The F-1 STEM optional practical training (OPT) program will be expanded to include eight new degree fields, including linguistics and computer science; mechatronics, robotics and automation engineering; and geospatial intelligence. The additions take effect today. The expansion of the STEM…
If you are an F-1 student who has applied for or is working on optional practical training (OPT) or who will be the beneficiary of a petition to change status to H-1B in this year’s H-1B cap filing season, make…
Starting today, USCIS will accept Form I-907 premium processing requests for F-1 students with a pending Form I-765 employment authorization document (EAD) application if the student is filing for pre- or post-completion OPT, or for a STEM OPT extension. Starting…
Beginning January 30, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 Premium Processing requests for all new and pending EB-1 Multinational Executive and Manager Form I-140 petitions and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) I-140 petitions. This is the final phase of premium…
On October 4, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the legality of the Department of Homeland Security’s post-graduate Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. The opinion is in response to an appeal filed by Washington Alliance…
The annual quota of 85,000 new H-1B cap registrations was met in the initial registration period for employment in FY 2023, according to USCIS. The agency has completed the regular and advanced-degree selection lotteries, and has notified employers of selection…
If you are an F-1 student who has applied for or is working on optional practical training (OPT) or who will be the beneficiary of a petition to change status to H-1B in this year’s H-1B cap filing season, make…
Employers and their immigration counsel may register foreign nationals for the FY 2023 H-1B cap lottery from today at noon ET through Friday, March 18 at noon ET. USCIS is expected to receive a very large number of online registrations…
The F-1 STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension will be expanded to 22 new degree fields, including economics and computer science, mathematical economics, data science, and data, business and financial analytics. STEM students in the J-1 exchange visitor program will…