Category: Study In The US

The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and the Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs) are the comprehensive and authoritative sources for the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) organization structures, policies and procedures. These resources convey codified information to DOS staff and contractors, so they can carry out their duties in accordance with statutory, executive and Department mandates. Recently […]

USCIS aims to improve the integrity of the F-1 and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs by implementing an updated process that ensures consistency between Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and USCIS systems and informs students of the potential consequences of working with a terminated employment authorization document (EAD).  Under current regulations, F-1 students in […]

If you’re currently in the U.S. as an F (student), J (exchange visitor) or M (vocational student) nonimmigrant, it is important to understand how USCIS determines and tracks the accrual of unlawful presence, because current methods are about to change.  Current Policy According to the current USCIS policy, foreign students and exchange visitors (F and […]

Foreign students and graduates, take note: you may be able to work in the U.S. for longer. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is aiming to improve the optional practical training program (OPT), which allows foreign students or graduates to temporarily work in the U.S. This program gives them the chance to further their education […]

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated their list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved schools. The schools listed have all been certified to participate in the program.  The program allows foreign students interested in obtaining an education in the United States to complete a visa petition, pay the required fee, […]

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) School Certification Branch (SCB) is responsible for evaluating petitions submitted by insititutions wishing to be approved by the Department of Homeland Security for attendance by nonimmigrant students. Nonimmigrant students who come to the United States to pursue full-time academic or vocational/technical training are usually admitted in one of two nonimmigrant […]

Click on the links below to access a powerpoint presentation on Immigration Options for Students.  The presentatiion is broken down into two parts. Case Study Part 1 of 2 Case Study Part 2 of 2

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING As an international student, you may be able to work in the U.S. in conjunction with your studies. Work authorization for international students is known as Optional Practical Training (“OPT”). OPT is intended to enhance a student’s academic experience with practical, on-the-job training. You may be eligible for OPT if: OPT can […]

Who is Allowed to Study in the United States ? A nonimmigrant is someone admitted to the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose. People who are coming to the United States to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies are usually admitted in one of two nonimmigrant categories. The F-1 category includes academic students in colleges, […]