A student in F-1 status with initial optional practical training (OPT) authorization may meet the employment requirements by engaging in self-employment as an alternative option from the standard employment relationship. For a student interested in such an alternative or who is otherwise interested in starting...
For those not selected in the H1B cap-subject lottery, some options are discussed in this article, including transferring to another F-1 program of study, finding cap-exempt employment or determining if another nonimmigrant option is viable. There also are options for nationals of certain countries like...
The Murthy Law Firm routinely receives calls from individuals asking how to deal with birth documents that have incorrect information. Foreign nationals seeking to apply for U.S. immigration benefits should ensure that the birth information on official documents, like birth certificates and passports, is accurate....
The typical H1B cap-filing season raises questions about extensions of F-1 student status and optional practical training (OPT) before the beginning of H1B status. Many foreign national students tend to have questions about coordinating H1B filings with the expiration of their F-1 status and OPT...
Answer A person typically qualifies for a new period of OPT after each educational level. The “master’s” period of OPT would be exhausted after completing an MBA, so one would not qualify after then completing a second master's degree. And, you cannot apply for a two-year...
Answer No, there normally is nothing that would need to be filed for the H1B principal's dependents during the registration period. (21.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here. Copyright...
The official U.S. Visa Information Service website for consular services in India has updated its guidance for Indian students applying for emergency student visa appointments. This guidance was prompted largely by a shortage of regular visa appointments at U.S. consular posts in India, necessitating many...
AnswerThe expiration date of the F-1 visa in one's passport typically has no impact on the F-1 status. The F-1 visa is an entry document. It generally must be valid when the person is requesting admission in F-1 status. But, if the person is already...
Answer Yes, this is perfectly fine. There is no requirement that a foreign national currently be working for the company sponsoring the H1B. (08.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...
The Murthy Law Firm has received multiple reports that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been erroneously denying STEM optional practical training (OPT) applications filed by F-1 students, alleging that the applicant’s degree was not in a STEM designated field. This MurthyDotCom NewsBrief...
