In recent months, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinterpreted a long-existing rule in a manner that impacts applications to change from B-1/B-2 business / visitor status to F-1 full-time student status. The net result is greater uncertainty and expense for B-1/B-2 visitors...
... USCIS has just denied my STEM extension application, saying that my school was not accredited when I applied. What options do I have now and how much time, if any, do I have to get back in status? Answer The USCIS has indicated that students in...
... When I received my degree, my school was accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, but it later lost its accreditation. My employer wants to file my H1B petition for the October 1st start date. Can they file it under the master’s cap, or...
... My employer is filing an H1B petition this week for the October 1st start date. If my STEM OPT application is denied while my H1B petition is still pending, how will this affect my ability to continue living and working in the U.S. until...
… I also have a job offer from another company, which will also be filing an H1B petition for me. I really want to continue working for my current employer, though. If the other employer’s petition is the only one that is approved, could I...
My OPT employment authorization ends in the summer. What options do I have if my H1B petition will not be selected for processing if there is a lottery for H1B filings? Answer If you have a degree in a STEM field eligible for the 24-month extension, you...
... Will I be able to use my EAD to continue working on OPT after the filing? Answer Yes, you should be able to continue working on OPT in valid F-1 status until the USCIS issues your new EAD based on your I-485 application for adjustment of...
… A few days after I moved to the new address, I notified my DSO and the USCIS of my new address and kept checking the USCIS online case status for my OPT application. It has now been several weeks since the case status changed...
President Trump has already signed several immigration-related executive orders, and it appears that more are on the way. One leaked proposed order, entitled "Executive Order on Protecting American Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity of Foreign Worker Visa Programs" includes a number of provisions...
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...
