Several recent and proposed changes to U.S. immigration procedures could have significant practical implications for employers and visa holders. Here are some developments to watch: More USCIS filings may move online: USCIS has finalized an interim final rule,...
DHS has issued a final rule that replaces duration of status, or D/S, for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors with fixed admission periods. Effective September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants will generally be admitted for the length of the program listed on...
Recent reporting indicates that the U.S. Department of State has issued internal guidance instructing consular officers to ask all nonimmigrant visa applicants two new questions during visa interviews: Whether the applicant has experienced harm or mistreatment in...
Following the pause of visa appointments in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant categories announced on May 27, the Department of State (“DOS”) has now resumed scheduling FMJ visa appointments, and at the same time introduced significant changes to the vetting process for...
The landscape of student visas in the United States is undergoing significant change, posing challenges for students, universities, and businesses involved in the immigration process. We are closely monitoring these developments to provide informed guidance to our...
Summary: On December 18, 2024, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Final Rule in the Federal Register (89 FR 103054, 12/18/24) that will bring changes to H-1B eligibility requirements and definitions (including the definition of “specialty...
International students who graduate from U.S. universities are able to remain here and receive training through work experience for up to twelve months. This is known as Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students who graduate from a designated science, technology,...
In a move to strengthen the United States’ position in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, on October 30, 2023, the Biden Administration issued an Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI),...
July 29, 2020 update:On July 24, 2020, ICE issued “clarifying guidance” regarding the gaps noted in our July 19 below. Specifically, universities are now prohibited from issuing I-20s to new or “initial” students, and so students starting new programs will not be...
