Dear Cindy – On an F-1 Visa

My husband came to the US a few years ago to pursue a PhD in agricultural economics. I joined him later and last year decided to enroll in an LPN program. I will be graduating this August and my husband will be graduating in December. Both of us are on F-1 visa at the moment. Will I be able to work here upon graduation? If I can't, am I eligible for OPT?

Sincerely,

I

The F-1 is a nonimmigrant student visa, not an employment visa, so the holder's ability to work is limited. A person on an F-1 cannot legally work on this visa after completion of their educational program unless the person is taking part in the OPT (optional practical training) program. That is, students on an F-1 who have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year may be authorized to engage in 12 months of "practical training" in employment directly related to their course of study. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website states: "The student may not begin optional practical training until the date indicated on his or her employment authorization document, Form I-766 [the most recent version of the employment authorization document] or Form 688B [an old version of the employment authorization document]. A student may submit an application for authorization to engage in optional practical training up to 90 days prior to being enrolled for one full academic year, provided that the period of employment will not begin until after the completion of the full academic year as indicated by the DSO [Designated School Official]."

You should speak to your DSO for more information about the OPT program.