On July 6, 2020, the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced certain adjustments to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) online study policy for nonimmigrant students for Fall 2020. A Temporary Final Rule is anticipated to be published in the Federal Register by the Department of Homeland Security soon. Spring/Summer and Fall 2020 Semesters…
By Roujin Mozaffarimehr. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold and impact all aspects of society, concerns have arisen as to the future of the F-1 OPT program under the Trump Administration. This post describes the history of OPT, the legal challenges and attacks on OPT, and, while no action has been taken to change…
Introducing New Series: Dispatches from the Land of RFE: Deemed Universities in India By: Ameer Shaikh As immigration practitioners and beneficiaries well know, you do not always get an approval upon filing. Sometimes the USCIS issues a “Request for Evidence” aka RFE. While many of the RFE types are well-known (and even infamous: looking at…
On August 17, 2018, USCIS Acknowledged that STEM OPT Is Possible for Third-Party Placement By: Roujin Mozaffarimehr On August 17, 2018, the USCIS issued an announcement clarifying and revising two points with regard to reporting responsibilities and worksite locations for Optional Practical Training for STEM Students (STEM OPT). Reporting obligations: Employers are now required to…