The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) periodically releases updated information reflecting the number, type, and location of F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. One key highlights in the August 2015 report is a small, but notable decrease in the number of F-1 and...
Answer Yes, you can continue attending school in this scenario even if your I-539 application for change of status from H1B to F-1 is still pending after the expiration of your H1B I-94. In that case, you will be in the period of authorized stay pursuant...
... My initial 12-month OPT will end next month, but I am still working on my thesis. Do I need to complete my thesis before I may apply for the STEM OPT extension? Answer An F-1 student who has completed all of his/her program requirements, but for...
Answer Generally, an F-1 student is eligible for one 12-month OPT period per each educational level. The question is whether your JD degree should be considered a higher educational level than your master's degree. Since this is not very clear, given that JD degrees do not...
The Murthy Law Firm has learned about a significant procedural change for nonimmigrant (temporary) visa applications at U.S. consulates in India. More specifically, this shift in procedure relates to the online DS-160 form, which typically must be completed prior to scheduling an appointment to apply...
Answer Yes, a company can start a GC for someone on F-1/OPT. This does not disrupt the F-1/OPT status. But, for people from India, it is normally going to be necessary to change into H1B or some other work authorized status at some point to bridge...
Answer This isn't a simple question. The change of status from B-1 to F-1 is disfavored. That is why people cannot attend school while that request is pending - unlike other COS to F-1 requests. Further, one cannot enter the U.S. on B-1 with the intention...
... My H1B petition has just been approved with an I-94 for H1B status. I would like to travel back home for a short vacation in the last week of August and come back to continue working on OPT before my status changes to H1B...
On August 12, 2015, the decision was issued by a U.S. district court that will serve to terminate the 17-month optional practical training (OPT) extension program for F-1 STEM students unless the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addresses the matter within the next 6...
... I always maintained my nonimmigrant status in the U.S., including H-4 initially and F-1 currently, and I have another year to complete my degree. This summer, my husband and I would like to take a one week vacation and travel to Canada by car....
