Student Archives - Page 36 of 67 - Murthy Law Firm

08 Sep 2017

I have recently submitted an application for a 24-month extension of my optional practical training (OPT), based on my STEM degree. Prior to filing my STEM OPT application, my current employer and I completed an I-983 form and provided it to my DSO. …

… The DSO reviewed the I-983 and issued me a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation that I submitted with my application. I have now received a new offer of employment from another company. Am I allowed to change to a new company while...

12:56 / FAQs / Student

06 Sep 2017

Large Reduction in Processing of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas in Russia

As of September 1, 2017, the processing of U.S. visas in Russia has been greatly scaled back. Applications for nonimmigrant visas have been suspended indefinitely for all consulates in Russia, other than at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. This action was taken in response to...

30 Aug 2017

Temporary Relief for Immigrants Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a news alert, advising stakeholders impacted by Hurricane Harvey of the immigration relief that may be available on a case-by-case basis. Some of the types of relief that may be requested include:Changing a nonimmigrant status...

17:11 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Visitor / Worker

28 Aug 2017

My STEM OPT expires on September 30. Do I get a grace period beyond that date? Would that grace period be indicated on my I-94?

Answer One in OPT status typically gets the normal 60-day grace period at the end of the OPT period. The I-94 in this case should say "D/S" (duration of status) rather than being a specific date. (28.Aug.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other...

16:12 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student

23 Aug 2017

DOS Provides ‘Hire American’ and F-1 Guidance to Consular Officers

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), which provides official guidance to consular officers, in light of the 'Buy American, Hire American" executive order (EO) signed by President Trump on April 18, 2017. The DOS FAM update primarily serves...

08:07 / Consulates / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Student / Worker

21 Aug 2017

I am on OPT and my F-1 visa has expired. If I travel outside the U.S. will I need to get a new F-1 visa to reenter?

Answer Yes, to enter on F-1 OPT, a valid visa "stamp" is typically required (with the limited exception of travel to Canada or Mexico under the automatic visa revalidation rule). (21.Aug.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

16:46 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Travel / Worker

11 Aug 2017

My initial first-year optional practical training (OPT) will end in three months. Because I have a designated STEM degree, I can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. …

… My current OPT employer would like me to continue working for them on STEM OPT, but they are not registered for E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT employers. They suggested that I find another company that is E-Verify registered to sponsor me for...

08:07 / F-1 / FAQs / Student

04 Aug 2017

I have just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in F-1 status. I would like to continue my education and get a master’s degree in my field. Do I need to obtain a new I-20 for this study?

Answer You must inform your DSO of your plans so that you can maintain valid F-1 status. Your DSO must issue a new I-20, based on your admission to the new program, and initiate the change-of-level procedure in SEVIS while you are still in your 60-day...

08:41 / FAQs / Student

21 Jul 2017

My application for change of status from B-2 to F-1 was just denied because of the gap in status of more than 30 days between the date my B-2 status expired and the start of the program of study. …

… However, when I first filed my application, there were fewer than 30 days between the end of my B-2 status and the F-1 program start date. Because the USCIS took several months to decide my case, my DSO deferred the admission start date to...

11:36 / FAQs / Student / Visitor

17 Jul 2017

I am on OPT cap gap. My H1B petition was selected in the lottery, but an RFE was issued. If the case is still pending beyond September 30th, can I continue to work?

Answer Generally speaking, one on F-1 cap gap may not continue to work beyond September 30th of that year until and unless the H1B change-of-status petition is approved. (17.Jul.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law...

11:42 / FAQs / Student / Worker

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