On Monday, October 19, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to publish the new STEM optional practical training (OPT) rule in the federal register. This rule, if enacted, would allow for STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months, which is seven...
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of the proposed rule on STEM optional practical training (OPT). In the near future, it is very likely that the rule will be published in the federal register and stakeholders will be given at least...
As previously reported (02.Oct.2015), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted a new proposed rule on STEM optional practical training (OPT) for review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Notice of the submission is available online, but, at present, no specifics regarding the...
Answer The question here is how one plans to return to the U.S. If the H-1 approval is needed in order to return, it is risky to travel. Travel doesn't make it more or less likely that the case will be approved; it is just that...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that "… petitions filed on or after October 1, 2015, should not include the additional fee that was previously required by … Public Law 111-230 … for certain H1B and L-1 petitions." This filing fee, which only...
Answer It is possible to regain H1B status after working on EAD. But, it is necessary to do so from outside of the U.S. - applying for an H1B visa "stamp" at a consulate abroad based upon an H1B petition approval. This generally is not recommended,...
Answer H1B status ends with the job. There is no grace period. The I-94 expiration date does not equate to status when one is not complying with the terms of status. Options should be discussed in a consultation without delay. (05.Oct.2015)In frequent sessions of our Chat,...
Answer I assume that these are cap-subject cases. In any event, if they are not connected to each other at all (not violating the prohibitions on multiple filings by same / related employer), then there is no problem with having two filings. Each is independent of...
Answer There is not a nurse-specific nonimmigrant category. This is a long-standing problem. Some (but certainly not all) RNs qualify for H1B status. They must have bachelor's degrees and work in the limited types of nursing jobs that require the 4-year degree as a minimum requirement....
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) periodically releases updated information reflecting the number, type, and location of F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. One key highlights in the August 2015 report is a small, but notable decrease in the number of F-1 and...
