Tag: OPT

The H-1B visa allows employers to temporarily employ a foreign national, who possesses at least a bachelor’s degree, in a specialty occupation. The H-1B employment period generally begins on October 1, the start of the federal government’s fiscal year.  There are special rules that act to automatically extend the US employment eligibility of qualified F-1 […]

The F-1 visa enables an individual to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. The student must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma or certificate and the school […]

As of May 10, 2016, all new STEM applications and all currently pending petitions will be processed under the new STEM OPT regulations, which extend STEM OPT to 24 months and include new employer requirements. Employers will be required to demonstrate sufficient resources to train employees and show they are not replacing U.S. workers. Eligible […]

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 […]

On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle vacated a 2008 ruling that extended the Optional Practical Training period for foreign students with STEM degrees by 17 months for an overall work period of 29 months. In the wake of this new ruling, many believe the Obama administration is likely to act […]