Student & Academic Immigration
Student & Academic Legal Support
Every international student’s academic journey in the U.S. is unique—and so are the immigration challenges that come with it. From securing your initial F-1 visa to navigating OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, and the critical transition to professional work status, we provide end-to-end legal support so you can focus on your studies and career, not paperwork.
“With Immigration Fleet, you’ll never navigate alone.”
F-1 Student Visas (Initial, Extensions, Reinstatements)
Whether you are applying for your first F-1 student visa, extending your program end date, or seeking reinstatement after a period of non-compliance, our attorneys guide you through every step. We work closely with your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure your SEVIS record is accurate and your petition is timely filed.
OPT & STEM OPT Applications
After graduating from a U.S. institution, OPT allows you to gain practical work experience in your field of study. STEM degree holders can further extend their OPT by 24 months. We handle the EAD application, employer reporting requirements, and ensure you maximize every day of your authorized work period without gaps.
CPT Authorization
CPT permits F-1 students to engage in off-campus employment that is an integral part of their curriculum before graduation. We advise on eligibility requirements, assist with proper documentation, and help you and your DSO avoid the common pitfalls that could jeopardize your OPT eligibility down the line.
Change of Status (F-1 to H-1B, F-2 to F-1)
Transitioning from F-1 to H-1B after a job offer, or from F-2 dependent status back to F-1 student status, involves critical timing and procedural requirements. We manage the Cap-Gap provisions, maintain continuous lawful status during the transition, and handle the change of status petition from start to finish.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Waivers & Extensions
J-1 exchange visitors, including researchers, professors, and scholars, may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement under Section 212(e). We counsel clients on waiver grounds—including No Objection statements, hardship, persecution, and Interested Government Agency waivers—and assist with J-1 program extensions to maximize time in the U.S.
M-1 Vocational Student Visas
The M-1 visa serves students enrolled in non-academic or vocational programs such as culinary arts, technical training, and trade schools. We assist with initial M-1 visa applications, program extensions, school transfers, and the strict post-completion practical training authorization that applies to vocational graduates.
Mastering the Academic Timeline
SEVIS & DSO Coordination
We work alongside your school’s Designated School Official to ensure your SEVIS record remains pristine and your travel signatures are always current and valid.
Strategic Career Planning
Our expertise goes beyond student visas. We align your OPT and STEM OPT timeline with your future H-1B or Green Card goals to build a seamless immigration roadmap from day one.
Vocational & Exchange Program Support
Whether pursuing M-1 vocational training or navigating a J-1 exchange program waiver, we tailor our legal strategy to your specific academic path and long-term immigration goals.
FAQs
Student & Academic Immigration
On-campus employment is generally permitted up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires specific authorization—either CPT (during your program) or OPT (after graduation). We help you understand and obtain the right authorization for your situation.
OPT applications must be filed within a specific window—no earlier than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. Missing this window can result in loss of work authorization and potential status violations. Contact us immediately if you are approaching your deadline.
Certain J-1 visa holders are required to return to their home country for two years before applying for most U.S. immigrant or nonimmigrant benefits. Waivers are available on several grounds including hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child, fear of persecution, a No Objection letter from your home country, or an Interested Government Agency request. We analyze your situation and pursue the strongest available waiver ground.
Yes, in most cases you can change status from F-2 to F-1 from within the United States by filing Form I-539 with USCIS, provided you have been accepted by a SEVP-certified school and have maintained lawful status. Timing is critical—we recommend beginning this process well before your intended start date.
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Business Compliance Services
Purpose
The company is organized for the provision of professional immigration legal services. All members and managers are attorneys licensed to practice law in the United States. The Managing Member is licensed to practice law in the State of New York. The firm’s practice is exclusively limited to matters of federal immigration law, as permitted by federal statutes and regulations for attorneys licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Professional Services
This Professional Limited Liability Company is established solely for the practice of federal immigration law. While the firm is based in Texas, it does not offer legal services related to Texas state law. All services are limited to immigration matters governed by federal law.
Supplemental Provisions – Jurisdictional Limitation
The managers of this firm are not licensed to practice Texas state law. All public-facing communications—including letterhead, business cards, website content, and marketing materials—will clearly disclose that the Managing Member is licensed exclusively in the State of New York and that the firm’s services are restricted to federal immigration law.
Immigration Fleet