U.S. Capital

Student Visa Issues Are of Great Concern for Many

Oct 23, 2019

Houston, TX (Law Firm Newswire) October 23, 2019 – Under the current administration, the immigration system has been experiencing many changes.

Due to slower population growth, in the United States and other countries, the need for a college-educated workforce grows. However, the number of student visa denials is increasing. Chinese and Middle Eastern students face increased scrutiny. Moreover, the F-2 spouse and child are being denied visas. The current situation places additional hardship on students and their families.

“If you are a student on an F-1 visa, there are several things you must do. For instance, for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) keep it alive at all times and check-in with your designated school official (DSO), particularly during the optional practical training (OPT) period and until you receive an H-1B visa,” outlined respected Houston immigration attorney, Annie Banerjee.

It is taking a long time to get an F visa. The best route to follow is to check with the DSO and ask for a deferred admission if the visa does not look like it may arrive on time. Despite this possible setback, always ensure the SEVIS is active and up-to-date. If the visa does arrive on time, make sure to take the courses on-campus full-time and attend all classes. “Remember to take out health insurance because if you run into a health issue or have a baby, you might face problems with adjustment of status later,” added Banerjee.

Students can observe the following guidelines to ensure the process for visa approval is smooth:

· Do not DUI
· Do not use drugs
· Do not engage in any criminal activity
· Do not accept cash “under the table” or “on the side”
· Do not work for cash
· Do not post politically charged messages on social media
· You can run an internet business located in your home country and may get paid in your home country

There are many common reasons for students losing their F status, such as working without authorization, dropping out of school, unemployment, inappropriate work on OPT or curricular practical training (CPT), falling below a full-time school status, and transferring without having the proper SEVIS requirement.

“Converting from a visitor’s visa to a student visa is not advisable any longer. This is because you would have to remain in the country for 90-days before applying, the denial rate is high, and if you leave the country for any reason, consulates are no longer giving out visas, a situation that would virtually trap you in the United States.”

For those facing student visa and other business immigration issues, contact an experienced and dedicated immigration attorney. It is best to get the right information and stay on the right side of the law.

Law Offices of Annie Banerjee
131 Brooks Street, Suite #300
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Phone: (281) 242-9139

  • Issues for Foreign Students
    Today is 09/11/2019—-18 years from that fatal day when students crashed their planes into the Wall Street Center. This blog will deal with issues that now occurs, under the Trump…
  • CIS’s Delays and Denials
    I am sure that most of you know by now the inordinate processing delays and Request for Evidences in almost every case, no matter what evidence we give the CIS…
  • Fire and ICE
    In 1985 my husband was a Medical Resident at Harvard. In 1992, we became permanent residents of the United States. I went to law school in 92, and became a…