U.S. Exchange Visitor Visa Post-Graduation Options

1. What are the post-graduation options for U.S. Exchange Visitor Visa holders?


Post-graduation options for U.S. Exchange Visitor Visa holders depend on the type of visa they hold. Options for holders of student visas typically include:

1. Applying for a 12-month work visa, such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, through their school’s international office.

2. Transferring to a different visa program, such as the H-1B visa program, which allows foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years.

3. Applying for a permanent residency (i.e., green card).

4. Applying for an immigrant visa (i.e., green card) through family members or employment sponsorship.

2. Are there any restrictions on the activities I may undertake after my exchange visitor program?


Yes, there may be restrictions on the activities you may undertake after your exchange visitor program. The U.S. Department of State has specific regulations that govern the activities of exchange visitors. These regulations are intended to ensure that exchange visitors remain in compliance with their program and do not engage in unauthorized activities or employment.

3. How long may I stay in the US after completing my exchange visitor program?


The length of time you can stay in the US after completing your exchange visitor program depends on the type of exchange visitor program you participated in. Most programs will require you to depart within 30 days after completion of the exchange visitor program. However, in some circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension of your stay.

4. Is it possible to apply for a different visa type after completing my exchange visitor program?


Yes, it is possible to apply for a different visa type after completing your exchange visitor program, however it is important to keep in mind that the visa application process is different for each type of visa and you will need to meet all the requirements for the new visa. Additionally, it is important to note that the U.S. Department of State may consider any prior history in the Exchange Visitor program when assessing a new visa application.

5. What are the requirements to extend my stay as an exchange visitor after completing my program?


Answer: Requirements to extend your stay as an exchange visitor after completing your initial program vary depending on the type of non-immigrant visa you have. Generally, you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. You must maintain valid non-immigrant status.
2. You must have a sponsor or host organization that agrees to extend your program.
3. You must have proof of financial support for the duration of the extended program.
4. You must be able to demonstrate that you are engaging in activities related to your original program objectives or have secured a new program objective.
5. You must have maintained good academic or work performance at the host organization during the initial program.

6. Are there any particular rules or regulations I need to follow if I plan to stay in the U.S. after completing the exchange visitor program?


Yes, there are some rules and regulations you must follow when staying in the U.S. after completing the exchange visitor program. These include maintaining your visa status, complying with terms of your program, not working without authorization, and notifying authorities if you change your address or program. Additionally, you may be required to file taxes in the U.S. and report any changes in your immigration status.

7. How long does it take to get approval for an extension of stay as an exchange visitor?


The processing time for an extension of stay as an exchange visitor varies depending on the particular circumstances of the applicant. Generally, applications are processed within 30 to 90 days.

8. Are there any special programs that can allow me to remain in the US as an exchange visitor after completing my program?


Yes, the Exchange Visitor Program allows you to apply for a change of status from one visa classification to another. However, it is important to note that this process is complex and may require additional paperwork and time. Additionally, depending on your current visa type and the country of origin, there may be other options available. We recommend that you speak with a US immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.

9. How can I find out if there are any job opportunities available in the United States after completion of my exchange visitor program?


You can research available job opportunities in the United States by visiting websites such as Indeed.com, Monster.com, and LinkedIn. You can also contact any potential employers that have stated interest in exchange visitors on various job boards. Additionally, you may want to contact your exchange visitor program sponsor or local embassy for more information about job opportunities available to you after completion of your exchange visitor program.

10. What types of employment am I eligible for after completing an exchange visitor program?


After completing an exchange visitor program, you are eligible for any type of employment that is available to citizens of your home country. Depending on the rules and regulations of your exchange visitor program, you may be able to pursue certain types of employment opportunities in the US. Be sure to consult with your sponsoring program to determine the restrictions or requirements associated with continued employment after your exchange program.

11. What options do I have if I decide not to stay in the US after my exchange visitor program ends?


If you decide not to stay in the US after your exchange visitor program ends, you may return to your home country or apply for another visa, such as a student visa or a work visa. Depending on the type of visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in the US. Additionally, some programs have provisions for applying for employment authorization or green cards. You should speak with an immigration attorney to review all your options.

12. Are there any restrictions on the types of jobs I can take up after completion of my exchange visitor program?


No. After the completion of your exchange visitor program, you are free to work in any job of your choosing. However, you may be subject to restrictions based on the visa you have, such as an H-1B or L-1 visa.

13. How do I go about changing my visa status after completion of my exchange visitor program?


In order to change your visa status after completion of your exchange visitor program, you will need to apply for a change of status from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can do this by completing Form I-539 and submitting it with the appropriate fees and documentation to USCIS. Depending on your current situation and the type of visa you are applying for, additional documentation may be required.

14. Are there any benefits available to exchange visitors who choose to stay in the US and continue working after their program ends?


There are no benefits available to exchange visitors who choose to stay in the US and continue working after their program ends. Exchange visitors who wish to remain in the US after their program ends must independently pursue other immigration options, such as an H-1B visa, to continue living and working in the US.

15. Is there a limit on how long I can stay in the US on an exchange visitor visa before having to reapply?


Yes, there is a limit on how long you can stay in the US on an exchange visitor visa. You are usually only allowed to stay for up to 18 months. You must reapply for the visa if you wish to stay longer than 18 months.

16. What documents do I need in order to be approved for an extension of stay as an exchange visitor?


In order to be approved for an extension of stay as an exchange visitor, you will need to submit a completed form I-539, a copy of your current Form DS-2019, evidence that you have maintained your status, evidence of sufficient financial resources, and any other requested documents. Depending on the length of the extension, you may also need to submit an updated Form DS-2019 and a new SEVIS fee payment receipt.

17. How can I find housing and other resources once my program is complete and I decide to remain in the US?


There are several resources available to help you find housing and other resources once your program is complete and you decide to remain in the US. You can start by searching for housing on websites like Zillow, Trulia, or Airbnb. Additionally, you can also search for housing through local newspapers and housing listings. You may also want to speak to a local real estate agent for more information about available rental options. In addition to housing, there are a number of additional resources available for those who decide to remain in the US. These include resources for employment, healthcare, transportation, education, and other services. For more information, you can visit websites like USA.gov or FindAProgram.org.

18. Are there any special programs or incentives available for international students who choose to stay and work in the US after their program ends?


Yes, certain international students who graduate from a US college or university may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is an extension of a student’s F-1 nonimmigrant status. OPT allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study through paid employment that is directly related to their studies. Additionally, The Department of Homeland Security offers the STEM OPT Extension, which provides international students who have graduated with a science, technology, engineering, or math degree with an additional 24 months of work authorization.

19. What are the financial considerations if I plan to remain in the US as an exchange visitor after completing my program?


If you plan to remain in the US as an exchange visitor after completing your program, you will need to consider certain financial aspects such as income and savings to support yourself. This includes having sufficient funds to cover living expenses such as rent, food, transportation, health care costs, and other related costs. You may also need to have access to funds for any unexpected costs or emergencies. Depending on your individual exchange visitor visa program, you may be required to have an adequate amount of financial resources available to support yourself throughout your time in the US.

20. What types of activities am I allowed to do while participating in a post-graduation exchange visitor program?


The activities allowed while participating in a post-graduation exchange visitor program vary depending on the specific program, but generally, they allow you to engage in practical training related to your field of study, participate in cultural exchange activities, and volunteer in your local community. You may also be able to work depending on the specific program.