Expanding Your Educational Horizons

At Teplen & Associates, we help foreign nationals apply for and obtain the non-immigrant visas they need to study, train or intern in the United States. To learn more about your student and trainee visa options or to speak with an experienced U.S. immigration lawyer directly, call our New York City office at at 212-401-4040 or contact us online.

Student Visa Options

There are many options available for people who wish to enter the United States for vocational training purposes or academic study in furtherance of a degree:

• The F-1 student visa: The F-1 is the most common student visa. If you've been accepted into an accredited U.S. college or university and your course of study is more than 18 hours per week — you will need this type. This visa is highly flexible and issued on a duration of status so that you can remain as long as you need to complete your education. It is also possible, in specific cases to obtain work permission.
  
  
• The M-1 student visa: If you are planning to pursue non-degree studies or vocational training at an accredited U.S. institution, you will need this type of visa
  
  
• The J-1 and H-3 student visas: If you are interested in being placed in an “exchange visitor” trainee or internship program, or have already been accepted into an "exchange visitor" program ­through a designated sponsoring organization, you will need a J-1 visa (exchange visitor for academic studies) or an H-3 visa (trainee for non-academic studies).
  
  
• The Q-1 student visa: If you will be participating in an approved international cultural exchange program that provides for practical training, employment, and the sharing of history, culture, and traditions of your home country, you may qualify for a Q-1 visa. Q-2 and Q-3 visas may also be options under the Walsh Program.

Most of these visas allow for the individual to study or train in the United States and travel internationally, with little restriction. Typically at the completion of each program, the individual can apply to remain in the U.S. either for professional training or other qualifying applications.

However, in the case of J-1 visa holders, the individual is often required to return to their home country for a two-year period upon completion of their training in the United States. This requirement is based upon agreements between the United States Government and the individual’s home government, as well as an agreement between the individual and the United States Government. Waivers to this limitation are available on a case by case basis.

Attorneys at Teplen & Associates have extensive experience and success in obtaining waivers of the two-year requirement visitors of all types, including foreign medical graduates and scientists, students and trainees.

Guiding the Way to America Since 1983

Spouses and children are eligible to join the primary student or intern. We have a high success rate and provide additional immigration services for obtaining F-2, M-2 and J-2 visas on behalf of the spouses and children of student visitors as well. Further, spouses of J visa holders are eligible to apply for employment authorization.

To learn more, call our offices in New York City at 212-401-4040 or reach us Toll-Free in the U.S. at 866-746-0137. You can also contact us online.