As the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2024, employers with H-1B cap employees must ensure they are meeting compliance obligations. Here are the top five steps employers should take to stay compliant with U.S. immigration and employment regulations.
Update I-9 for Employees Transitioning from Student...Category: F-1 Visa
New Opportunities for Overcoming U.S. Visa Ineligibility: Key DOS Updates on Waiver Requests
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has recently issued updates to clarify the eligibility criteria for visa applicants seeking waivers of inadmissibility, offering new hope for individuals facing visa challenges. These changes, particularly focusing on the “significant public interest” category within the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), provide more flexibility for applicants in visa categories...
New USCIS Policy Changes Affecting F/M Student Visa Holders
USCIS has revised its Policy Manual to provide updated guidance for F/M student visa holders. The changes include new eligibility criteria for STEM OPT extensions, clarifications on online study options, school transfers, grace periods after OPT, and guidelines for study abroad programs. These updates aim to streamline the process and ensure compliance...
How to Transition from F-1, H-1B, or L-1 Visas to an EB-5 Investor Visa
Are you on an F-1, H-1B, or L-1 visa and considering permanent residency in the U.S.? The EB-5 Investor Visa could be your pathway to a green card through investment. This guide simplifies the process, showing you how to convert your current status into an EB-5 visa.
Navigating Options for F-1 Students with Terminated SEVIS Records
Navigating the complexities of maintaining F-1 student status can be challenging. A recent discussion highlighted two primary options for F-1 students whose SEVIS records have been terminated: traveling outside the United States to re-enter or applying for reinstatement. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on individual circumstances. This blog post...
Unlocking the Door to Opportunity: Navigating the New USCIS Guidelines for International Students
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the clarity and accessibility of its policies, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled updated guidelines within its policy manual, specifically targeting the F and M student visa categories. This comprehensive update serves as a beacon of guidance for international students navigating the...
USCIS Enhances Clarity in Policy for International Students
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its policy guidance concerning F and M student nonimmigrant classifications. This update is a consolidation of existing policies and aims to provide clearer guidance to international students and U.S. educational institutions. The guidance covers several key areas, including:
USCIS Update Regarding Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT
This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) has suspended certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Venezuela (regardless of country of birth) and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The Secretary is taking action to...
UPDATE ON FEDERAL GUIDANCE FOR THE 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR.
The White House provided a fact sheet detailing new DHS actions intended to attract and maintain STEM talent in the US. These include DHS policy manual updates on O-1 visas, creation of the Early Career STEM Research Initiative, changes to SEVP, USCIS policy manual updates, and more.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational...USCIS Reminds F-1 Aliens in Post-Completion OPT and Their DSOs to Enter Employer Information in SEVIS
USCIS continues to experience delays at certain lockboxes in issuing receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on eligibility categories described in 8 C.F.R. 274a.12(c)(3), relating to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. While USCIS have made progress in addressing the delays, USCIS would like to provide additional clarifications and...