05 Feb 2016

I recently graduated from my university, and have an application for optional practical training (OPT) currently pending. Due to a family emergency, I have to travel to my home country. Will my departure affect my OPT application process? What documents do I need to get back into the U.S.?

Answer You should be able to reenter the U.S. once the USCIS approves your application for OPT. Students and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) recommends that you make sure the USCIS has a valid U.S. address for you, to which it can send important correspondence regarding your...

01 Feb 2016

I have been working pursuant to the optional practical training (OPT) authorization, which will expire in June. My brother in India is getting married in late April, and I would like to travel home for about a week to attend his marriage ceremony. …

... My employer told me that they would file my H1B petition requesting a change of status to H1B and that I can continue working based on the cap-gap rule until the requested start date of October 1st. Will I be able to come back...

25 Jan 2016

NewsFlash! STEM OPT Extended

On January 23, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an additional three months to complete its review, and possible incorporation, of public comments for its proposed, revised STEM OPT regulation, which was previously...

25 Jan 2016

I was attending school for one year in valid F-1 status. In my third semester, I incidentally fell below the full course load and my DSO told me that I had to apply for reinstatement. …

... The USCIS has just approved my reinstatement application. I would like to apply for authorization for curricular practical training (CPT), and to register it as a practicum for credit. Am I eligible for CPT? Answer A student, whose F-1 status was reinstated, may be immediately eligible...

04 Jan 2016

SEVP Field Reps Monitor F-1 and M-1 Schools

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is nearing its goal of fully staffing the field representative program. These representatives are involved with the F-1 and M-1 school certification process. They also play a key role in assuring school compliance with F-1 and M-1 related...