How long can I stay in the U.S. after I finish my studies?

There are a few important factors to consider when determining how long you can stay in the U.S. after you finish your studies. Generally, students who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas are allowed to stay for an additional 60 days after they complete their studies in order to prepare for their departure. This is known as the “grace period”. However, depending on your hometown, you may be able to extend the grace period to as much as a year. To do so, you must submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the end of your authorized stay. If your application for an extension is approved, you will be able to stay in the U.S. for an additional year. It is also important to note that, after you complete your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a change of status to another type of visa. For example, you may be able to apply for an H-1B visa, which allows you to work in the U.S., or an E-2 visa, which is a nonimmigrant business visa. In summary, the length of your stay in the U.S. after you complete your studies will depend on a variety of factors including your home country and the type of visa you apply for. It is important to remember that the maximum length of the grace period is 60 days unless you submit an application for an extension through the USCIS. Additionally, you may be eligible for other types of visa that could allow you to stay in the U.S. for longer.

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La cantidad de tiempo que puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos después de concluir sus estudios depende del programa de inmigración al que pertenece. Después de completar sus estudios, usted es elegible para una tarjeta de autorización de trabajo, conocida como tarjeta de autorización temporal de trabajo (ATW). Esta tarjeta le permite trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos por un período de tiempo limitado. Dependiendo del tipo de ATW que le otorguen, puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos hasta un máximo de 12 meses. Esta tarjeta le permite a usted y a su familia legalmente vivir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos durante el período de tiempo específico indicado en su tarjeta. Una vez que el período de tiempo se haya completado, usted necesitará regresar a su país de origen para cumplir con el proceso de inmigración requerido. Alternativamente, si desea extender su estancia en los Estados Unidos, puede aplicar para una visa de trabajo o una visa de estudiante. Estas visas le permiten quedarse más tiempo después de la finalización de sus estudios.

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