Different types of Student Visa in US

Student Visas

A student visa is given to someone who wants to pursue academic/higher studies from any

educational institute in USA. There are 2 types of student visas:

F1 Visa: For academic studies

M Visa: For non-academic / vocational studies

F1 visa holders can take any part time job, i.e. 20 hrs a week. F2 visa is given to the dependent

of F1 visa. This includes spouse, minor children etc.

OPT (Optional Practical Training)

OPT is for the students, who have gained knowledge and want to gain the practical knowledge. These students have to complete minimum 9 months of studies. These students can work in USA without applying for an H1B. OPT is given for 1 year. We can hire OPT.

CPT (Curriculum Practical Training)

CPT is a temporary employment authorization given to non-immigrant students, who are enrolled in some college level degree program. The student can obtain the CPT Permission from the institution where h /she is pursuing studies. We don't hire CPT.

EAD (Employment Authorization Document Number)

EAD is a work permit, issued by USCIS, given to a person who has applied for Green Card. This is a temporary work permit after H1B till the time the Green Card is in processing. EAD is given for 1.5 yrs of duration. Anyone who is on EAD can work for any employer.

L1 Visa: The United States L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows companies operating both in the US and abroad to transfer certain classes of employee from its foreign operations to the USA operations for up to seven years. The employee must have worked for a subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of your US company outside of the US for at least one year out of the last three year

L2 Visa: An L-2 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States by the dependent spouse and minor unmarried children of qualified L-1 visa holders. It is a non-immigrant visa, and is only valid for the duration of the spouse's L1 visa. L2 visa holder is eligible to work in USA, with a permission or approved EAD card. An approved EAD allows to work or business.