It was a dream come true for Sarah when she got her acceptance letter from a renowned university in the United States. She had always dreamed of studying in the US and this was her opportunity. However, she was aware of the challenges she would face as an international student. She had to go through a long journey of obtaining different visas and permits to finally get a green card.
The first step for Sarah was to obtain an F1 visa, which is a non-immigrant student visa. She had to provide all the necessary documents, including proof of financial support, admission letter from the university, and a valid passport. After the visa interview, she was granted an F1 visa, which allowed her to enter the United States as a student.
Once she arrived in the US, she was excited to start her studies, but she also knew that she needed to support herself financially. She learned about Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is an off-campus employment option for F1 students. She applied for CPT and got a job in her field of study. This not only provided her with financial stability but also helped her gain practical experience in her field.
After completing her degree, Sarah was eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is a temporary employment authorization for F1 students. She applied for OPT and got a job offer from a reputed company in her field. She was excited to gain more experience and enhance her skills.
However, Sarah’s journey was not without challenges. She had to face uncertainty and anxiety as her OPT expiration date approached. She knew that she needed to find a way to stay in the US and continue her career. She applied for the H1B visa, which is a work visa for highly skilled workers. The H1B visa has a limited number of slots, and the competition is fierce. After multiple attempts, she finally got her H1B visa and continued her employment in the US.
Sarah knew that the H1B visa was temporary and that she needed a more permanent solution. She learned about the employment-based green card process and decided to apply. The process was long and tedious, and there were many requirements to fulfill. However, she remained persistent and worked diligently to meet all the criteria. After several years, she finally received her green card, which granted her permanent residency in the US.
Sarah’s journey from F1 to green card was not easy, but it was worth it. She had to face many challenges and overcome obstacles to achieve her goal. She learned valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and determination. Her journey is an inspiration to all international students who dream of studying and building their careers in the United States.