Cynthia Yializis

Attorney · University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Cynthia Yializis, J.D., has practiced both family and employment-based immigration law for over five years. She discovered her interest in this field as a law student interning at Irish Refugee Legal Services. This experience made her realize that she wanted to use her law degree to help those who are seeking a better life and opportunity. She has since worked in both private practice and higher education. Cynthia is currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Center for International Legal Education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and maintains a regular pro bono immigration practice.

Cynthia received her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, fitness, and writing.

Articles By Cynthia Yializis

How to Prepare Form I-601 to Request a Waiver of Inadmissibility
Line-by-line instructions for filling out USCIS Form I-601, used by applicants for U.S. immigrant visas to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.
Applying to Reinstate Your F-1 or M-1 Student Status
Students who have fallen out of F-1 or M-1 status may request their status back using USCIS Form I-539.
How to Prove Intent to Return Home After Studying in the U.S.
The U.S. welcomes foreign students to its colleges, universities, and other schools. But it also makes a point of ensuring that they plan to return to their home countries when their studies are over.
When F-1 Students Can Work in the U.S.
F-1 visa holders (but not their spouses or children) can work at almost any job on their school’s campus without needing to obtain U.S. government authorization. If you want to work off campus, however, you’ll need to request authorization from either your DSO or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What to Do If Your Student Visa Is Denied
Possibilities to appeal or reapply for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
Can I Stay in U.S. as a Tourist After My Student Visa Expires?
If you have been studying in the United States, most likely on an F-1, M-1, or other temporary (nonimmigrant) visa, you may want to finish your stay with a little vacation.
How Long You Can Stay in the U.S. on a Student Visa
After having been granted an F-1 or M-1 student visa, and actually entered the United States, you can stay, pursuing your studies, until the expiration date shown on your I-94.
Transferring Schools or Colleges on an F-1 Student Visa
No matter how much research and planning you did before choosing a school in the United States, you might become dissatisfied with your chosen one. Here's how to transfer.
What Happens When a Foreign Student Gets Arrested in the U.S.
What to expect from the U.S. criminal justice system and how your student status will be affected.
Bringing Family to the U.S. While on a Student Visa
Planning to study in the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 visa? If so, your spouse and minor children (under 21 years of age and unmarried) may request visas to come and stay in the United States with you.