She is studying here but wants to get a work visa so she can work.

Or does she just need a EAD?

thanks in advance

is she on a f-1 visa?

She'll need to find an employer to sponsor her work visa or try the lottery. You can't just switch immigration status on a whim.

If she's finished her degree, she can apply for practical training. Best thing to do would be to talk to her international student counselor or an immigration counselor at her school.

thanks..........I dont know what kind of visa she is on ill ask.

Thank you

If she does have an F-1 Visa then she needs to apply for a continuing I-20 'Optional Practical Training' Visa as mentioned. But she needs to do this way before her studies finish, it took me about 3 months to get back my work authourization card! Once it is applied for she can stay in the country (unless its rejected) until she recieves it in the mail. I had a six week wait after my studies ended and before I could work because the school messed up on my paperwork.

But take the advice mentioned and speak to the international student counselor

Good luck

Okay... This is my area of expertise!

If your friend is on an F1 visa, she can do 1 year of Practical Training (which is work, authorized by USCIS) after completing her studies. She should apply for her EAD at least 90 days before her program end date. I've never heard about OPT being denied, USCIS always approves this type of employment.

Then, once she finds a job, if the employer likes her, he can sponsor an H1-B (work visa), which (if approved) will allow her to work for this particular employer for 3 more years. It can be extended too, and eventually you can get a green card based on employment. Here in Silicon Valley thousands of highly skilled workers (mostly from India) get their Green cards this way.

Your friend can also work part-tim on campus without any USCIS authorization.