Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer |

Maryland Auto Accident Lawyer | Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Maryland DUI Lawyer | Medical Malpractice Lawyer Maryland Immigration Lawyer |

Portner & Shure

Testmonials

Dear Mr.Ruby, Mr. Shure, Mrs. Horseman and Mrs. Linton: I would like to express my appreciation to your professional support and guidance during the 3 overwhelming years. I was involved in a car accident. Mr. Shure came to my home and provided assistance the day after the accident. Then, your paralegals, Sandy and Dawn assisted me on each steps and kept me updated. Mr. Ruby answered my questions and phone calls. He tried and settled my case successfully. Your team professional services is the key in the success of my case. I will recommend your firm to my friend Thanks again!

-Lisa Zhang
I got into a really bad car accident and had no clue what to do. Luckily I called Portner & Shure. Thanks to them I did not have to experience the stress of talking to the insurance company's, or the hassle of gathering additional information about my case. Portner & Shure did it all. They handled all of my medical bills, and even provided a convenient chiropractor that was amazing and made me feel like myself again. They also offered a settlement that I was very pleased with.The staff were friendly and respectful. My questions were answered promptly and in great detail. I felt like I was in good hands throughout the entire process Portner & Shure is top notch. They exceeded my expectations. I recommend this law firm to anyone who refuse to settle for less.. Thanks again Portner & Shure for making this tragic experience a stress-free process and providing a satisfying result.

Jessica Tabron, Montgomery County, MD
First of all I thank God to be alive and I thank you for helping me with my case. God bless you all. It was a great pleasure. Thanks.

Angel Regina Reyes de Hernandez
Pam Brown was the paralegal that was handling my case. She was wonderful. She was always pleasant to speak with on the phone and she always kept me updated on my case. I think her professionalism is a testament to the entire team of Portner and Shure. Thank you guys for everything. Jun Jie Liu

Contact Our Firm

Online Resources

Blogs

Links

F-1 Student Visas

By: Jonathan N. Portner
Sameer Sidh
March 26, 2009

Foreign students who have always dreamed of being able to study in the U.S. may do so with an F-1 visa. Unlike many other types of visas, the F-1 visa does not have a definite time period of validity, instead allowing the visa holder to remain in the U.S. for however long it may take to earn the degree or certification desired. The F-1 visa holder may also be permitted to stay for an additional period of practical training related to their degree or certification, and receives the benefit of a 60-day grace period upon expiration of their visa in which to leave the country.

A number of requirements must be met in order for a student to qualify for an F-1 visa. First, individuals seeking an F-1 visa must be enrolled in an academic program. Students who are in a vocational program, such as a program at a technical institute, are not permitted to seek an F-1 visa and instead must apply for an M-1 visa. Second, the school that the student attends must be pre-approved by the government for attendance by foreign students. As proof of approval by the government, the school that the student is enrolled in will issue Form I-20 to the student. The vast majority of schools at the college level and above in the U.S. have government approval to enroll foreign students. Third, the student enrolled must be a full-time student. While what is considered by immigration to be a full-time student will vary based on the type of degree being sought, generally a student will be considered a full-time student if he or she meets the academic institution’s definition of full-time.

Fourth, an F-1 visa applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the English language sufficient enough to allow the intended student to pursue educational goals effectively. Generally, this requirement can be met by passing an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL. Fifth, an F-1 visa applicant must show that they possess adequate financial resources to support themselves during school without having to work. This requirement can be the most difficult to meet, as the applicant must show the ability to cover all first-year expenses before being granted the visa. Forms of evidence used to satisfy this requirement are generally in the form of sworn affidavits by parents and family promising to finance the student’s education, or proof of support by financial aid or scholarship. Last, the applicant must demonstrate the intent to return home after completion of their studies. Demonstration this intent is often done by presenting evidence of substantial ties to your home country, like ownership of property and other possessions abroad and family members being left behind.

A number of documents have to be prepared or gathered in order to apply for an F-1 visa. All applicants must prepare form DS-156, which is the standard non-immigrant visa application, and form DS-158, which is a supplement required for students. Additionally, many applicants will have to prepare form DS-157, which is used to gage the security risk the applicant could pose. Form I-20 must be obtained from the school the applicant plans on attending, and can only be given to the applicant after the school has admitted the applicant for enrollment.

Applicants also must submit proof that they meet the requirements for an F-1 visa discussed above. Most of the proof submitted will relate to the applicant’s finances and intent to return to their home country after completion of studies. Photographs and copies of the applicant’s passport must be included with the application.
If you are or you know a foreign student interested in coming to the U.S. to study, seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney to help you through the F-1 visa process.

Accident Lawyers in Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC

For over fifteen years the attorneys at Portner & Shure have been representing victims injured in automobile accidents. You may request a free consultation with our personal injury accident lawyers in Maryland, Virginia & Washington D.C., to make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.

Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC Immigration Lawyers

Do you have an immigration issue? Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation. Want to learn more? Read our online resources: