Workload Transfer Update
USCIS transferred some of the following cases from the Vermont Service Center to the Texas Service Center, Nebraska Service Center, California Service Center, and Potomac Service Center:
F Visa News
USCIS Workload Transfer Updates
USCIS transferred some of the following cases from the Vermont Service Center to the Texas Service Center:
F-1 “Cap-gap” Status and Work Authorization Extension Only Valid Through Sept. 30, 2018
F-1 students who have an H-1B petition that remains pending on Oct. 1, 2018, risk accruing unlawful presence if they continue to work on or after Oct. 1 (unless otherwise authorized to continue employment), as their “cap-gap” work authorization is only valid through Sept. 30.
Clarification of STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations
USCIS is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of the website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must report material changes to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the earliest opportunity by submitting a modified Form I-983. Employers must report the STEM OPT
SEVP Announces the SEVP Portal
On March 23, 2018, the Student and
DHS Final Rule for F–1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and CapGap Relief
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to amend F-1 nonimmigrant student visa regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from U.S. institutions of higher education. Specifically, the proposal would allow such F-1 STEM students who have elected to pursue 12 months of OPT in the United States to extend the OPT period by 24 months (STEM OPT extension). This 24-month extension would effectively replace the 17-month STEM OPT extension currently available to certain STEM students.