OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Under the prior rules, an F-1 student could be authorized to receive up to a total of 12 months of practical training either before (pre-) and/or after (post-) completion of studies.

Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 1 October 2015

Immigration.com

Nonimmigrant Visas

Substantial transcription for video

We discussed these (and other) issues of US immigration:
FAQ: Can a J-2 holder get a HRR 212(e) waiver without J-1?
Other: Retaining green card while in Canada; Starting my company, violation of status; I-140 revocation; Unused H-1B for quota exemption; H1B to H4 COS without latest Paystubs; EAD renewal separated from spouse; H-4 EAD approved in error; Effect of salary reduction; H-1 transfer, OPT travel; Visa Waiver apply for AOS; Retaining priority date; Visa stamping for H-1B amendment; Arrest without conviction; Reentry permit, etc.

Recording of Community Conference (Every Other Thursday), 2015, July 23

Immigration.com

Citizenship and Naturalization

Nonimmigrant Visas

Substantial transcription for video

Discussed: FAQ - H-1B Employee, telecommuting/working from home, Applying for H-4 EAD while H-4 is pending.
Also: TN working as independent contractor, unlawful presence proof of legal entry I-94, H-1B quota, physicians’ H-1, converting EB-3 to EB-2, I-130, H-1 extension, MSA and area of intended employment, changing consulate location for visa interview, naturalization, OPT and F-2, etc.

Recording of Community Conference (Every Other Thursday) 2015, April 30

Profession/Occupation

Substantial transcription for video

FAQ: H-4 EAD filing while H-1 extension is pending; H-4 EAD. Converting from H-1 to H-4 EAD - good idea or not? H-4 EAD. Documents needed; name issues; processing times, etc.; H-4 EAD Expediting Possible?
Other Topics: Green card issues because of diseases; H-1 amendment with change of location; when is a degree considered to be completed;

F-1 OPT Unpaid Employment Acceptable

We have won a series of cases where USCIS had earlier held that unpaid employment under OPT was legally unacceptable to maintain status.  We have argued that such holding is contrary to all law, policy and precedence.  Students are NOT required to engage in PAID employment.  All these cases were won after we filed our briefs pursuant to Motions to Reopen (MTR).

Nonimmigrant Visas