Although there are many different types of visas, some of the more common visas are briefly discussed below. In neither case may the holder of the visa engage in activities which will result in financial compensation unless it is paid from abroad. While a foreign student is participating in a full-time academic program, or immediately upon graduation, the student may apply for a period of practical training . The requirements are essentially that the practical training must be related to the course of study the student is pursuing. The school will certify that the sought after practical training will benefit academic training as well.
Most schools have a student advisor to assist foreign students with all the required paperwork.
Specialty occupation is defined as an occupation which requires theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge in such fields as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts. This visa does not give employment authorization. One of the most unusual characteristics of this visa category is that the foreign exchange visitor will be barred from filing a permanent visa petition or applying for a change of status to H or L for a period of two calendar years from the date of United States training completion. There is a Foreign Residency Requirement. This requirement states that the visa applicant may have to go back to their country of origin for 2 years before applying for a renewed visa.