Houston B-1/B-2 Visitor, F-1 Student and Other Visas Lawyer
B-1 Business Visitor
Business visitors may be admitted for the purpose of engaging in business, but not for the purpose of being employed for financial gain while in the U.S.
Business activities that are not employment are permitted. Such activities include, but are not limited to:
- Attending conventions, conferences, and other business-related meetings
- Engaging in commercial transactions that do not involve gainful employment
- Consulting with business associates
- Procuring goods, components, or raw materials for use outside the U.S.
- Participating in litigation
B-2 Tourist
A visitor for pleasure, or tourist, may enter the U.S. with a B-2 visa if he or she will temporarily visit the U.S. for legitimate activities of a recreational character, including but not limited to: tourism; amusement; visits with friends or relatives; medical treatment and social events.
F-1 Student
A person seeking a full course of study at a designated school may receive a visa. The spouse and children (under 21 years of age) of a student may be granted lawful status in the U.S. (F-2 visa).
In some cases, work authorization is available for students:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - This type of employment is part of the student's school curriculum which may include internships, cooperative education, and any other type of program offered by employers in association with the school.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) - OPT is a type of employment related to the student's major field of study. It is available during the course of study, while on school vacation, and after completion of all degree course requirements or entire course of study.
- On-Campus Employment - This type of employment allows the student to work on campus part-time (not exceeding 20 hours per week).
- Severe Economic Hardship - In some cases, if a student can show severe economic hardship due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the student's control, then employment could be available if they are in good academic standing, continue to carry a full-time course load, and show that on-campus employment is not available or insufficient.
Prior to seeking employment as a student, it is highly recommended that the student first consult with the designated school advisor.
If the student is not complying with the school's curriculum, or is engaged in unauthorized work, it is important to seek legal advice right away. Such acts can ruin the possibility of attaining immigration benefits in the future and puts the student at risk of deportation. In some instances, it is possible to reinstate the student's status to avoid deportation.
M-1 Vocational Students
A person seeking a full course of study at an approved vocational institution may receive a visa. The spouse and unmarried children are granted lawful status (M-2).
Reach out to Salinas Law Firm, at 713.518.1711 or write to us about your difficulty.
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