F-1
According to a recent meeting between AILA and the Department of State in which Visa revocations by the consular posts was discussed. During this discussion the DOS indicated the following: In general, DOS issues NIVs with multiple entries for an extended period of time; every single visa holder is continually
F-1
On August 19, 2022, the Department of Education announced that it would no longer recognize the "Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools" (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. This will affect Immigrants in several ways, depending on where they are in their course of study. First, for those
EAD
AILA today reported that USCIS has added 22 new files of study to the STEM designated degree program list. AILA stated: On January 21, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it updated the STEM Designated Degree Program List to add 22 qualifying fields of study and a corresponding
F-1
There are many pitfalls for those in F-1 status. Some of which I have talked about before. I want to discuss two potential pitfalls that have been in the news recently: The creation of a fake University by ICE to ensnare F-1 violators; and, Day 1 CPT. First, several years
Adjustment of Status
Charlie Oppenheim has released some more information on how he sees immigrant visa usage heading this year. Overall his predictions are largely positive, with forward movement predicted in most categories. However, it should be noted that the new USCIS policy requiring transfer of employment-based I-485s to field offices for interview
F-1
Under the new rules that went in effect on May 10, 2016, all students seeking STEM extensions for additional OPT time must have a training plan that is developed by them and their employer. Below are some important points to keep in mind about the new training plan requirement 1.
F-1
There are two relevant updates to discuss. First, in terms of the STEM OPT court fight, the District Court this week dismissed the action against USCIS for the STEM OPT rules. The Court found that USCIS had fixed the necessary issues and did not agree that USCIS overstepped its bounds
F-1
With the publishing of the new STEP OPT rule just last month, many thought that this could be the end of the lawsuit brought against USCIS over this issue. The Court overseeing this case found that USCIS had violated procedures surrounding the rule making of that last OPT extension, which
EAD
For those who are wondering about the new STEM rules, and how the old rules will be stopped and the new rules will be implemented, keep reading. If My Application Was Filed On Or Before May 9, 2016, Under Which Rules Will It Be Adjudicated? USCIS will transition into the
F-1
The new STEM OPT rule that we discussed here, is in final review by USCIS. Expectations are that it should be published by March 10, 2016 with an effective date no later than May 10th, the last day of the hold issued by the Court. At this point we do
EAD
There are two updates regarding current legislation that would affect immigration programs. Please note, these are just bills that were introduced but not yet passed. While the content of the bills is worrisome, to say the least, there is no indication at this point that they will actually get enough
F-1
On October 19, 2015 USCIS issued a proposed rule regarding STEM OPT extensions for those in F-1 status. If you were not aware, USCIS was sued in Federal Court over the previous rules as there was no formal rule-making on those. The Court gave USCIS until February of 2016 to