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24 Oct 2019

I had about 20 months left of STEM OPT time remaining, when my H1B change of status was approved. Is it possible to go back to my STEM OPT, use the remaining time, and then return to H1B status?

Answer Once a person has started working pursuant to STEM OPT and then changes to H1B status, any remaining STEM OPT time generally is abandoned. (23.Oct.2019)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here.Access...

11:29 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Worker
24 Oct 2019

DOS Rule on Determining Visa Ineligibility Based on Public Charge Grounds

On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published an interim final rule in the Federal Register, entitled Visas: Ineligibility Based on Public Charge Grounds. Once this interim final rule goes into effect, it will greatly expand the categories of public benefits considered...

10:02 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Visitor / Worker
11 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! Judge Issues Nationwide Injunction Against Enforcement of Public Charge Rule

This afternoon, a federal district court judge issued a nationwide injunction against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from enforcing the new public charge rule. The public charge rule had been scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019.The injunction specifically prohibits the...

15:11 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Worker
10 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! DOS Amending Public Charge Rules, Effective 15 Oct 2019

On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will publish an interim final rule to amend the regulations regarding how consular officers determine whether a foreign national is likely to become a public charge, and therefore ineligible for a visa. This rule will...

17:37 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Visitor / Worker
19 Sep 2019

I recently completed my master’s degree, and have been on OPT for two months. Due to a family emergency, I need to go back to my home country for at least six months. If I return in F-1 status and complete a second master’s degree, can I then use my remaining OPT time, and then apply for a STEM OPT extension?

Answer Generally speaking, if an individual uses any period of OPT following the completion of a master's degree, that person is not eligible for any OPT following the completion of a second master's degree. (19.Sep.2019)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

12:11 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Worker
21 Aug 2019

I am currently in F-2 status, and am applying for a change to F-1 status. If the change-of-status application is denied, will my F-2 status be revoked?

Answer Ordinarily, if an application to change status is denied, this would not impact one's existing F-2 status. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access...

13:38 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Student