Student Visa
DHS to End Temporary COVID-19 Flexibilities on I-9 Verification
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has signaled a significant shift in the way businesses handle their I-9 Verification processes. As of July 31, 2023, the temporary COVID-19 flexibilities that were introduced in March 2020 will come to an end. What’s more, businesses will have an additional 30 days to complete in-person physical inspections for…
Read MoreF Visas Now Issued up to 365 Days in Advance
Students can now be issued F & M visas up to 365 days in advance of their program start date listed on the I-20 form, a major increase from the previous 120-day limit. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has recently announced a significant policy change that will benefit first-time F and M student visa…
Read MoreForeign Student Liability for Social Security and Medicare Taxes
Foreign students liability for Social Security and Medicare Taxes is a question that all students have on their mind as they pursue their education in the United States. In this blog, we will discuss the liability of foreign students for Social Security and Medicare taxes and the factors that determine their tax obligations. Understanding these…
Read MorePremium Processing Service for OPT EADs Expanded
USCIS recently announced plans to expand premium processing services for F-1 students applying for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) under STEM OPT extensions and Optional Practical Training (OPT). This change aims to make the adjudication process for F-1 students applying for STEM OPT and EADs more predictable and timelier. Premium Processing Eligibility: First Phase The USCIS…
Read MoreUSCIS Deadlines for Weekend and Holiday Submissions
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced an update to its Policy Manual for filing deadlines to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. This update aims to increase flexibility for applicants and…
Read MoreInterpreter for Visa Interview at a U.S. Embassy in India
Attending a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India can be a challenging experience, especially if you are not comfortable with English or the language spoken by the consular officer. In such cases, requesting an interpreter can help ensure clear communication and a smoother interview process. In this blog, we will guide…
Read MoreF-1 OPT Premium Processing now available
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will gradually expand its premium processing services to the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) category in the coming weeks. This is a significant step toward improving the efficiency of the process and assisting foreign students in obtaining OPT status as soon as possible. After…
Read MoreUnderstanding 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) Determination
212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) is a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that outlines the criteria for inadmissibility of foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the United States. This section relates to determining whether a foreign national is likely to become a “public charge[1]” in the United States or not having proper paperwork to…
Read MoreUSCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities – perhaps a Final Extension
Certain COVID-19-related flexibilities are being extended by US Citizenship and Immigration Services until March 23, 2023. Under these flexibilities, if the request or notice was issued between March 1, 2020, and March 23, 2023, inclusive, USCIS considers a response received within 60 calendar days of the due date in the following requests or notices before…
Read MoreCBP Discontinues Passport Stamps for Travelers Entering US
Traditionally, a foreign nationals entering the United States by air or sea used to receive a passport entrance stamp or a Form I-94 (record of admission) following a document inspection at the Port of Entry (POE). Once CBP switched from using paper copies of I-94 to electronic ones, the only physical record provided to the…
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