The U.S. Department of State (DOS), which is responsible for all U.S. embassies and consulates, has provided an updated summary on its plan for the phased resumption of routine visa service across the globe. While this provides the general plan on how it will go...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a statement this week, acknowledging delays in issuing receipt notices for cases filed at USCIS lockbox facilities. The USCIS attributes these delays to a significant increase in recent filings, along with a reduced processing capacity caused by...
Answer Generally speaking, once a person has been granted a change to H1B status, the STEM OPT terminates. It typically is not possible to use any remaining period of OPT (or STEM OPT.) (10.Dec.2020).Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information...
Legalization or decriminalization of marijuana or other narcotics at the state level can mislead noncitizens into thinking using such drugs in accordance with state law is legal. Marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and many other drugs are controlled substance under federal law. Therefore, the use, sale, purchase,...
This morning, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. secured enough electoral votes to win the 2020 presidential election. While President Trump is disputing the results, his claims of election fraud appear to be without merit, and have little chance of overturning the election. President-Elect Biden is expected...
On October 21, 2020, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the agency had arrested 15 students in F-1 status with approved optional practical training (OPT), who allegedly committed fraud by reporting employment with "companies that don't exist."In addition, ICE reportedly intends to...
On September 30, 2020, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act was signed into law, funding the federal government through December 11, 2020. Included in the bill is a provision that dramatically changes the premium processing service offered by the U.S. Citizenship and...
This evening, the U.S. Congress passed a bill to fund the federal government through December 11, 2020. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law this evening.In addition to funding the federal government, the bill also includes some significant changes to the premium...
Today, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed eliminating the D/S ("duration of status") designation routinely issued on I-94s for nonimmigrants in F, J, or I status. If the proposed regulation is enacted, I-94s for these categories would instead be issued with a set...
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has issued a new broadcast message advising designated school officials (DSOs) that it will soon begin issuing notices to F-1 students participating in optional practical training (OPT) if the student does not mention information on the employer in...
