• WHAT IS F-1/F-2 VISA？

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to foreign students who are enrolled in full-time academic programs in the United States. Students can attend various educational institutions in the US, such as private primary schools, middle schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, theological seminaries, music schools, and language training institutions. The spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of F-1 visa holders can apply for F-2 dependent visas to accompany the F-1 visa holder to the US.

• ADVANTAGES OF F-1/F-2 STATUS:

1. The F-1 status remains valid as long as the student continues to meet the requirements of the program and maintains their student status.
2. Children under the age of 21 who are dependents of F-1 visa holders may be eligible to attend public schools in the US free of charge, subject to local school district policies and
3. The spouse of an F-1 visa holder may accompany them to the US and live with them under the F-2 dependent status.
4. F-1 visa holders have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• J-1/J-2 TRANSFER TO F-1/F-2

Common J-1 visa holders include exchange students, visiting scholars, interns, and participants in reciprocal exchange programs, among others. Many students, even before or during their program, wish to change their status to F-1 for further studies in the US. The J-2 visa is the dependent visa category for spouses of J-1 visa holders.

• B-1/B-2 TRANSFER TO F-1/F-2

The B-1/B-2 visa is a short-term US business and tourist visa, valid for 10 years, allowing multiple entries within the validity period. Each entry allows a maximum stay of up to 6 months in the US. However, after a change of status to F-1, one can stay in the US continuously.

• L-1/L-2 TRANSFER TO F-1/F-2

The L-1/L-2 visa is suitable for various Chinese enterprises, especially multinational corporations, that need to deploy or transfer employees with managerial experience or specialized skills to work in the United States. Chinese companies need to establish a subsidiary or branch in the US. Employees being sent to work in the US can use either the L-1A or L-1B visa. The L-1A visa is issued to managers or executives going to work in the US, with a maximum stay of up to 7 years. The L-1B visa is issued to specialized knowledge professionals, with a maximum stay of up to 5 years. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of L-1 visa holders can apply for L-2 visas to accompany them to the US. The spouse of an L-1 visa holder is eligible to work in the US, and children can enjoy the benefits of free education in the US.

• H-1B/H-4 TRANSFER TO F-1/F-2

The H-1B visa is the primary work visa category in the United States and is issued to foreign nationals with specialized skills who are employed by US companies. It is a non-immigrant visa category. H-1B visa holders are allowed to work in the US for an initial period of 3 years, which can be extended for an additional 3 years, totaling a maximum of 6 years. After the 6-year period, if the visa holder’s status has not been changed, they must leave the United States (in certain cases, extensions may be possible beyond the 6-year limit). The H-4 visa is the dependent visa category for spouses of H-1B visa holders. Spouses holding H-4 visas are allowed to accompany the primary H-1B visa holder to the US but are not authorized to work in the country.

• WHAT IS B-1/B-2 VISA？

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is primarily intended for individuals engaging in short-term business (B-1) or tourism/leisure activities (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is issued to individuals traveling to the US for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings in the fields of science, education, or business, negotiating contracts, or handling property matters. The B-2 visa is issued to individuals traveling to the US for leisure purposes, including tourism, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, or engaging in social or service-related activities.

• J-1/J-2 TRANSFER TO B-2

If a J-1 visa holder wishes to stay in the US for a few months after completing their program, they can potentially apply for a change of status to B-2 tourist status. The B-2 visa is typically granted for a maximum duration of six months per entry. However, the actual duration of stay granted is determined by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. It is possible to request an extension of the B-2 status while in the US, which may allow for an additional six-month stay. However, approval of the extension is at the discretion of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and meeting the eligibility criteria and providing sufficient evidence for the extension is essential.

• L-1/L-2 TRANSFER TO B-2

If an L-1/L-2 visa holder is unable to continue working for various reasons during their stay in the US, it is possible to apply for a change of status to B-2 tourist status. The B-2 visa allows for temporary tourism and leisure activities in the US.

• H1-B/H-4 TRANSFER TO B-2

If an H-1B/H-4 visa holder becomes unemployed and is unable to continue their employment in the US, it is possible to apply for a change of status to B-2 tourist status. The B-2 visa allows for temporary tourism and leisure activities in the US.

• B-1/B-2 EXTENSION

After entering the US on a B-1/B-2 business/tourist visa, it is possible to apply for an extension for up to six months in specific circumstances. The extension application is best submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no later than 45 days before the expiration of the Form I-94, and it should not exceed the departure date indicated on the I-94.

• APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE-BASED GREEN CARD IN THE UNITED STATES

If you are currently in the United States and your spouse is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident (also known as a green card holder), you may be eligible to apply for a green card directly within the United States through a process called adjustment of status.

• APPLY FOR F-1/M-1 VISA OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

1. F-1 VISA (If you wish to study at a school recognized by the US government)
2. M-1 VISA(If you wish to enroll in non-academic or vocational programs)

• APPLY FOR B-1/B-2 VISA OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

The B-1/B-2 visa is primarily intended for individuals engaging in short-term business (B-1) or tourism/leisure activities (B-2).

• APPLY FOR K-1 VISA OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

The K-1 visa, also known as the Fiancé(e) visa, is a non-immigrant visa category designed for United States citizens to apply for their foreign fiancé(e). This visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married to the US petitioner.

• APPLY FOR FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION VISAS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

1.US citizens can apply to sponsor their spouse and children under 21 years of age (CR-1 or IR-1)
2.US citizens can apply to sponsor their married children who are 21 years of age or older (F3)
3.US citizens can apply to sponsor their Unmarried Adult Children for immigration to the United States (F1)
4.US citizens can apply to sponsor their parents for immigration to the United States (IR-5)
5.US citizens can apply to sponsor their siblings for immigration to the United States (F4)
6.US Permanent Resident can apply to sponsor their spouse and children
under 21 years of age for immigration to the United States (F2A)
7.US Permanent Resident can apply to sponsor their Unmarried Adult Children for immigration to the United States (F2B)