Stuck in USA with an F1 Visa? Here is what you can do.

If you are a full-time student in the USA, you are likely to have one of these two Visas- the F1 or the M1 Visa. F1 Visa holders can work off-campus to support themselves only after 1 year of their stay in the US. For this, you will need to have a "Work Permit" or the UAD.

For H1B Visa holders, the USCIS has already issued an extension program amid the Coronavirus program. EAD F1B holders though, you can apply to the USCIS on a Special Case basis.

How do you get a Work Permit in the first place?

Both F-1 and M-1 students must relate off or on-campus employment to their area of study. They must get authorization before the start of any work by the Designated School Official and USCIS. The DSO is the person who maintains the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

After you are notified that you have been accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school, the DSO will issue you one of two I-20 forms, depending on whether you are an M-1 or F-1 student. Once you have the form, you can avail the benefits of working in the US.

How do you extend it?

A source, on condition of anonymity, has revealed, "For on-campus employment, as long as the university provides you with the I-20 form, you can stay and work in the university. As long as that’s valid they can stay in the US legally. However, this is applicable only under the special circumstances of the COVID-19 scenario." In case, your employer is ready to sponsor you and convert you to H1B Visa holder, you can apply to the USCIC under a Special Case Scenario.

When determining if an employment situation is within the on-campus guidelines, also seek support from the International Student Office. Your priority should be keeping your visa in good status.

Let me know if you have any further knowledge of how off-campus employees can extend their EAD.