Answer Generally speaking, it is permissible to stay in the U.S. based upon a timely filed request to change status. Thus, if the H-4 is properly filed while still holding F-1, it is possible to stay and wait for the H-4 decision without continuing to comply...
Originally published May 5, 2013, this NewsBrief has been updated for MurthyDotCom readers.The term "cap gap" refers to the period of time between April 1st and October 1st each year when many F-1 students experience a gap from the end of their optional practical training...
... after one year to obtain another master's degree in computer science. My classmate told me that I could apply for another 12-month period of OPT because my absence from the U.S. for five months or more between the two programs has restarted the clock...
The Murthy Law Firm has recently received approvals of optional practical training (OPT) requests for students who had transferred schools immediately after their initial F-1 entry to the United States. These students received requests for evidence (RFEs) questioning the propriety of changing schools soon after...
Under the revised STEM optional practical training (OPT) regulations, which went into effect on May 10, 2016, one of the new requirements to qualify is the completion of a training plan (I-983 form). A university's designated school official (DSO) cannot make the required recommendation for...
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has revised the guidance for 24-month STEM OPT filings. This guidance reflects accommodations for delays during the transition to the new 24-month STEM OPT program. These changes are only applicable to students with optional practical training (OPT) expiration...
The finalized STEM optional practical training (OPT) rule goes into effect on May 10, 2016. The revised regulations allow for a 24-month OPT extension for students with qualifying STEM degrees. Background: Replaces Vacated STEM OPT Regulations As explained in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, STEM OPT Could End in...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final STEM optional practical training (OPT) rule on March 11, 2016. In order to facilitate the transition to the new regulation, the DHS has added a STEM OPT hub to its Study in the States web portal. Transition Guidance...
This morning, the final version of the revised STEM optional practical training (OPT) rule was unveiled. It will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, March 11, 2016 and will go into effect on May 10th. The rule will allow STEM OPT extensions of up...
On February 5, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted the proposed revisions to the STEM optional practical training (OPT) program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final review. Once this review is complete, the last step would be to...
