Student Archives - Page 48 of 68 - Murthy Law Firm

13 May 2016

I have been working in a volunteer position without pay during the first year of my F-1 OPT. I am ready to apply for a 24-month OPT extension based on my degree in a STEM field. Can I continue working as a volunteer?

Answer No. Volunteering during the STEM OPT extension is not allowed. Your employer should be paying you wages comparable to the wages received by other workers who are similarly situated. (13.May.2016)Questions frequently reach us from students on a variety of matters. This is a sample question,...

07:52 / FAQs / Student

09 May 2016

I am have 7 months of OPT time left. Can my employer sponsor me for a green card? If so, can I remain in the U.S. until the green card is issued?

Answer An employer could start the GC process for a person in F-1/OPT, but there is not enough time to complete the process with only 7 months of OPT left. The PERM LC could get filed in that time, but not approved. Once your OPT is...

09 May 2016

Travel Reminder for Students and Exchange Visitors

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screens foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States. Students and exchange visitors who intend to travel outside of the U.S need to have proper documentation to present to the CBP officer in order to gain admission. The arrival...

08:25 / Complexities / J-1 Exchange / Student / Travel

06 May 2016

Can you please explain what the F-1 student requirements are under the new STEM OPT rule?

Answer Under the May 10, 2016 STEM OPT rule, students in designated STEM fields are eligible for the 24-month extension of their first 12 months of post-completion OPT. During the 24-month extension period, the student must report to their DSO every 6 months verifying their employment...

13:47 / FAQs / Student

06 May 2016

NewsFlash! STEM OPT Special Instructions

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has revised the guidance for 24-month STEM OPT filings. This guidance reflects accommodations for delays during the transition to the new 24-month STEM OPT program. These changes are only applicable to students with optional practical training (OPT) expiration...

09:49 / F-1 / NewsBrief / USCIS News

03 May 2016

NewsFlash! USCIS Proposes Substantial Fee Hike on Most Filings

Tomorrow, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be publishing a proposed increase in filing fees in the Federal Register that would apply to nearly all case types. A pre-publication version of the proposal is available online. Table 9, which can be found beginning...

11:06 / For Employers / NewsBrief / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Worker

02 May 2016

I am currently working on the initial 12-month OPT following my MBA degree. I also have a degree in computer science, which I completed prior to starting my MBA program of study. …

… I heard that, under the 24-month STEM OPT rule, I can extend my OPT based on a previously attained STEM degree. What are the eligibility criteria for such an extension? Answer Under the 24-month STEM OPT extension rule, a student is eligible for two lifetime STEM...

12:18 / FAQs / Student

22 Apr 2016

I have been self-employed and working as a contractor during the first 12 months of optional practical training (OPT) after graduating with a degree in a STEM field. …

... I will be eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in a couple of months. Can I continue to work for my own business? My company is registered with E-Verify. Answer In its preamble to the May 10, 2016 STEM rule, USCIS indicated, "…...

13:55 / FAQs / Student

13 Apr 2016

Annual Reminders for Individuals – EAD and AP Dates

As explained in Annual Reminders for Individuals - Check I-94 Expiration Dates (06.Apr.2016), foreign nationals can avoid a number of serious immigration problems by being mindful of certain key dates related to their stay in the United States, such as the I-94 expiration date. Depending...

08:12 / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel

11 Apr 2016

I was enrolled in a J-1 clinical program, but I have not yet completed my 2-year home residency requirement. I am on F-1. Can I apply for change of status to a new J-1 clinical program?

Answer As a general rule, people who are subject to the 2-year HRR cannot change status from within the United States. But, they may be eligible to obtain certain visas from outside the U.S. to allow for a status change through consular processing. (11.Apr.2016)In frequent sessions...

15:53 / FAQs / Student / Visitor / Worker

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