Florida Student Visa Lawyer — F-1 & M-1 Visas
Your pathway to education in the United States
Pursue Your American Education Dream
Whether you're seeking to study at a university, community college, or vocational school in Florida, our experienced student visa attorneys will guide you through every step of the immigration process.
Comprehensive Student Immigration Services
Florida is home to world-class educational institutions, from the University of Florida to Florida International University and numerous prestigious private colleges. At Vasquez Law Firm, we help international students navigate the complex student visa process and maintain their legal status throughout their educational journey.
Types of Student Visas
F-1 Student Visa
Academic studies at colleges and universities
Eligible Programs:
- • Universities and colleges
- • Community colleges
- • High schools (grades 9-12)
- • Elementary schools (with restrictions)
- • Language training programs
Benefits: Work authorization on campus, OPT eligibility, STEM extension possible
M-1 Student Visa
Vocational and technical training programs
Eligible Programs:
- • Vocational schools
- • Technical institutes
- • Flight training schools
- • Culinary schools
- • Cosmetology programs
Benefits: Practical training after completion, specific skill-based education
F-1 Visa Requirements
Issued by SEVP-certified school showing acceptance and program details
Proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses for entire program
Meet admission requirements for your chosen program of study
TOEFL, IELTS, or other approved English language test scores
Demonstrate intent to return to home country after studies
Student Visa Services We Provide
Visa Application Assistance
Complete DS-160 and consular interview preparation
- • DS-160 form completion and review
- • Consular interview preparation and practice
- • Supporting document compilation
- • Visa appointment scheduling assistance
Status Maintenance
Maintaining legal F-1 or M-1 status throughout studies
- • Full-time enrollment requirements
- • Program extension applications
- • School transfer procedures
- • Status compliance monitoring
Work Authorization
On-campus work, CPT, and OPT applications
- • On-campus employment authorization
- • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) applications
- • Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications
- • STEM OPT extension (24-month extension)
Status Changes & Extensions
Changing status or extending stay in the United States
- • Change of status to F-1 from other visa types
- • Program extensions and transfers
- • Reinstatement of student status
- • Change to other visa categories after graduation
OPT & CPT Work Authorization
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
Work authorization during studies
- • Must be integral part of curriculum
- • Internships and co-op programs
- • Part-time or full-time authorization
- • Available throughout program
Note: 12+ months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Work authorization after graduation
- • Up to 12 months after graduation
- • Must be related to field of study
- • STEM extension: additional 24 months
- • Apply 90 days before graduation
STEM Extension: Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physical Sciences
Application Timeline
School Admission & I-20
Apply and get accepted to SEVP-certified school (3-6 months before)
SEVIS Fee & Visa Application
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee, complete DS-160 form
Consular Interview
Schedule and attend visa interview at US embassy/consulate
Visa Approval & Travel
Receive visa and plan travel to US (can enter 30 days before program start)
Arrival & Check-in
Check in with Designated School Official (DSO) within 30 days
Maintaining Your Status
Losing student status can have serious consequences, including removal from the US. Key requirements include:
- • Maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours for undergrad)
- • Make normal progress toward degree completion
- • Keep your address updated in SEVIS within 10 days of moving
- • Get approval before working or changing schools
YO PELEO™ - Your Educational Journey Starts Here
Education is the key to your future, and we're here to help you unlock that door. From initial visa applications to post-graduation work authorization, our student visa attorneys will be with you every step of your educational journey in America.
Start Your Student Visa JourneyStudent Visa Attorneys
Ready to study in Florida? Our experienced student visa attorneys are here to help you navigate the process.
Schedule Student Case ReviewPopular Florida Schools
- University of Florida
Gainesville - Top public research university - Florida International University
Miami - Diverse international programs - University of Miami
Private research university - Florida State University
Tallahassee - Strong academic programs - Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale - Professional programs
STEM OPT Extension Fields
24-month extension available for:
- • Computer Science & IT
- • Engineering (all fields)
- • Mathematics & Statistics
- • Physical Sciences
- • Biological Sciences
- • Medical Sciences
William J. Vásquez
Founding Attorney · Vasquez Law Firm
U.S. Air Force veteran and immigration attorney with years of hands-on U.S. immigration experience. J.D., NCCU School of Law. AILA member. Admitted to the 4th, 5th, and 11th Circuit Courts.
Available 24/7 - Free Evaluations
Reviewed for legal accuracy by William J. Vásquez
Licensed in North Carolina; U.S. immigration is federal practice.
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Your path, step by step
We keep it simple and keep you informed the whole way.
- 01
Free case review
Tell us your situation. We listen and explain your options — in English or Español.
- 02
Your case plan
We map the right strategy and the documents you will need, with clear pricing.
- 03
We file & advocate
We prepare, file, and represent you at every stage — you always know the status.
- 04
Approval & next steps
We fight for the outcome that keeps your family and future secure.
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Student Visa FAQs
What is the difference between an F-1 and an M-1 student visa?
An F-1 visa is for academic students at colleges, universities, high schools, and language programs, while an M-1 visa is for students in vocational or technical training programs, such as flight, culinary, or trade schools. F-1 students generally have more work options, including optional practical training (OPT), whereas M-1 work is limited to certain practical training after completing the program. We help you choose and apply for the category that matches your school and goals.
Can I work while on an F-1 student visa?
Yes, within limits. F-1 students may generally work on campus, and off-campus employment usually requires authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during studies or Optional Practical Training (OPT) after a program. Working without proper authorization can jeopardize your status, so it is important to get the right approval before you start any job. We guide students through CPT and OPT applications.
What are OPT and CPT, and how do they differ?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorization tied to your curriculum — such as a required internship — and is used while you are still studying. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is typically used after graduation for work directly related to your field of study, and students in qualifying STEM fields may be eligible for an additional extension. Careful planning matters because heavy use of full-time CPT can affect OPT eligibility.
Can I change to a student visa from another status while in the U.S.?
In many cases, yes. Someone already in the United States in another nonimmigrant status may be able to file a change of status to F-1 with USCIS, provided they have been accepted by a SEVP-certified school and can show they meet F-1 requirements. Timing is important so there is no gap in status, and we help you file correctly and maintain status while the request is pending.
How much does it cost to get a student visa?
Beyond tuition, students generally pay government fees such as the SEVIS I-901 fee and the visa application fee, plus any attorney fees for help with the process. These government fees are set by the U.S. government and can change over time, so we review the current amounts with you and provide a clear estimate of our fees before you decide to move forward.