Student Archives - Page 44 of 70 - Murthy Law Firm

19 Dec 2016

Spending Bill Includes Extension of Several Immigration Programs

On Saturday, December 10, 2016, President Obama signed into law a continuing resolution designed to fund the federal government through April 28, 2017. Included in the spending bill were various immigration provisions, including an extension of the employment-based, fifth preference (EB5) regional center program, the...

16 Dec 2016

I am in the process of applying for STEM OPT. I would like to continue working for my employer …

... but I have two more offers from other companies that want me to work part time on projects for them (no more than 10-15 hours per week). Can I accept their offers while continuing my current full-time employment? Answer Under the current STEM OPT rules, while...

09:45 / F-1 / FAQs / Student

09 Dec 2016

Last year, I graduated with a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, I applied for the initial 12-month period of optional practical training (OPT), which was approved. …

... Prior to the expiration of my EAD, I applied for the 24-month OPT STEM extension, which has just been denied. My attorney says that the decision was incorrect and that we should file a motion to reopen / reconsider the denial. To be sure...

17:09 / F-1 / FAQs / Student

05 Dec 2016

My stem OPT expires in April 2017, which is the same time my employer will be filing an H1B for me. Will I fall under the cap-gap protections?

Answer Generally speaking, so long as the H1B petition is filed before the expiration of the OPT, the beneficiary would be covered by cap-gap. (05.Dec.2016)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For...

16:39 / FAQs / Student / Worker

02 Dec 2016

My husband and I are full-time students in F-1 status. We are currently expecting our first child. After the birth of our baby, I would like to reduce my course load to part-time, but continue to take classes towards my master’s degree. Is this permitted?

Answer To be able to take classes on a part-time basis, you may need to apply for a change of status from F-1 to F-2 as a spouse of an F-1 student. Individuals in F-2 status are permitted to enroll in less than a full-time study,...

19:47 / F-1 / F-2 Dependent / FAQs / For Families / Nonimmigrant Family / Student

28 Nov 2016

I am currently working on OPT and traveling outside the USA. I will return in Jan 2017. Are there any risks involved in terms of my reentry in to the U.S.?

Answer An employment letter, valid F-1 visa, updated I-20, and the actual OPT card are required for reentry. This is generally a routine process, and is not at all uncommon. Applying for an F-1 visa while in OPT may present some greater risks however. (28.Nov.2016)In frequent...

19:12 / FAQs / Student

28 Nov 2016

Some Questions Answered on I-983 Training Plans for STEM OPT Students

Representatives of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently addressed some common questions regarding the completion of the training plan for STEM OPT students (form I-983). A number of important topics were discussed, including the issue of potentially placing an F-1 STEM OPT student...

14:04 / Compliance / F-1 / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Student

18 Nov 2016

My application for a 24-month STEM OPT extension is currently pending. However, I received a new job offer and would like to change employers. Is this permitted? Do I need to do anything?

Answer If a student on OPT changes employers while his/her STEM OPT application is pending, s/he has to report the change of employers to the DSO, provide the DSO with a new Training Plan (I-983 form) completed and signed by both the employer and the student,...

20:32 / F-1 / FAQs / Student

04 Nov 2016

What are the self-evaluation reporting requirements for F-1 students on 24-month STEM OPT if the student changes employers during employment?

Answer The 24-month STEM OPT rule that went into effect on May 10, 2016, contains several reporting requirements for both the employer and the student employee. With regard to the self-evaluation requirement, the student must complete self-evaluation reports using the attachments to Form I-983 signed by...

06:55 / F-1 / FAQs / Student

31 Oct 2016

Can an H1B worker also attend school full time?

Answer As long as the foreign national continues to work in accordance with the terms of the approved H1B petition, it generally is permissible to also enroll in school as a full-time student. (31.Oct.2016)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...

17:57 / FAQs / Student / Worker

Murthy Law Firm