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02 Dec 2021

My registration was selected in the third lottery. However, I am now working for a different company on OPT, and I do not wish to go back to my old employer. Can I stay on OPT? Will this have any negative impact on me if I apply for the lottery again next year with my current employer?

Answer Generally speaking, it is possible to remain on OPT rather than apply for a change to H1B with the previous employer. Typically, this would not have a negative impact on the individual. (02.Dec.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...

07:39 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Worker
04 Nov 2021

Presidential Proclamation Lifts Travel Bans and Imposes Vaccination Requirement

Effective November 8, 2021, the Biden Administration is rescinding the COVID-19 related travel restrictions based on several presidential proclamations. In its place, President Biden has issued a proclamation that requires nearly all nonimmigrant international air travelers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before being admitted...

11:51 / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker
14 Oct 2021

I am in H-4 status and am enrolled in a master’s program. Do I need to change to F-1 status in order to be eligible for the master’s cap after I graduate?

Answer There is no requirement that a person take classes while in F-1 status in order to qualify for the master's cap. (13.Oct.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...

08:19 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Worker
14 Oct 2021

I am on F-1 OPT. My H1B was recently approved for consular notification, with no I-94 attached. Is it possible to get my H1B visa stamping done without leaving the U.S.?

Answer No, ordinarily, it is not possible to apply for a visa "stamp" from within the United States. (13.Oct.2021)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 © 2021, MURTHY...

08:11 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Travel / Worker
02 Sep 2021

The U.S. Consulate in Chennai issued me an F-1 visa last week, but it does not contain an annotation verifying that I have an NIE. Do I need to go back to the consulate to get this corrected?

Answer This should not be a cause for concern. F-1 students now are generally eligible for blanket waivers. Therefore, no annotation is needed.  (02.Sep.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...

07:20 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Travel / Worker
19 Aug 2021

I was in the U.S. working pursuant to STEM OPT. Two weeks ago, I needed to return to India for a family emergency. I have a valid F-1 visa, and now wish to return to the U.S. Do I need to first apply for an NIE?

Answer Initially, the guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) regarding F-1 students returning to the U.S. was extremely vague. Fortunately, the DOS has recently clarified that F-1 students (including those on CPT or OPT) who will resume their programs on or after August 1,...

07:09 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Travel