Tag: F-1 Visas

Many people are unsure if they can hold nonimmigrant status and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) simultaneously. The short answer is yes, you can hold both statuses at the same time, as long as you remain eligible for both. This means, in order to maintain both statuses, you must comply with each of the separate guidelines […]

When applying for a U.S. visa, one necessary step involves attending an in-person visa interview. During this session, a consular officer will evaluate your qualification for the visa. You may be asked about several topics such as the purpose of your travel, employment, financial standing, educational background, and your familial and residential circumstances. The primary […]

In a recent announcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This expansion aims to streamline and expedite the processing of applications seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. The USCIS will […]

Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced its expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optimal Practice Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.  Additionally, F-1 students […]

The Department of State (DOS) recently announced that it is extending its policy to waive in-person consular interviews for certain nonimmigrant applicants through December 31, 2023. Consular officers will have the authority to waive the interview requirement on a case-by-case basis for both first-time and renewing applicants. Individuals who hold the following nonimmigrant visa categories […]

On January 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is implementing its final phase of premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 preference categories. This final phase applies to all new (initial) petitions, in addition to all previously filed Form I-140 petitions […]

If you’re a student in the United States, there are a few different ways you can get authorization to work. In this video, we’ll discuss the Post-Completion Optional Practical Training program for students with F-1 visas. We’ll cover who’s eligible, how to apply, and what to expect. This program allows students who have completed their […]

Watch Associate Attorney Erica Chiodo’s client approval story in the video below relating to an H-1B cap exemption. If you have any questions, contact Berardi Immigration Law today. We would love to hear from you.

For many international students studying in the United States, there are quite a few options to stay in the country after graduation and work to gain experience. International students attending U.S. colleges and universities must have an F-1 visa to attend and can gain practical experience in their degree field after graduation by applying for […]

Qualified F-1 foreign student visa holders who are transitioning to an H-1B work visa may be able to extend their status and work authorization beyond the period initially authorized with a Cap Gap Extension. Since new H-1Bs do not become available each year until October 1st, students whose F-1 status ends between April 1st and […]