Practical Guides
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary F-1 work authorization for off-campus training that is directly related to your field of study. Learn more here!
Loss of D/S — I-94 End Date Guide
This is ISRC's interactive tool that helps F-1/J-1 students and scholars determine their new I-94 "Admit Until Date," grace period, and I-539 extension requirements under the incoming "Loss of D/S" rule taking effect September 15, 2026 (currently facing a court challenge).
Loss of D/S for Exchange Visitors
Fixed Admission and the “loss of D/S” rule for J-1 exchange visitors and program sponsors
Loss of D/S Regulation
What is the new ‘Loss of D/S’ Regulation, and how will it impact international students in F or J status?
H-4 Dependent Visas (Spouses & Children)
Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on H-4 visas, tied to your H-1B status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of H-1B Dependent Visas for spouses and children.
F-2 Dependent Visas (Spouses & Children)
Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on F-2 visas, tied to your F-1 status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of F-2 Dependent Visas for spouses and children.
Changing Your J-1 Program Sponsor
A straightforward guide to transferring your J-1 exchange visitor program from one designated sponsor to another.
J-1 Visa Overview
The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for exchange visitors participating in programs that promote education and cultural exchange and, often, medical or business training in the U.S.
E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas
Learn about work and business options for citizens of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the U.S. in this overview of E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas.
The EB-5 immigrant investor green card
How to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates American jobs and with no employer sponsor needed.
The H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B is for working in a "specialty occupation" — a job requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field and the application of highly specialized knowledge (e.g., engineers, computer scientists, and many others).
The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
The B visa is for temporary visits for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2) — with no U.S. employment or compensation allowed. For immigration purposes, "visitor" and "B-1/B-2" mean essentially the same thing.
The TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professionals
How citizens of Canada and Mexico can work in the U.S. under the free-trade agreement.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
A practical overview for employees being transferred to a U.S. office of a company they already work for.
The O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
The O-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (and those with a record of extraordinary achievement in film/TV recognized nationally or internationally).
EB-1 First-Preference Green Cards
This guide covers the two paths most relevant to students, graduates, and academics: Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) and Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B).
EB-2 and EB-3 Employer-Sponsored Green Cards
The most common employment green cards for graduates with a U.S. job offer, plus the National Interest Waiver, which can skip the job offer entirely.
Family-Based Green Cards for Spouses
Learn how a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse for lawful permanent residence in this overview of family-based green cards for spouses.
J-2 Dependent Visas (Spouses & Children)
Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on J-2 visas, tied to your J-1 status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of J-2 Dependent Visas for spouses and children.
J-1 Academic Categories: Eligibility & Requirements
Your J-1 category is chosen by your sponsor based on your qualifications, role, activities, and length of stay. Here's how the academic and research categories compare.