Sharma Immigration Attorney

Services for Students & Exchange Visitors

Student & Exchange Visitor Immigration Services

Helping you move from where you are to where you want to be — legally, confidently, and with expert support. Simplifying the U.S. immigration process for students to make your academic journey worry-free.

Who We Help

Students We Support

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Visitors (B-1/B-2) wanting to switch to F-1
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Prospective F-1 applicants starting U.S. programs
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Graduates preparing for OPT or STEM OPT
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F-1 students planning H-1B or Cap-Gap transition

Our Services Include

  • F-1 Student Visa Applications & Change of Status
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor & Internship Programs
  • M-1 Vocational Student Visa Support
  • OPT & STEM OPT Employment Authorization
  • Cap-Gap and H-1B Transition Guidance
  • SEVIS & I-20 Compliance Counseling
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Start your U.S. study journey the right way.

What We Offer

Our Core Services

F-1 Change of Status (I-539)
Full legal support to change from B-2 or other visa status to F-1. Includes attorney-drafted cover letter, document checklist, and filing assistance.
OPT & STEM OPT Applications
Guidance on timelines, USCIS forms, required documentation, and how to avoid costly mistakes that may trigger RFEs (Requests for Evidence).
Cap-Gap & H-1B Bridge
Legal strategies to maintain status while transitioning to employment. Cap-Gap eligibility guidance and preparation for H-1B filings.
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Note: At this time, we do not handle J-1 Exchange Visitor, M-1 Vocational Visa, or SEVIS compliance for schools. We focus exclusively on individual student matters under the F-1 visa category.

Free 15-Minute Consultation

What's Included

Status Review
Understand your current visa or pending application situation
Personalized Pathway
Discussion of your study/employment goals and matching visa options
Key Do's & Don'ts
Tips to avoid the most common errors in student filings
Timeline Insights
When to file, how long it takes, and what to expect
Clarity, Not Pressure
No obligation to hire — the session helps you decide your next step

Sample Scenarios

Potential Client Outcomes

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Change of Status from Tourist to F-1

A visitor on a tourist visa gets admitted to a graduate program. With proper legal guidance, they change status to F-1, avoid gaps, and comply with timing rules.

Successful F-1 status transition
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STEM OPT Filing with Employer Issues

A STEM graduate facing employer documentation challenges receives guidance to file STEM OPT on time and properly, avoiding RFE delays.

Timely OPT approval without RFE
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Cap-Gap Extension for H-1B Transition

A senior student selected in the H-1B lottery receives assistance with Cap-Gap extension to maintain legal status until H-1B approval.

Maintained legal status through transition

Common Questions

Top Questions Students Ask

"Can I apply for F-1 from inside the U.S. or do I need to leave?"

In many cases, yes — it is possible to apply for a change of status from within the U.S. using Form I-539 without needing to travel abroad.

"What if I already overstayed or my visitor visa is expiring?"

You may still be eligible to change status depending on the timing and details. It's important to act quickly and seek legal advice to avoid complications.

"Can I work on OPT or wait for approval before working?"

You can only begin working after your OPT has been approved and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

"My college says I need to file — but I'm not sure what that means. Can you help?"

Yes, guidance is available to help you understand and complete your application, including Forms I-765, I-539, or other USCIS forms your college may reference.

"I'm in STEM — what are my options after graduation besides OPT?"

Options may include STEM OPT extension, H-1B sponsorship, or longer-term pathways like PERM and employment-based green cards.

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Book Your Student Consultation

Every student's journey is unique. Let's discuss yours and create a clear path forward.

Schedule Now — It's Free
Trusted F-1 Student Support
Virtual Nationwide Services
Transparent Fees
✔Licensed in Connecticut
✔Virtual Immigration Law Firm
✔Serving Clients Nationwide