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

Generally speaking, the length of time you can stay in the U.S. after you complete your studies will depend on your visa status and is subject to the immigration law of the United States. If you are a student on an F-1 visa, for example, securing Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows you to remain and work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after you complete your studies. According to U.S. Immigration Law, foreign students attending a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, language training program, or other academic institution in the United States are eligible to participate in practical training. If you are an international student on a J-1 visa, you are eligible for up to 18 months of post-completion practical training. This allows you to extend your stay in the United States and work in the field related to your studies. Additionally, international students on a J-1 visa may be eligible for a 24-month extension of practical training in certain circumstances. Furthermore, if you successfully complete an academic program of study at an accredited college or university in the United States and receive a job offer from an employer in the United States, you may be eligible to apply for an H-1B visa. This allows you to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years, with the possibility of extension for an additional three years. Due to the complexities of the U.S. Immigration Law, it is important that you remain in contact with an immigration lawyer or an experienced attorney to ensure that you have the correct visa and length of stay.

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Una vez que haya terminado sus estudios en Virginia, la cantidad de tiempo que puede permanecer en los Estados Unidos depende del tipo de visa con la que entró en el país. Si usted entró como un estudiante a tiempo completo, generalmente se le permite un máximo de 12 meses de permanencia para buscar trabajo o trabajo voluntario relacionado con su estudio. Si es un estudiante a tiempo parcial, su tiempo de permanencia se limitará a los límites establecidos por la universidad a la que se está inscribiendo. Si su visa se vence antes de que finalicen sus estudios, es importante que solicite una extensión antes que su visa venza. Esto puede ser hecho entregando el formulario I-539 a la Oficina de Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE. UU. con los documentos necesarios para demostrar que todavía está en el curso regular. Además, es importante recordar que, después de terminar sus estudios, deberá estar en conformidad con la ley de inmigración. Si no lo está, es posible que se le sea negada la entrada en los Estados Unidos a futuro. Por lo tanto, si desea continuar su estadía en el país, le recomendamos consultar con un abogado de inmigración para obtener orientación sobre cómo cumplir con los requisitos de la ley de inmigración.

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