The PERM labor certification is the first in a three-step process in the majority of employment-based, permanent resident (commonly referred to as “green card”) cases. Because of how long this process can take, foreign nationals studying in the United States often want to begin the...
On August 27, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual related to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. Below are the key points you need to know:A student may apply for a STEM OPT...
Answer You should be eligible for the 60-day grace period in F-1 status as long as your STEM OPT was not denied due to an F-1 status violation. While you are in your grace period, you may transfer your SEVIS to another program of study or...
A student in F-1 status who has been granted optional practical training (OPT) may normally have no more than a total of 90 days of unemployment during the initial one-year post-completion OPT period. On occasion, the Murthy Law Firm hears from students on OPT who...
As the second round of the FY2025 cap lottery begins, it is important to note one avoidable reason for an H1B petition – or really, any type of petition or application – to be rejected by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is for...
A policy proposal from the Heritage Foundation named the 2025 Presidential Transition Project – or Project 2025, as it is widely referred to in the press – presents a comprehensive set of conservative reforms aimed at restructuring federal government policies, including U.S. immigration policy. Former...
Answer As long as your new employer is registered with E-Verify and the new job offer is for at least 20 hours per week, you should have a new Form I-983 completed with your new employer and provide it to your DSO. This should enable the...
A student in F-1 status, who is on Optional Practical Training (OPT), may have no more than a total of 90 days of unemployment during the regular one-year post-completion OPT period. A student eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT (for a total of...
Answer If a student wishes to change employers when the STEM OPT application is pending, the student must report the change of employers to the DSO and provide the DSO with a new training plan (I-983 form) completed and signed by both the employer and the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) strictly enforces the requirement to file the optional practical training (OPT) application within 30 days of the date the designated school official (DSO) enters the OPT recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, and...
