In a recent and concerning adjudication trend, the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun denying F-1 optional practical training (OPT) STEM extension applications filed by students who engaged in employment as unpaid interns during the initial 12...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a news alert on November 15, 2013, reminding those impacted by the devastation in the Philippines created by Typhoon Haiyan that certain forms of immigration relief may be available. This reminder covers a number of general provisions applicable...
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has changed an important F-1 student-related procedure. As of July 31, 2013, the ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) no longer mails I-797C, notice of action receipts for payments of Form I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information...
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) ordered the University of Northern Virginia (UNVA) on July 15, 2013 to close its operations in the United States. This action places UNVA students in limbo, with regard to both their academic and immigration status. With...
The State Council of Higher Education for Northern Virginia (SCHEV) resolved to revoke the University of Northern Virginia's (UNVA) Certificate to Operate. This action was taken on July 15, 2013, based upon UNVA's failure to meet previously-agreed upon time lines related to accreditation.The actions of...
Given the volume of cases the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews, it should come as no surprise that the agency, from time to time, makes mistakes when issuing requests for evidence (RFEs). However, one must distinguish between an actual mistake and something that...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented changes at U.S. ports of entry (POEs) intended to prevent improper admission of students and exchange visitors. The need for improvements in the data systems was brought to light after the Boston Marathon bombings. The new...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered a higher level of scrutiny of F-1 students at the U.S. ports of entry (POEs), according to the Associated Press [Foreign Students to Face New Checks at U.S. Borders, Julia Preston, New York Times, 03.May.2013]. The...
Colleges and universities certified to sponsor foreign students for F-1 classification often receive applications from potential students who meet these schools' academic standards, but lack sufficient proficiency in English. To address this matter, many Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-authorized schools have created various types...
On May 6, 2013, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin implementing a Customer Identity Verification (CIV) program at USCIS Field Offices. Under the CIV program, individuals who attend interviews or request immigration benefits at USCIS field offices will now be fingerprinted and...
