FAQ's

A Visa allows you to enter and stay in a country for a specific purpose. Status, however, indicates one's legal situation, it is an indication of what a person can do in the country (for example, whether to work or study). The visa allows you entry, while the status defines what you can do upon entry. 

To study in the United States, the first step is to apply to an SEVP-approved school. If accepted, the school will register you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Once registered, the school will issue you a Form I-20. After receiving the Form I-20 and completing SEVIS registration, you can apply for a U.S. visa.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: CPT, OPT, extension OPT. For more information see USCIS - Students and Employment 

F-2 visas are available for the spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of F-1 students. Applicants must apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate and provide proof of their relationship to the F-1 student, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or a birth certificate for children. 

International students on F-1 visas may also be eligible if they have a job or are authorized for work (such as CPT or OPT). 

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows F-1 students to work in jobs related to their studies during their academic program, with approval from their school. OPT (Optional Practical Training) enables students to work in their field of study after graduation, for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates). CPT is tied to the curriculum, while OPT is optional and requires approval from USCIS. 

DOCE offers exceptional consulting and immigration services for individuals seeking to achieve their professional goals in the United States. Our specialized team simplifies the complexities of the immigration process while serving as a bridge between individuals and their aspirations.