A student in F-1 status typically is eligible to participate in optional practical training (OPT) upon completion of the degree program or, in some circumstances, before graduation. The purpose of OPT employment is to provide the foreign national student with an opportunity to apply the...
On October 31, 2019, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish a final rule in the Federal Register that will increase the premium processing fee to $1,440. This fee increase is scheduled to go into effect 30 days after the final rule is...
Answer Yes, generally speaking, the case will remain in the premium processing track until it is approved or denied. The USCIS normally will issue a final decision - or, less likely, issue a second RFE or a notice of intent to deny (NOID) - within 15...
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...
Answer Generally speaking, a separate AR-11 must be filed for each non-exempt family member. (i.e., No AR-11 is needed for the U.S. citizen child.) (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 more...
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...
Immigration law has never been more challenging than under the current administration. One area that has gone largely unexplored has been the unintended consequences of how multinational companies tend to react to harsh U.S. immigration policies that target high-skilled workers. Dr. Britta Glennon, Assistant Professor...
Answer Normally, it is possible to apply for an H1B visa "stamp" at a different consulate from the one listed on the H1B petition. This sometimes causes a delay in the visa being issued, but such delays typically are less than 2 weeks. (16.Oct.2019)Sheela Murthy and...
Answer Normally, there is no issue with the spouse of an H1B worker traveling back and forth using an H-4 visa, even for short trips to the U.S. It is possible to do this with a B-2 visa, as well; but, unlike B-2 visitors, a person...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced today that the interim final rule regarding visa ineligibility based on public charge grounds is not yet being implemented. Per the announcement, "visa applicants are not requested to take any additional steps at this time and should attend...
