24 Feb 2022

Is it true that it will soon be possible to get a green card based on obtaining a PhD? I have also heard that I may be able to get a new type of visa if I start a business in the U.S. Is that going to soon be an option?

Answer Last summer, the U.S. Senate passed the United States Innovation and Competition Act. Earlier this month, the U.S. House passed its own version of the bill, called the America COMPETES Act. In order for the bill to be sent to the President to sign into...

09 Dec 2021

Have there been any updates on the status of the EB5 program? Is it still possible to qualify for EB5 based on an investment of $500,000, or has the investment requirement changed?

Answer No, there have not been any recent changes. For now, we are still waiting to see what Congress will do regarding reauthorization of the EB5 regional center program. Congress passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through February 18, 2022. The hope is...

24 Dec 2020

I hear there is now the possibility of a government shutdown, starting next week. Is that true?

Answer Unfortunately, yes! Everyone thought the shutdown was averted after representatives from the White House negotiated a compromise deal with Congress for a spending bill, which included a stimulus package. However, after Congress passed the omnibus spending bill, Trump announced that he was not happy with...

30 Jan 2017

Will the F-1 OPT be impacted?

Answer This is unclear. There have been rumors of potential changes to the STEM OPT program. However, STEM OPT is a formal regulation, and would require action by Congress, or a (lengthy) formal rulemaking process. (30.Jan.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior...