The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally will only recognize a U.S. degree that is issued by an accredited institution. Moreover, the accreditation must be granted by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). How is a degree viewed, however,...
... but I have two more offers from other companies that want me to work part time on projects for them (no more than 10-15 hours per week). Can I accept their offers while continuing my current full-time employment? Answer Under the current STEM OPT rules, while...
... Prior to the expiration of my EAD, I applied for the 24-month OPT STEM extension, which has just been denied. My attorney says that the decision was incorrect and that we should file a motion to reopen / reconsider the denial. To be sure...
Answer To be able to take classes on a part-time basis, you may need to apply for a change of status from F-1 to F-2 as a spouse of an F-1 student. Individuals in F-2 status are permitted to enroll in less than a full-time study,...
Representatives of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently addressed some common questions regarding the completion of the training plan for STEM OPT students (form I-983). A number of important topics were discussed, including the issue of potentially placing an F-1 STEM OPT student...
Answer If a student on OPT changes employers while his/her STEM OPT application is pending, s/he has to report the change of employers to the DSO, provide the DSO with a new Training Plan (I-983 form) completed and signed by both the employer and the student,...
Answer The 24-month STEM OPT rule that went into effect on May 10, 2016, contains several reporting requirements for both the employer and the student employee. With regard to the self-evaluation requirement, the student must complete self-evaluation reports using the attachments to Form I-983 signed by...
Answer This depends on the reason for the OPT denial. In some cases, an OPT denial can be reversed. One should consult a qualified attorney to review the specifics of your case. (03.Oct.2016)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
... requiring more information on the job offer and maintenance of F-1 status. My employer responded, but the USCIS denied it, noting that I failed to maintain valid F-1 status. Can I continue working on OPT, since it does not expire for a few more...
The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) held a teleconference on August 31, 2016 to discuss processing delays for certain types of cases. More specifically, the teleconference focused on adjudication delays of applications for employment authorization documents (EADs), change-of-status (COS) applications, and H1B petitions...
