The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) assists individuals and employers in resolving difficulties they are experiencing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This page covers what CIS can and cannot help with and how you can submit a request for case assistance with the office.
Preliminary Note: The following discussion examines National Interest Waiver, other than that for foreign physicians. The nature of NIW for foreign physicians is different and requires a separate discussion.
As previously announced, on March 27, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption also known as the master’s cap.
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) in compelling circumstances based on existing regulatory requirements at 8 CFR 204.5(p).
Source: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/COVID19_FAQs.pdf
Also useful: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub
Signed October 30, 2023
For international students on an F-1 visa in the United States, the STEM OPT extension program provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience after graduation while extending their stay in the US for a chance of an H-1B lottery win.