Teraoka & Partners LLP

F-1 VISAS

VISA TYPES

An F-1 visa allows foreign individual to come to the U.S. for the purpose of attending an academic program as a full time student. Once a foreign student is accepted into a sponsoring school and is issued a Form I-20, the student applies for an F-1 visas at a U.S. consulate abroad. Typically, an F-1 student is allowed to remain in the U.S. for the time period required to finish their educational program, as indicated on Form I-20, and there I-94 card received upon entry to the U.S. will be issued with the "D/S" stamp, meaning duration of status.

F-1 Employment
F-1 students may be entitled to work authorization in the form of "practical training" in the field that they have studied. Practical Training can be in the form of (1) Curricular or (2) Optional.

Curricular Practical Training ("CPT")
CPT is issued to F-1 students currently enrolled on a full-time basis at an approved educational institution to obtain work experience in their field of study. CPT is defined as an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Typically, the F-1 student receives academic credit for this training.

Optional Practical Training ("OPT")
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is granted to F-1 students who wish to work in their field of study but are not going to work as part of their academic program. OPT is granted for a maximum of 12 months throughout the student’s academic career. Students can work during their vacations or during the school year, or save OPT to be used after graduation. If working during the school year, the student is only permitted to work 20 hours a week. If used after graduation, OPT must be completed within 14 months of graduation. For OPT eligibility, the student must apply with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services for and Employment Authorization Document.