Student and Visitor Visa Attorneys

B-1 classification is generally used for temporary business activities, while B-2 classification is generally used for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and other temporary personal travel. A visa does not determine the authorized period of stay; U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines admission and the authorized stay when the traveler enters the United States. Certain visitors may request an extension or change of status before their authorized stay expires, but approval is not guaranteed and the applicant must continue to satisfy the applicable requirements.

The J-1 classification is available to participants in approved exchange programs, including certain students, trainees, interns, teachers, professors, research scholars, physicians, specialists, camp counselors, au pairs, and other exchange visitors. The participant must be accepted into a program administered by a designated sponsor.Some J-1 exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home-country physical-presence requirement because of government funding, graduate medical education or training, or an applicable skills-list basis. The requirement does not apply to every J-1 participant, and a waiver may be available in qualifying circumstances.

F-1 classification permits qualifying international students to pursue a full course of academic study at an approved U.S. school, college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or language-training program. Students must maintain their status and comply with school, enrollment, employment, and reporting requirements.Certain F-1 students may qualify for curricular practical training or up to 12 months of optional practical training directly related to their field of study. Eligible graduates with qualifying STEM degrees may seek a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employment authorization is subject to specific requirements and is not automatically granted upon graduation.

The Visa Waiver Program permits eligible citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or qualifying business activities for stays of up to 90 days without first obtaining a visitor visa. Travelers generally must obtain ESTA authorization and satisfy passport and program requirements before travel.Admission under the Visa Waiver Program is limited. Travelers generally cannot extend their stay or change to another immigration status after admission, except in narrow circumstances provided by law. The program is therefore not appropriate for someone who plans to study, work, or remain in the United States beyond the authorized visit.