The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows F-1 students to work for 12 months after graduation (in most situations). F-1 students with U.S. degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM degrees) may...more
2/18/2020
/ Certification Requirements ,
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) ,
F-1 Visa ,
Foreign Students ,
Form I-9 ,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ,
OPT ,
Required Forms ,
Site Visit Program ,
STEM ,
USCIS
Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent a message dated February 14, 2020 (but released in advance) to advise employers on how to prepare for its site visits to assure compliance with the STEM optional practical training...more
Over the last week, we have been looking at various changes in policy and procedure related to immigration law. We have covered the travel ban, changes to advance parole, deference to prior determinations and denials; today,...more
The Department of State recently updated the Foreign Affairs Manual regarding issuance of F-1 visas. The change puts more emphasis on the applicant’s intent to return to the home country after study in the U.S....more
Both F-1 students and employers have been following the litigation over the F-1 OPT (optional practical training) program. The government was sued by tech workers in Washington, D.C. regarding a part of this program, the...more
4/15/2016
/ Department of Labor (DOL) ,
E-Verify ,
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) ,
Foreign Students ,
Form F-1 ,
H-1B ,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ,
OPT ,
Popular ,
Reporting Requirements ,
STEM ,
Training Requirements ,
USCIS
The H-1B “cap” petition filing deadline is quickly approaching. As a reminder, this is the national deadline for submitted petitions to sponsor workers in “specialty occupations” for those positions that are subject to the...more
An update to the notice we posted last week about the ongoing STEM OPT litigation:
The court, in Washington Alliance of Technology Workers v. U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, granted the government (Department of...more
Many of you are following the STEM OPT saga closely. As the original deadline of February 12, 2016, approaches, we are providing this brief update.
As background, the OPT (optional practical training) program is part...more
A recent federal court ruling has created uncertainty and speculation about the STEM OPT program. This summary is provided to inform employers and F-1 STEM students of the facts about the effect of this decision....more
8/27/2015
/ Administrative Procedure Act ,
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ,
Educational Institutions ,
Foreign Relations ,
Hiring & Firing ,
Human Resources Professionals ,
Notice and Comment ,
OPT ,
Rulemaking Process ,
STEM ,
USCIS