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08 Sep 2022

After completing my master’s degree, I applied for OPT. After working in OPT for a few days, I decided to go back and get a second master’s degree in a different field. Now that I am graduating, can I re-apply for OPT?

Answer Unfortunately, this generally is not permissible. If a person uses any amount of OPT following completion of one level of education, that person would not qualify for OPT again unless the person changes to a higher educational level (e.g., PhD program.) (08.Sep.2022)Sheela Murthy and other...

16:15 / F-1 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student
04 Aug 2022

If I get a U.S. master’s degree while in H-4 status, would that make me eligible for next year’s H1B master’s cap, or do I have to be in F-1 status to qualify?

Answer If you earn a U.S. master's degree from a qualifying university, you normally would qualify for the master's cap. There is no requirement that a person be in F-1 status while attending the school in order to qualify for the master's cap. (03.Aug.2022)Sheela Murthy and...

07:31 / FAQs / For Families / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Worker
20 Jul 2022

I was in H-4 status based on my father’s H1B. I have been studying in university and, shortly before I turned 21, I filed an application to change to F-1 status. That application is still pending, and it appears I may graduate before my F-1 is approved. Can I transfer to a master’s program based on the pending F-1 change of status application?

Answer No, unfortunately, it typically is not possible to update a pending F-1 change-of-status application based on a new program of study. Assuming you have already turned 21 (and therefore are no longer eligible for H-4 status through a parent), filing a new application to change...

20:45 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Student
30 Jun 2022

I am working based on my H-4 EAD, which expires in August. My EAD renewal is pending. I have to go home to India for several months. How long can I work from India for the U.S. employer? Do I have to stop working once the current EAD expires?

Answer Ordinarily, if you are not physically in the United States, U.S. immigration law would not limit your ability to work for a U.S. employer. This would typically apply, regardless of whether the person has a valid EAD. (30.Jun.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

16:33 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Travel
02 Jun 2022

My H1B was not selected in the lottery, so I am going to continue working for my employer on STEM OPT. Is it possible for the company to initiate the PERM process for me now, or do I first need to get into H1B status?

Answer There is no requirement that a person be in H1B status for a company to initiate a PERM case for that individual.  (01.Jun.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...

07:07 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Resident / Student