptance from a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
      • Obtain an initial Form I-20 from the SEVP-certified school.
      • Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
      • File Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.

(4) I already filed a change of status(COS) from B1/B2 to F1 before my current visa expired, but my change of status application is still pending within 30 Days of My F-1 Program Start Date. Do I need to file an extension of my B1/B2 status?

No. You may have to request that your DSO defer the F-1 program start date to the following academic term or semester. If your COS application is approved, your change of status to F-1 will be effective as of the date of approval. You are not required to maintain your B1/B2 status all the way up to the date that is 30 days before your program start date (“bridge the gap”), provided that your nonimmigrant status is unexpired at the time of filing the COS to F-1 application, and you otherwise remain eligible for a change of status.

(2) Can an international student obtain a work permit due to Severe Economic hardship?

Yes. If international students experience severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond their control, they may be able to request authorization for employment. For details, please visit :

How can an F1 student get work off-campus due to Extreme Hardship? 

(5) I already filed a change of status from B1/B2 to M1 before my current visa expired, but my change of status application is still pending within 30 Days of My F-1 Program Start Date. Do I need to file an extension of my B1/B2 status?

Yes. If your current nonimmigrant status, such as B1/B2, will expire more than 30 days before your M-1 program start date and you wish to remain in the United States until your start date, you must find a way to maintain or obtain status all the way up to the date that is 30 days before your program start date (“bridge the gap”). If you do not file this separate request before your status expires, USCIS will deny your Form I-539 request to change to M-1 status.

Note that because of processing times, you may have to request that your DSO defer the M-1 program start date to the following term or semester because USCIS did not make a decision on your Form I-539 change of status application before your originally intended M-1 program start date. In that instance, you will need to obtain status all the way up to the date which is 30 days before your new program start date. If you had already filed an I-539 to bridge the original gap, you may need to file another I-539 to bridge the new gap.

(6) My current B1/B2 visa already expired. Can I change my status to F1 or M1?

USCIS may approve your change of status to an F1 or M1 if you meet certain requirements and file a Nunc pro tunc extension of B1/B2 status.

Related Important Information for Student Visas and Student Status

 

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Assessing Eligibility: Our skilled attorneys and paralegals will evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the various options available to bring your family members to the United States. We talk in different languages for your comfort like English, Bangla, Hindi & Urdu.
Document Preparation: We assist you in gathering the required documentation, ensuring that all forms and supporting evidence are accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner.
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Communication and Representation: We communicate with relevant immigration authorities on your behalf, responding to any requests for additional evidence or interviews, and providing legal representation throughout the proceedings.

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After the visa is approved, we offer guidance on the next steps, including adjustment of status or consular processing, to help your family members smoothly transition to life in the United States.

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At Mehran Law, We understand the importance of keeping families together, no matter where they come from. Our dedicated team of experienced immigration attorneys and paralegals will be navigating the complex process of USA family visas, ensuring that you can bring your loved ones closer to you.

Immigration Law can vary from person to person and also be very complex. You should always contact an experienced immigration attorney before filing a petition or making a decision. Contact us at 470-800-9213 or [email protected] for a free consultation.