Student Visas

Orlando Student Visa Attorneys

What Is a Student Visa?

To come to the United States to study, you must apply for and receive a student visa. There are two types of student visas: one for academic study (F-1) and one for vocational study (M-1). Once your initial forms are submitted, you will be interviewed at a U.S. Embassy near you. Both types of student visas provide options for your spouse and dependent children to receive visas to be in the U.S. with you during your studies.

To learn more about student visas, contact our experienced attorneys in Orlando to request a free in-person consultation.

Student Visa Options

M-1 – Vocational Student Visa

You must be enrolled at a vocational or other nonacademic institution

F-1 Academic Student Visa

Your program must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate
You must be enrolled at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program
Your program must be authorized by the government to accept international students

What you need:

A valid passport
Photo
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from the institution you will attend
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Pay for the SEVIS and application fees
Additional documentation on your previous education
Ability to finance your education in the U.S.
Intent to return to your home country after your program

Can I Work?

F-1 – Academic Student Visa

You cannot work off-campus during your first year of school
You can work on campus in positions related to your area of study but must get approval prior to starting work
After your first year, you can work off-campus in three areas:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  - You can get up to 12 months authorized employment before or after you complete your program
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
  - You can apply for up to a 24-month extension to the Optional Practical Training if your degree and subsequent OPT were in a STEM field

M-1 – Vocational Student Visa

After your studies are completed, you may go into practical training.

Schedule a free in-person consultation at Lim Law, P.A. in Maitland today. You can contact us online or call (407) 512-9919.

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Attorneys

Henry Lim, Esq.
Founding Attorney

Born in Nicaragua, Orlando immigration lawyer Henry Lim knows the immigrant experience firsthand. He knows how stressful the process can be. Because of this, Henry knows the value of an aggressive immigration attorney. He uses his skill and insight to work for you.

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Rafael Ortiz-Segura
Of Counsel

With 23 years of experience on the bench, former Immigration Judge Rafael Ortiz-Segura brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to Lim Law, P.A. His time in Orlando immigration court makes him one of the most experienced professionals in immigration in all of Central Florida. Most immigration lawyers in Orlando have argued cases before him.

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Henye S. Perez
Attorney

Henye S. Perez has handled a multitude of cases involving complex immigration matters, ranging fro visa petitions to defending immigrants in removal proceedings. He has advocated for clients before U. S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration Customs & Enforcement, and the Executive Office of Immigration Review in immigration court. Mr. Perez graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2010. He then continued his studies at ...

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Michelle Villagran
Attorney

Michelle Villagran joined the Lim Law, P.A. team in 2017. As the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, she has a personal understanding of the struggles individuals endure while navigating the American immigration system. Ms. Villagran graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2010, where she received a bachelor's degree in Business Management. She later graduated from the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. During her law school career, Ms. Villagran participated in the ...

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Testimonials

Margarett G., via Facebook
Los recomiendo 100%.
Rosario L., via Facebook
En las Oficinas de Lim Law,P.A Usted encontrará a los mejores Abogados de Inmigración.
Lily G., via Google
Henye went the extra mile to explain things and answer all our questions.
Ariadna B., via Google
La atención hasta el momentp ha sido muy buena, están atentos al caso
Giuliana P., via Google
I truly recommend him to anyone trying to get their citizenship.
Julia B., via Facebook
el mejor abogado felicitaciones.
Julie D., via Google
Tienen la experiencia y la audacia para luchar por sus clientes.
Eduardo R., via Google
Overall fantastic service, very professional and I would recommend Lim Law to anyone needing immigration services.
Antonietta M., via Google
They were phenomenally awesome with great customer service and attention to detail to every concern or question you could have.
Elzem G., via Google
Gracias a Henry Lim Law, a el Sr Pedro, a la sra. Nancy, y a Hennie Pérez Law por su colaboración y ayuda siempre en todo momento.
Marita S., via Facebook
I’m such an extremely happy client and thrilled to now be living here in the States.
Robert A., via Google
I would highly recommend Lim & Associates to anyone.
Mareen E., via Facebook
They are wonderful. Great job!
Ana B., via Google
Henry and his staff are amazing and very well verse in immigration law.
Ady G., via Google
Muy prefecionales y siempre están para ti en las dudas o ayuda que tengas.
Diogenes Q., via Google
A fantastic lawyer and great staff.
Gerardo L., via Google
Excelente Profesional!
Billy D., via Facebook
I've been in law for over 15 years and never seen such an advocate of rights as Henry Lim.
Ismael R., via Facebook
Lim & Associates are great & honest people. They look for the best possible ways to help you & make everything much easier for you
Jennifer W., via Facebook
Henry is an asset to the community, he is a superior leader and mentor.
M.A., via Google
Exceptional customer service.
Giovanni C., via Google
Altamente recomendado para todas aquellas personas que buscan una respuesta a su situación migratoria.
Lu K., via Google
He was there through the whole process, provided detailed information about which documents my wife and I needed, what kind of photos and letters would be helpful, what kind of records and invoices we should have.
Debo, via Google
Get an attorney, get a good attorney, get Lim & Associates. Do it right the first time!
Marina D., via Google
Mr. Lim and all of his staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Fiyen E., via Facebook
El es uno de los abogados mas capacitado en asuntos de inmigracion.
Amy H., via Facebook
Su excelencia,capacidad y humanidad lo caracterizan.
Stefan M., via Facebook
If you are looking for someone who will handle your immigration issues with personal concern and a high degree of integrity, I would recommend this firm.
Martin L., via Google
His staff is very friendly and everyone there strives to make sure any question or concern you may have gets answered.
Lisa S., via Google
Mr. Lim was able to walk me through this very complicated process as easy as possible.
Rosario L., via Facebook
En las Oficinas de Lim Law,P.A Usted encontrará a los mejores Abogados de Inmigración.
Alba F., via Facebook
Reliable and trustworthy.
Margarett G., via Facebook
Los recomiendo 100%.
Ivette R., via Facebook
Excelente servicio muy profesionales contestan tus preguntas y te mantienen al tanto de cómo va tu caso.
Salvador S., via Facebook
Y la abogada Michelle excelente profesional .Dios los bendiga.
I'm very [pleased] w/the services I have got from Lim Law office.