J-1 transferring to F-1, how about internship?

Demon · Post by **Demon** » 16 Apr 2003 21:41

Hello, everybody! :gen1:

Your advise is needed. I'm currently on J-1 visa, and I'm immigrating to Canada as an independent person. My process will probably take about 1,5 years, but the problem is my visa expires this August (I got my MBA in August 2002 and currently I'm on internship in American company). I'm on pretty serious position (there is only one in my district) and my District Manager is ready to sign any paper needed to have me in the company.
Since I can't apply for H-1 visa (2 years rule) I decided to get second Masters Degree in one of the universities here in Seattle. I really-really-really would like to continue working but as far as I know I'm not allowed to. Can anybody give me a good advise on how can I get employment authorization while being on F-1, or whether or not it is possible for me to apply for internship while stadying in the University (I know that it is possible to get time for internship equal to time of study).
So, the questionm is "IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE AN INTERNSHIP PARALLEL TO STUDY?"
I would really appreciate any comment on this question.
Thank you, sincerely
Demon. :gen1:

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 16 Apr 2003 23:22

Sicne 2 years rule apply to you, you are to leave US for at least 2 years, no exceptions. It means that you are not eligible for F1 or any other immigrant or non-immigrant status in the US for the next 2 years.
You have to apply for a waiver. In case the waiver is granted you can adjust your status to anything you want (F-1, H1b, K1, L1, ...). But if your application is rejected, there is no way you can stay in this country.

Post by **InnaBB** » 17 Apr 2003 00:37

Debaser wrote:Sicne 2 years rule apply to you, you are to leave US for at least 2 years, no exceptions. It means that you are not eligible for F1 or any other immigrant or non-immigrant status in the US for the next 2 years.

Вы не правы.
Мой личный опыт: я отучилась в Штатах по J-1 с 2-х годичным сроком. Вернулась домой и через месяц получила еще одну J-1 и опять уехала учиться в Штаты, на два года. Так что получить (по крайней мере J-1) он может не отбывая своих двух лет.

Про другие визы ничего сказать не могу.

Demon · Post by **Demon** » 17 Apr 2003 05:26

As far as I know I CAN apply for F-1 even without leaving the country, if I can proof that I'm able to support myself and pay for education. The only visas I can't apply are immigration (green card) and working (H1B).
So, is there anybody who can still give me an answer whether or not I can have internship parallel to study? :gen1:

Noskov Sergey · Post by **Noskov Sergey** » 17 Apr 2003 05:44

As far as I know it has been discussed in details many times.
Again, you are right you unable to apply for dual intention types of visa (such as H, any GC or L) but you can get B,F and J. For the case of F you agenerally allow to work on but not off campus. Generall such students have some TA(teaching assistant) positions.

Possibly existed some ways to get permission to work off campus but I did not know much about .

Chouchou · Post by **Chouchou** » 17 Apr 2003 07:58

Посмотрите информацию на www.murthy.com

Can I work as a student?

An F-1 student visa classification means one's primary reason for being in the U.S. is to study. However, the INS allows such a person to work in the U.S. if it is on-campus employment; off-campus pilot program employment; practical training; or specially authorized, off-campus employment due to unforeseen economic hardship. The school's International Student Advisor may be able to identify more sources of employment.

Здесь написано о смене статуса:

http://shusterman.com/cgi-bin/ex-link.p ... edure.html

А здесь все о employment (скорее всего, к вам относится severe economic hardship):

http://shusterman.com/cgi-bin/ex-link.p ... mploy.html

_alex_ · Post by **_alex_** » 19 Apr 2003 04:02

Виза F1 разрешает работу на кампусе максимум 20 часов в неделю. Ключевое слово здесь - на кампусе, но практика такова, что во многих университетах можно взять Internship как специализированный курс, и договорившись с департаментом, работать вне кампуса.

Для этого в международном отделе университета вам нужно будет ознакомиться с процедурой Curricular Practical Training. Одно из условий - internship должна быть в русле академических изысканий и соприкасаться с темой работы, проекта. В вашем случае это вроде проблем не вызовет, так как работать, понятное дело, не в пиццерии собираетесь.

После окончания вуза нужно подать документы на Employment Authorization Document и прилагамый с ним Optional Professional Training, который разрешает работу где угодно в течение 12 месяцев.

Demon · Post by **Demon** » 19 Apr 2003 04:18

Does anybody have a REAL experience of switching to F-1 from J-1 (with 2 year rule) without leaving the country?
Today I have called 3 universities and all of them said it is impossible for me to get F-1 visa, I HAVE TO GO BACK.

Please, let me know whether or not it is true.

olaola · Post by **olaola** » 20 Apr 2003 04:18

Now I am confused, cause I had J1 in 2001, in 2002 I got another one. Should there be something written on the visa, like: A subject for 2 year, or Is not a subject etc..? I know, that this rule applies in case if US or your country is sponsoring you. So how do I know whether this rule applies to me?
My friends had J1, and they could change it into F1 without any difficulties.