F-1 International students- CPT/OPT and STEM OPT

Having previously written two articles on Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) I keep being asked whether I would recommend Day 1 CPT and what are the potential consequences of taking it. If you haven’t read my previous articles, please find the links below: https://patel-law-group.local/why-day-1-cpt-is-not-a-good-idea-and-can-cause-more-problems-than-it-solves/ https://patel-law-group.local/day-1-cpt-revisited/ Please note that the first article was written during...

On April 12, 2021 USCIS announced that F-1 students can file OPT and STEM OPT applications online using form I-765. This applies to the following applications: Pre-completion OPT; Post completion OPT; and 24- month extension of OPT known as STEM OPT. USCIS has also warned that anyone else that attempts to file I-765 online that...

2 years ago I wrote an article on the problems of taking Day 1 CPT and thought it was time to revisit this issue. Click here to see my previous article. At the time of writing my previous article, USCIS was taking a very firm stand on Day 1 CPT cases.  In fact, students applying...

Amidst the COVID-19 emergency guidelines and the current Trump administration, staying updated with immigration laws, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notices, and Presidential Proclamations is crucial for international students. Access comprehensive guidelines to navigate these challenges effectively. If you are an international student, you not only have to focus on your classes but also have...

On Monday, July 6, 2020 SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program (a division of ICE) announced that students taking a full online course load in the fall semester are not allowed to remain in the US. This new rule was a departure from a previous exemption announced in March 2020, allowing students to study online...

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is modifying the temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. The modifications include the following: Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United...

There are a number of potential employment options for International students on an F-1 student visa to gain work experience that is directly related to their field of study. On-campus employment On-campus employment is permitted once classes have started provided it is on the school’s premises or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated...

Filing for H-1B change of status while working as F-1 student under Curricular Practical Training (CPT) The regulations allow international student visa holders (F-1 students) to participate in practical training and accept employment while still under F-1 status if the F-1 students have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis in a qualified educational institution...