US Visa policy change to help children of H-1B visa holders

New Delhi: With the updated policy of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the children of the H-1B visa holders can access to an F-1 student visa hassle-free.

The new policy does not impel the children of H-1B visa holders to file multiple applications for visa extensions to maintain their status of continuation in the country as per the previous policy that required applicants for F-1 student visas to maintain status up to 30 days before the academic programme start date.

"To prevent a 'gap' in status, USCIS will grant the change of status to F-1 effective the day we approve an applicant's Form I-539, application to extend/change nonimmigrant status. If we approve an application more than 30 days before the student's program start date, the student must ensure they do not violate their F-1 status during that time," the policy update stated.

The USCIS said that the new policy would help to reduce the costs and workloads for the applicants and the USCIS.

What is the F-1 student visa?

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

M-1 Student Visa

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training.

Employment

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.