Answer Yes, it is possible. However, each employer must fully comply with the standard STEM OPT requirements, including the requirement that it employ the individual for a minimum of 20 hours per week. (04.May.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has extended the guidance issued in March 2020 for the 2022-23 academic year. This guidance allows certain continuing F and M students to enroll in more distance learning (e.g., online classes) than normally allowed. This accommodation was made...
Regular readers of MurthyDotCom have likely come across the terms: lawful status, period of authorized stay, and unlawful presence. These related, yet distinct concepts can play a very important role in one's immigration matters. However, the differences can be subtle and complex. In many situations,...
Today, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced multiple initiatives to help streamline the adjudication of benefit requests and reduce significant backlogs. Most importantly, the agency announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized the rule expanding premium processing to additional application...
Answer There are no special visas available specifically based on the invasion of Ukraine. However, depending on the circumstances, there may be options to apply for a nonimmigrant visa.One option may be to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. One hurdle with this option is that the...
A U.S. federal district court has approved a preliminary settlement agreement for former students of the University of Northern New Jersey (UNNJ), a fictitious university created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2012. Following the closure of UNNJ in 2016, the DHS...
The Biden Administration has announced several immigration actions being taken to attract and retain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent in the United States. The goal of these actions is to make the United States a more attractive option for students studying STEM and...
Answer Assuming the master's was issued by a public university or other nonprofit institution that is accredited, yes, you likely qualify. There is no requirement that one be in F-1 status in order to qualify for the master's cap. (02.Feb.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released guidance to clarify that if a foreign national files an application to extend / change nonimmigrant status (form I-539) online, and biometrics are required, the USCIS will transmit the biometrics notice solely via the applicant's USCIS...
Answer A number of special allowances have been made due to the ongoing pandemic. One such allowance is that foreign nationals engaged in OPT or STEM OPT are permitted to work remotely from outside the United States if the employer has an office outside of the...
