Answer No. Under the new F-1 fixed-period-of-admission rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, the Form I-20 and the I-94 will serve different purposes. An F-1 student admitted under the new rule will need to maintain a valid Form I-20 and comply with all...
Answer An expired F-1 visa stamp does not affect a student's ability to remain in the United States, provided the student continues to maintain valid F-1 status. However, if the student travels abroad after the visa stamp expires, a new F-1 visa typically is required to...
Answer It likely can, as long as the in-person component is genuinely required, not optional. (14.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here. Copyright © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All...
Answer Generally speaking, the H1B wage does not have to be paid until and unless the foreign national is granted H1B status. There is no requirement that the H1B salary be paid at the time the person enters the H1B lottery. (11.Feb.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior...
Answer A person on OPT who otherwise has maintained valid status normally can work for up to 180 days beyond their OPT EAD expiration date, based on a timely filed STEM OPT extension application. (27.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....
Answer Yes, a student may initiate a SEVIS transfer during the 60-day grace period following program completion. However, initiating the transfer during the grace period does not extend the five-month deadline. The new program still must begin within five months of the student’s last date of...
Answer Under SEVIS regulations, a student’s new academic program must begin within five months of the earlier of (1) the student’s program end date or (2) the SEVIS transfer release date. In practice, this means the five-month clock usually starts on the student’s last date of...
Answer No. F-1 students who timely file for a STEM OPT extension still receive up to 180 days of automatic employment authorization and valid F-1 status while USCIS processes the application. The 29.Oct.2025 rule only impacts certain EAD renewal categories and does not change the STEM...
Answer No, the $100,000 fee would not apply to an F-1 student, if the H1B is approved as a change of status. (23.Oct.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...
Answer The OPT time does not work like H1B time. In most circumstances, once you use any portion of your OP, the rest is ‘use it or lose it.’ (02.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...
