Over the past couple of weeks, I have spoken with multiple students who have had their F-1 visas revoked and their SEVIS terminated. Most of these students had DWIs or other alcohol related arrests. Other attorneys reported speaking with students who had minor infractions such as parking or speeding tickets. In some cases, the charges...
F-1 International students- CPT/OPT and STEM OPT
Recent reports suggest a concerning trend: F-1 students are experiencing visa revocations and SEVIS terminations based on past criminal conduct, including arrests and convictions, leaving them out of status and at risk of removal proceedings. Who Is Being Targeted? While this appears to be a developing and unevenly applied policy, early indicators suggest that students...
On the first day of his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order challenging a fundamental constitutional right, birthright citizenship. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees citizenship to individuals born within the United States. Trump’s order seeks to redefine eligibility, denying citizenship to children born to parents who are in the U.S. unlawfully, as well as to...
Sep62023
Travelling should be a fun experience. However, returning to the U.S. and navigating the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) process usually isn’t. This article talks about Travel tips for F-1 students wanting to travel on OPT, STEM OPT or Day 1 CPT. OPT Travelling on post completion OPT (initial 12 months) should not be...
Jul32023
Premium processing for change of status applications is finally being made available to students, marking a significant development. Previously, transitioning from say a B-1/B-2 to F-1 status could take more than 18 months, leaving individuals unable to commence their studies and stuck in a state of uncertainty. Moreover, due to the prolonged processing time, USCIS...
USCIS continues to expand its premium processing service, and this now includes work authorizations filed by F-1 students. Students who have a pending I-765 application will have the option to file their work authorizations in Premium Processing beginning March 6, 2023. This includes the following categories: (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT; (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and...
On August 19, 2022, the Department of Labor stated it would no longer recognize the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. This announcement affects English language study programs and F-1 students applying for STEM OPT extensions. SEVP will notify students if their school is affected by the above and strongly encourage...
Prefer a Video Format? See the video below to learn more about this article? It’s that time of year again when I find myself speaking to people who have not been selected in the lottery and need to consult with PLG to find out whether they have any other options. The majority of people...