… I heard that, under the 24-month STEM OPT rule, I can extend my OPT based on a previously attained STEM degree. What are the eligibility criteria for such an extension? Answer Under the 24-month STEM OPT extension rule, a student is eligible for two lifetime STEM...
... I will be eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in a couple of months. Can I continue to work for my own business? My company is registered with E-Verify. Answer In its preamble to the May 10, 2016 STEM rule, USCIS indicated, "…...
Answer As a general rule, people who are subject to the 2-year HRR cannot change status from within the United States. But, they may be eligible to obtain certain visas from outside the U.S. to allow for a status change through consular processing. (11.Apr.2016)In frequent sessions...
Answer The I-485 could still be filed in this situation, once the date became current. But, it is not clear why the F-1 is needed. H-4 dependents can attend school. In most situations, the only reason for a dependent child to move from H-4 to F-1...
... I received an employment offer from a prospective employer who has filed an H1B petition for me with a start date of October 1st, based on my previous degree. Will I be eligible for the cap-gap extension of my F-1 status, so that I...
... Before I came to the U.S., I applied to and was admitted to several universities, including School B. I decided to transfer to School B shortly after I arrived in the U.S., since I already had admission there. I talked to the DSO at...
Answer While, in the past, the USCIS has not been clear specifically about whether self-employment is one of the permitted types of employment during the STEM OPT extension, under the new rule that goes into effect on May 10, 2016, self-employment during STEM OPT will not...
... On the way back, I was given a Form I-515A with instructions to mail in the required travel documents. It's been two months and I was so busy that I forgot to do it. What should I do? Answer Generally, students who do not have all...
... However, I would like to transfer to another program and apply for reinstatement as a back-up plan. Can I pursue both of these courses of action? Are there any downsides? Answer It is understandable that you want to increase your chances of being able to maintain...
Answer There is no minimum time period one has to wait to apply for an F-2 visa in this situation. The two categories have very different requirements and an L1B denial does not necessarily mean that one is ineligible for F-2. I would suggest getting some...
