What are the different types of visas available for studying in America? Visa expert Dr Arun Vakil is here to clear up all the doubts you may have regarding working as a student in the US.
In a chat with Get Ahead readers on April 10, Dr Vakil explained all about F1, J1 and M1 are student visas, as well as the H1 work visa. Here's a sample question from the chat:
"Will anyone really care if I work a few hours more than I'm supposed to while studying?"
Dr Arun Vakil answers, "Good question. Employer records are checked by the Foreign Student Officer, and if there is any discrepancy, a report goes to Immigration Services. The employer has added responsibility to be honest and fair within US immigration laws. Employers are punished severely if they violate laws in giving unauthorized employment and lower wages."
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Part I -- Can I work while studying in the US?
For those who missed the chat, here's part two of the transcript.
prakash asked, Hello Sir, I was on H1B from Jan 2004-Dec 2006.My visa Status has been changed from H1B - L1A before 4 months of my H1B Expiration IS is possible for me to get back to H1B or Extend my H1B by any chance? thanks
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Constant changing from H to L and back to H is not common unless you can prove strong reasons for it.
ggg asked, My appl has been approved for H1b on July 2006 and till now My client has not told me to go for stamping. Eventhough once he told me to go on this month, later he told me to cancel the appointment. Will it affect H1b approval
Dr Arun Vakil answers, This is a dubious situation. Look for a better employer.
zee asked, i repost my earlier question- i am US born but not living in the US. afer completing my education do i need any special document or visa like work visa to go to US and find work? plz help!!
Dr Arun Vakil answers, If you are a US citizen with a US passport, and want to work there, get on a plane and go look for a job there.
Anirban Ganguly asked, Sir, I am Anirban from IIT Kharagpur. I am having valid H1B visa . I went to USA in last October to Ohio for one competetion and recvd best poster awrd over there. If I want top go for post doctoral research (presently I am in PhD in Polymers here) in USA, can these visa and award help me out?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, You have to get an F1 visa for post-doctoral study. Your achievement will be a plus when a visa officer is considering giving you an F1.
armina asked, hello.i am going to US ( San Francisco) next month on L2. my husband visa is H1. v are going for 1 year. is it possible for me to study there for one year?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, On an L2, you can study and take courses, but not a full-time degree course.
adf asked,
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Yes, of course.
sm asked,
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Only if your visa is approved by the USCIS in the US will you get a Notice of Approval, and then you qualify for an interview.
ashwin asked, Dear Sir, I wish to apply for an F-1 Visa.whats the procedure?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Visit my website www.arunvakil4usvisas.com for details. The VFS website www.vfs-usa.co.in also gives the desired information.
sam asked,
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Yes, such a hold-up situation occurs sometimes. Either you have to enroll yourself in another study program until you get your H1B, or return home.
kushal asked, Hello Sir, I plan to go to US in spring session. Is it true that it is difficult to get visa in spring compared to Fall. Also will i be eligible for summer internship after 1 sem in US. Plz reply.
Dr Arun Vakil answers, The visa policy is the same for both semesters. Summer internship depends upon the nature of your course work. You should avoid taking it until you finish your degree program.
nelson asked, I am on a students visa in Australia. I am doing master of professional accounting. Is there a possibility of obtaining a visa in th US which allows me to work without restrictionsa and if yes what visa is it? how do i apply for the same?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Only if the H1B visa is petitioned for you in the US by a prospective employer and approved by the US Department of Labor and the USCIS, will you be able to apply for an H1B and work in the US for a maximum of six years.
vimal asked, hello, am a civil engineer. i want to work in US and the mean while DO my MBA also. isit possible
Dr Arun Vakil answers, You cannot work while you study full-time, except on campus for 20 hours per week.
Rudra asked, Is it leigally possible to work (off-campus) for a person who is doing there post doctoral work?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Off-campus work is allowed only if it is related to your course of study.
varun asked, Hi, Does work experience help in getting part time jobs while studying? If not, will it atleast help after completing my MS?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Work experience will help secure a job after you get your degree, if your field of study and experience gained are the same.
sm asked, any book to prepare for a visa interview ?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, GATEWAY TO AMERICA, which I had the privilege to author.
Kini asked, Is it legal to study part time/online, while being on a work visa?
Dr Arun Vakil answers, If you do not violate the conditions of your work visa, you can study online.
deepak asked, Can u tell the chances of gettin a part time job in
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Depends on the university size and requirements. Part time jobs involve working in the library, in the cafeteria, in the on-campus cybercafe, gardening, in the parking lot (as attendants), cleaning the campus etc.
Isaac asked, The visa interview requires of the candidate to show the proof of funds to pay for the fees and meet the living expenses. If I want to get this "Affidavit of Sponsorship" from a relative in the states what is the format of the affidavit and what is the procedure
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Form I-134 is to be filled by the sponsor. Visit www.uscis.org and look for the forms.
rakesh_29 asked,
Dr Arun Vakil answers, Discuss it with your Foreign Student Advisor and get an okay from the USCIS.
radhakrishnan asked,
Dr Arun Vakil answers, F1, J1 and M1 are student visas. H1 is a work visa. F1 is a full-time study visa, J1 is a conditional study visa by predecided terms, and one has to return to the home country for 2 years after completion of study. M1 is a vocational visa for those in such lines as fashion design, film making, pilot training etc.
Part I -- Can I work while studying in the US?
Dr Arun Vakil has an MBA from the University of California, USA, and a PhD, partly from the University of Wyoming USA and University of Mumbai. He is an expert on US visa regulations. He has authored the book Gateway To America.
