On July 12, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security added eight new degree fields to the F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in hopes of appealing to foreign STEM talent.
Khadija DerrickJuly 14, 2023
A clear and detailed narrative of the impact of Petitioner’s research is needed to make the connection between an individual’s previous work and proposed endeavor to support “well positioned” for the NIW.
Khadija DerrickJuly 4, 2023
To maximize NIW approval potential for STEM professionals, showcasing the applicant’s research, contribution to patents, awards and recognitions, and previous projects in industry settings can help.
Khadija DerrickJune 2, 2023
To maximize the chances of approval of an NIW green card petition, the applicant must take care to identify and present sufficient details on how his or her specific work will “impact the United States at a level commensurate with…
Khadija DerrickNovember 28, 2022
On January 21, 2022, USCIS published significant updates to its guidelines that outline how national interest waiver (NIW) cases are adjudicated.
Khadija DerrickJanuary 24, 2022
In May 2018, USCIS quietly changed the rules for offsite STEM OPT workplace placement on its website that disallowed STEM OPT students from being placed with a third party. For many foreign nationals who travel to the United States to…
Jenny ZhanAugust 20, 2018
For many foreign nationals who travel to the United States to study and earn a bachelor’s degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (“STEM”), the 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) is a critical to…
Jenny ZhanMay 25, 2018
What is OPT? If you are a foreign national in the U.S. on an F-1 visa you can participate in temporary employment that is related to your field of study. This employment is called Optional Practical Training (OPT) and can…
IanScottJune 16, 2017
