Foreign nationals often complete their undergraduate education programs in the United States due to the robust educational opportunities available at many U.S. colleges and universities. After graduating from U.S. institutions, F-1 students have the opportunity to continue their education with more hands-on programming, made possible through OPT. With relevant work experience in the United States,…

From time to time, ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will broadcast messages informing students about certain regulations. Although the messages are informative, and reflect federal policy, the broadcast is not law. Last month, the SEVP released a broadcast informing students that the certain volunteer positions are not valid under the optional practical training…

Although school is out for the summer, it is important for foreign nationals studying in the United States to remain updated on important rules regarding their status. Studying in the U.S. can mean a long period of time between semesters and training programs. Students who have recently graduated from a U.S. college or university may…

Early this month, USCIS released new policy guidelines for determining the lawful status of “student (F nonimmigrant), exchange visitor (J nonimmigrant), or vocational student (M nonimmigrant) status and their dependents while in the United States.” The change will primarily alter the ways in which USCIS officers will determine the accrual of unlawful presence for nonimmigrant students…