Answer In general, self-employment is permissible during the initial 12-month period of OPT. Self-employment normally is not permissible during a STEM OPT extension, however. (24.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For...
Answer MTRs are currently very slow - generally at least 6-12 months. (24.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access more FAQs here. Copyright © 2018, MURTHY...
The Trump Administration announced over the weekend that it aims to substantially expand the number of foreign nationals who may be inadmissible to the United States for risk of becoming a “public charge” (i.e. a person who is likely to become financially dependent on public...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a table of the national average processing times by fiscal year for various types of forms, through the first half of FY18. The U.S. government fiscal year runs from October 1st through September 30th. The data shows that...
Answer It is permissible to attend classes in H1B status, as long as one continues to work in the H1B position pursuant to the terms of the H1B petition. (18.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...
On September 6, 2018, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a public stakeholder teleconference to provide some additional guidance on how the July 13, 2018 Issuance of Certain RFEs and NOIDs memorandum will be implemented. This memo, which goes into effect on Tuesday,...
Answer Assuming that one has a valid F-1 visa, and is employed in a valid STEM position, this generally should not be a problem. A fresh I-20 endorsed for travel and an employment letter are required. (27.Aug.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other...
The Trump Administration continues to push for changes to those in nonimmigrant status and the U.S. employment-based immigration system. Though legislative wins have been tough to come by, the Administration has had more luck reforming immigration rules through memos and regulations. Sheela Murthy leads a discussion...
The Fourth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals recently ruled in Levya Martinez v. Sessions, that a theft conviction under Maryland law is not a "crime involving moral turpitude" (CIMT). A conviction of a CIMT can have a serious impact on a foreign national's eligibility for...
Answer In order to change from H-4 to F-1, one would need to obtain an I-20 from the university's designated school official (DSO), then apply for a change of status (form I-539) with the USCIS. Keep in mind that one must be in valid status both...
