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Eight New CIP Codes in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
Photo by Radowan Nakif Rehan on Unsplash The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice in mid-July announcing eight (8) additional Classification of Industrial Programs (CIP) codes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This List of CIP Codes is used when […]
Premium Processing Available for I-539 Applicants seeking F, M, J status
Photo by javier trueba on Unsplash USCIS announced the expansion of Premium Processing Service (PPS) to applicants submitting a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. At the time of this writing, the Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service will be accepted for a […]
Premium Processing Available to Certain F-1 Students
Photo by Philippe Bout on Unsplash Earlier this month, USCIS announced Premium Processing Services (PPS) available for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions with a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service can be filed online or […]
ACICS No Longer Recognized as Accrediting Agency by U.S. Department of Education
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay On August 19, 2022 the Department of Education (ED) announced that it will no longer recognize the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. This decision has a domino effect regarding students attending these schools and the degrees of alumni from these schools obtained on or after August […]
Biden Administration Expands Foreign National STEM Student and Worker Opportunities
I enjoy helping my clients get visas not only on a personal level, but also for the systemic benefit they bring to the US economy. As I’ve mentioned in the past, 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or their children, including Kraft, Heinz, Mattel, Apple, and Google. In 2020, foreign nationals […]
With US Easing Travel Restrictions, Foreign National Visa Holders Ask: Can I Go Home?
As soon as the Biden administration announced it would ease travel restrictions in early November, my phone began ringing non-stop. My email notifications started pinging like popcorn. If you work in Human Resources, you may know what I mean because it is likely your phone and email were ringing first. My HR clients were sending […]
F-1Student Checklist
Checklist for F-1 Students Transitioning to CAP-SUBJECT H-1B Status Many of the foreign nationals who submit H-1B cap lottery registration each year hold F-1 status. It is critical that those who are selected tie up all loose ends and maintain proper F-1 status to ensure a smooth transition to H-1B status. Review these items: (click […]
CIS Ombudsman’s Office Reminder: Additional Time to Produce F-1 EAD Cards
Photo by Headway on Unsplash USCIS expanded Premium Processing Services (PPS) to F-1 students who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization earlier this year. F-1 students will file a Form I-765 when seeking optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions. Upgrading the filing with a Form I-907, […]