Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer to a new school or change my academic level?
Transfer schools or change your academic level without risking your F-1 or J-1 status by following the correct SEVIS transfer process.
What is the J-1 Specialist category?
Find out who qualifies for the J-1 Specialist category, eligible activities, program limits, and how the one-year maximum stay works.
Can my J-2 spouse work in the U.S.?
See how a J-2 spouse can apply for work authorization, when employment can begin, and the rules for working legally in the U.S.
How do I report scams?
Report scams quickly by contacting your school, bank, law enforcement, and federal agencies to protect your identity, finances, and immigration status.
Can I travel to Canada or Mexico during my grace period and return to complete my departure?
Know how travel to Canada or Mexico affects your F-1 or J-1 grace period and why leaving the U.S. ends your ability to return in that status.
What is “specialized knowledge” for an L-1 visa?
Understand what qualifies as specialized knowledge for an L-1B visa, who meets the standard, and how USCIS evaluates eligible positions.
Is there an annual limit on H-1B visas?
Find out how the H-1B annual cap works, who qualifies for the master's cap, and which employers are exempt from the H-1B lottery.
How much do I need to invest for an E-2 visa?
Understand how much you need to invest for an E-2 visa, what "substantial investment" means, and the requirements for a qualifying business.
What are the EB-1A extraordinary ability criteria?
Review the 10 EB-1A extraordinary ability criteria, the three-criteria requirement, and how USCIS makes its final eligibility decision.
Can I apply for my marriage green card at the same time my spouse petitions for me?
Find out when you can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together, who qualifies for concurrent filing, and how a spouse's status affects timing.
What is the National Interest Waiver (NIW)?
Understand how the National Interest Waiver (NIW) lets eligible EB-2 applicants self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification.
Which jobs qualify for a TN visa?
See which professions qualify for a TN visa, the education requirements, and how your job offer and qualifications must match USMCA rules.
What does “extraordinary ability” mean for an O-1 visa?
Understand what extraordinary ability means for an O-1 visa, the evidence USCIS requires, and how applicants qualify under the eligibility criteria.
Who qualifies as a J-2 dependent?
Find out who qualifies as a J-2 dependent, which family members are eligible, and when children no longer qualify for J-2 status.
Can my J-2 dependent children attend school in the U.S.?
Learn whether J-2 dependent children can attend school or college in the U.S., work while studying, and what happens when they turn 21.
Can my J-2 family stay in the U.S. while I (the J-1) travel home?
Find out when your J-2 spouse and children can stay in the U.S. while you travel abroad, and when your absence could affect their status.
Can a postdoc on J-1 status apply for a green card?
Find out whether a J-1 postdoc can apply for a green card, how the 212(e) rule affects eligibility, and why timing and strategy matter.
How much additional funding is required for each J-2 dependent?
Find out how much financial support you must show for each J-2 dependent and what documentation is needed before DS-2019 forms are issued.
J-1 or H-1B for a postdoc?
Compare J-1 and H-1B visas for postdocs, including green card planning, work authorization, costs, and key differences before choosing.
What is the 24-month bar to repeat participation in J-1 Research Scholar or Professor categories?
Learn how the J-1 24-month bar affects future Research Scholar and Professor programs, when it begins, and which exceptions may apply.