15 Feb 2016

I was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) a few weeks ago. Just a few days later, I received an eMail message from the U.S. consulate oversees that issued my F-1 visa, saying that my visa was revoked. …

... Even though the message did not contain an explanation for the basis of my visa revocation, I think it was due to the arrest. Does the visa revocation affect my status? Can I apply for OPT when I graduate this semester? Answer There have been reports...

05 Feb 2016

I recently graduated from my university, and have an application for optional practical training (OPT) currently pending. Due to a family emergency, I have to travel to my home country. Will my departure affect my OPT application process? What documents do I need to get back into the U.S.?

Answer You should be able to reenter the U.S. once the USCIS approves your application for OPT. Students and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) recommends that you make sure the USCIS has a valid U.S. address for you, to which it can send important correspondence regarding your...

01 Feb 2016

I have been working pursuant to the optional practical training (OPT) authorization, which will expire in June. My brother in India is getting married in late April, and I would like to travel home for about a week to attend his marriage ceremony. …

... My employer told me that they would file my H1B petition requesting a change of status to H1B and that I can continue working based on the cap-gap rule until the requested start date of October 1st. Will I be able to come back...

25 Jan 2016

NewsFlash! STEM OPT Extended

On January 23, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an additional three months to complete its review, and possible incorporation, of public comments for its proposed, revised STEM OPT regulation, which was previously...