USA Visa Services
Don't just dream it, Visa it
Nettree Solutions doesn’t just process paperwork, we process potential. We see the genius in your hustle, the brilliance in your bloodshot eyes, and the magic waiting to burst from your fingertips.
Tailored TN Solutions for Unwavering Support
We combine the passion for global talent with the precision of meticulous TN expertise and sponsorship.
Background Check Support
We assist with background checks through certified companies.
Streamlined Green Card filing
We understand the pitfalls of Green Card applications, proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities to increase your odds of success.
CPT/OPT with Expert Guidance
CPT and OPT empower F-1 students to build careers through academic training procedures.
Work Permit Assistance with Nettree Solutions
Nettree Solutions offers expertise in H1B transfer, sponsorship, filing, and work permit assistance.
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NetTree Solutions-Key Facts
Our dedication to the success of our candidates is what sets us apart.
Professional Assistance with Part-time Jobs
F-1 students are prohibited from participating in off-campus employment. However, they are eligible for on-campus employment, subject to specific conditions and limitations. Subsequent to the completion of the initial academic year, F-1 students have the opportunity to engage in three distinct forms of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
- An option for F-1 students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- Available for students to acquire work experience either before or after completing their studies.
- (STEM) Extension for Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- An extension allowing further practical training for F-1 students in STEM fields.
For M-1 students, practical training is permissible only upon completion of their studies. Off-campus employment opportunities for both F-1 and M-1 students must directly align with their field of study and necessitate prior authorization from the Designated School Official (the individual overseeing the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)) and USCIS.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Students in the F-1 Visa Program
F-1 students engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT), comprising temporary employment directly aligned with their academic discipline. Eligible individuals may submit an application for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization, either preceding or following the culmination of their academic studies (pre-completion and post-completion, respectively). However, the aggregate duration of pre-completion OPT periods will diminish the available time frame for post-completion OPT.
All Optional Practical Training (OPT) must be pertinent to the student’s major field of study. Students have the opportunity to engage in OPT in two distinct manners:
- Pre-completion OPT: F-1 students are eligible to seek participation in pre-completion OPT after completing one full academic year. Those authorized for pre-completion OPT are required to work part-time during the academic term and may engage in full-time employment during school breaks.
- Post-completion OPT: F-1 students can apply for post-completion OPT upon finishing their academic studies. Individuals authorized for post-completion OPT may work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.
Note : Students are allowed to partake in OPT both before and after concluding their studies. However, any periods of pre-completion OPT will be subtracted from the overall duration of post-completion OPT.
Extension of Optional Practical Training for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Students who have attained degrees in specific disciplines within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have the opportunity to request a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization provided they meet the following criteria :-
- They are an F-1 student who has obtained a STEM degree listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- They are engaged in employment with an employer registered in E-Verify.
- They were initially granted post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.
If you wish to pursue a STEM OPT extension, kindly refer to our page on Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) for comprehensive details.
Submitting an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Typically, to initiate the OPT application process, you are required to:
Solicit a recommendation for OPT from your designated school official (DSO) at your educational institution. The DSO will provide this recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20 and recording the requisite notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), ensuring proper inclusion of the prescribed fee and the requisite supporting documentation as stipulated in the instructions accompanying the form.
Type of Degree | Application Process |
---|---|
STEM Degree | Pre-completion OPT
Initial post-completion OPT
Post-completion STEM OPT extension
|
Other Fields of Study | Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
|
Extending the Penalty Period for F-1 Students Holding Approved H-1B Petition
If you are an F-1 student who has timely submitted an H-1B petition along with a change of status request, and your F-1 status and employment authorization are scheduled to expire prior to the effective date of the H-1B status transition, typically occurring on October 1st, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension.STEM OPT: Extension of Practical Training for Students
- Eligibility for the Extension of Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)
- Procedure for Applying for an Extension of Optional Practical Training in a STEM Field
- Post-Receipt Protocols Following the Approval of a STEM OPT Extension
- Responsibilities of Employers in the Context of STEM OPT
- Hold a valid period of OPT and have received a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency, which is also certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time of submitting the STEM OPT extension application.
- If currently engaged in a 12-month post-completion OPT based on a non-STEM degree, F-1 students may qualify to utilize a prior STEM degree obtained from a U.S. institution of higher education for a STEM OPT extension. Both degrees must be from accredited and SEVP-certified institutions, and no previous STEM OPT extension should have been granted based on the earlier degree. Additionally, the practical training opportunity must directly correspond to the previously earned STEM degree.
- Upon enrolling in a new academic program and obtaining another qualifying STEM degree at an advanced educational level in the future, individuals may be eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
STEM OPT Extension Application Assistance
Proper Filing Procedures:- Initiate the extension application process by meticulously adhering to the prescribed filing procedures.
- Ensure that all required documents and forms are compiled in accordance with the guidelines provided by the relevant authorities.
- Emphasize accuracy and completeness in the preparation and submission of your extension application.
- Thoroughly review all documents and forms to avoid any discrepancies or omissions that may impede the processing of your request.
- File your extension application within the specified timeframe to meet the designated deadlines.
- Adhering to the prescribed schedule is crucial for a seamless and timely processing of your extension request.
- Demonstrate your commitment to compliance by following the correct filing protocols outlined by the authorities.
- Complying with established procedures reflects positively on your application and ensures a smoother processing experience.
- Thoroughly review the official instructions provided by the relevant authorities.
- Familiarize yourself with the checklist associated with the extension application process to guarantee the inclusion of all necessary elements.
- Legal name
- Residential or mailing address
- Email address
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s address
- Enroll in E-Verify and maintain good standing.
- Report any significant changes in the STEM OPT student’s employment to the Designated School Official (DSO) within 5 business days.
- Establish a formal training program to enhance the student’s academic learning through practical experience.
- Provide an OPT opportunity in line with the duties, hours, and compensation of similarly positioned U.S. workers.
- Complete Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, and attest to having adequate resources and trained personnel for the student’s proper training.
- Confirm that the student will not replace any full- or part-time, temporary, or permanent U.S. worker and that their work contributes to achieving their training objectives.
- Be aware that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may conduct site visits to verify compliance with STEM OPT program requirements, ensuring the maintenance of the capacity and resources necessary for providing structured and guided work-based learning experiences for the STEM OPT student.
OPT Students and the 24-Month Extension: A Navigational Guide
The 24-month STEM OPT extension offers F-1 students in designated STEM fields an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the US beyond the standard 12 months. However, navigating the application process and understanding your options can be confusing. This guide aims to clarify the different scenarios and guidelines for OPT students with a focus on the 24-month extension.Eligibility:- Must be an F-1 student with a STEM degree from a US institution on the designated list.
- Employed by an E-Verify registered employer in a field related to their STEM degree.
- Currently in a valid period of post-completion OPT.
- Application deadline: 60 days before your OPT expires.
- Automatic 180-day extension: Granted if application filed on time and OPT expires while pending.
Scenario | Status | Renewal Choice | Guidelines |
---|---|---|---|
Active OPT, No Extension Yet | Valid OPT period | Apply for 24-month extension | File Form I-765 within 60 days of OPT expiration. Pay filing fee and gather required documents |
Active OPT, Pending Extension | Pending application | Maintain employment & status | Remain employed with E-Verify employer. Inform employer if OPT expires before adjudication. 180-day extension applies. |
OPT Expired, Extension Pending | Expired OPT, valid 180-day extension | Maintain employment & status | Remain employed with E-Verify employer. Inform the employer if extension is denied before 180 days end. Seek alternative status options. |
Active OPT, Don't Want Extension | Valid OPT period | No action required | OPT remains valid until expiration. Seek other status options after that. |
Active OPT, Want to Leave US Temporarily | Valid OPT period | Re-entry permit | Apply for Form I-131 before departing. Must return before OPT expires. |
We provide additional assistance in the forms of,
- Consulting with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
- Keeping copies of all documents and track application deadlines.
- Remaining proactive and informing you about any new OPT and immigration policies.
Immigrant Visas (Permanent Residence or “Green Card”)
Overview:- Attain permanent resident status (or a “Green Card”) through immigrant visas.
- Allows foreign nationals to permanently reside, work, and travel in the United States.
- Accompanying spouses and unmarried children under age 21 usually obtain green cards simultaneously.
- Eligible for citizenship application after three to five years of maintaining permanent resident status.
- Expedited green card process for individuals with “Extraordinary” or “Exceptional” Ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and those holding advanced degrees.
- Allows U.S. employers to facilitate green card acquisition based on the unavailability of U.S. workers.
- Investor’s Visa for qualified investors investing $500,000 to $1,000,000 in a U.S. business.
- Religious Worker green card for ministers, priests, and ordained religious persons sponsored by a congregation.
- Family-Based Sponsorship for U.S. citizens to sponsor spouses, parents, adult children, and siblings for permanent residence.
- Distributes 55,000 green cards annually through a lottery for nationals of designated countries.
Non-Immigrant (Temporary) Visas
H-1B Visas
Duration and Flexibility:- Valid for a maximum of six years.
- Allows changes of employer and simultaneous work for multiple employers.
- Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or substantial professional work experience.
TN Visas
Similarity to H-1B:- Similar to H-1B, available only to Canadian and Mexican nationals.
- Valid for one year, renewable indefinitely.
L-1 – Intra-Company Transferee Visas
Employee Transfers:- Allows managers, executives, or individuals with “highly-specialized knowledge” to be transferred to a U.S. branch or affiliate for up to seven years.
E-1/E-2 – Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor Visas
Eligibility Criteria:- Traders and investors, along with qualified employees, may enter under the E category.
- Requires a national from a country with a commercial treaty with the U.S.
- Visas can be extended indefinitely.
J-1 – Exchange Visitor Visa
Diverse Eligibility:- Open to various individuals, including foreign students, au pairs, scholars, doctors, and business trainees.
- Participants must engage in U.S. government-approved programs for experience, study, or research.
F-1 – Student Visa
Educational Opportunities:- Eligible for foreign nationals accepted by U.S. colleges or universities.
- Valid for the duration of the applicant’s course of study.
O Visa:
- O visa for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
P Visa :
- P visa for entertainers and athletes not meeting O visa criteria.
B-1 – Business Visitors
- Business-Related Visits: For individuals with a business-related reason to visit the United States.
- Length of Stay: Up to 1 year.
B-2 – Tourist Visas
- Temporary Vacation Stay: Allows foreign nationals to travel and vacation temporarily in the U.S.
- No Employment Involvement: Length of stay may be up to one year, with no employment involvement.
Other Non-Immigrant Visas
K-1 – Fiancee Visas:
- Issued to individuals planning to marry a U.S. citizen while outside the country.
- The visa allows 90 days from entry to marry, with no extensions permitted.
- Conversion to a Green Card is necessary after marriage.
H-2B Non-Agricultural Visas:
- Designed for nonagricultural workers with temporary employment needs in the U.S.
- Requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer and skills matching the job.
- Petitioners must demonstrate the unavailability of qualified American workers.
H-3 Training Visas:
- Available for foreign nationals seeking participation in training programs not offered in their home country.
- Allows a stay of up to 2 years and necessitates a U.S. sponsor.
I – Information Media Visas:
- Issued to representatives of information media.
- Typically granted for one year and renewable indefinitely.
R – Religious Worker Visas:
- For professionals in religious roles within a bona fide religious organization.
- Requires a demonstration of at least two years of prior religious work.
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