Urena & Associates helps international students secure and maintain F-1, M-1, and J-1 status with precise filings, timeline control, and clear guidance. Our student visa lawyers in New York City streamline every stage—from school selection and I-20/DS-2019 readiness to interview prep, OPT/CPT, and travel planning—so you can focus on your education.
Call to schedule a consultation and get a step-by-step plan for your case.
Studying in the U.S. is exciting—but the rules are unforgiving. Between financial documentation, SEVIS updates, maintaining full-time enrollment, timing change of status (Form I-539), and proving non-immigrant intent under §214(b), small mistakes can cause denials or status violations. Missed reporting, unauthorized work, or poorly timed travel can jeopardize your education and plans.
Urena & Associates provides a structured, attorney-led pathway. We assess eligibility, align your timeline with admission and start dates, confirm I-20/DS-2019 accuracy, prepare you for the visa interview, and create a compliance plan for CPT/OPT or academic breaks. You’ll know exactly what to file, when to file it, and how to maintain status once you arrive.
Problem-Solving & Reinstatement
If something goes wrong (out-of-status, unauthorized work, missed SEVIS events), we assess reinstatement options, timelines, and the evidence needed to restore status.
Your education is too important to risk on avoidable mistakes. Contact Urena & Associates to review your timeline, documents, and strategy with an experienced student visa lawyer in New York City. We’ll prepare your filings correctly, coach you for the interview, and create a maintenance plan so you can study—and work where authorized—with confidence.
No. F-1 is for academic programs; J-1 is for exchange visitors (students, scholars, trainees) with added program-specific rules. M-1 covers vocational programs. We help determine the best fit for your goals.
Common reasons include insufficient financial evidence, a weak academic plan, or failure to show non-immigrant intent under 214(b). Strong documentation and clear, consistent answers at the interview are critical.
Often yes, via Form I-539 change of status—but timing is crucial to avoid gaps in status and to align with program start dates. We build a filing calendar and evidence package to reduce risk.
CPT is a work authorization tied to your curriculum (issued by your school). OPT is practical training after (or sometimes before) completion, authorized by USCIS via Form I-765. Using too much full-time CPT can impact OPT eligibility—plan before you accept work.
Eligible dependents can seek F-2 (for F-1) or J-2 (for J-1). F-2 spouses cannot work; J-2 spouses may apply for work authorization in some cases. We prepare dependent filings and guidance.
Do not ignore it. Options may include reinstatement (for F-1) or other remedies depending on the facts. Prompt legal action improves outcomes.
Get trusted legal guidance for your situation. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
My husband and I selected Mr. Urena from a big list of qualified lawyers. From the moment that we spoke with him we knew that we had hired the best lawyer. He patiently walked us through the entire process, he was always available to answer our questions day or night, and he always presented us with all the options. We are so grateful for all his help. He fought hard for our case and my husband and I are finally together.
This is an amazing law firm, very honest and caring. Got my wife and kids their green cards in less than 3 months. Very well connected and will get the job done. It’s hard to find a good lawyer but Mr. Rafael is honestly one of the best. Continue doing amazing work and helping people. Thank you.
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Have an immigration or citizenship related question or concern? We would love to hear from you. Contact us today and we will respond as soon as possible.
