On June 8, 2023, USCIS released comprehensive guidance on the exchange visitor classification (J-1) in the Policy Manual. USCIS is currently in the process of updating this guidance to provide further clarification regarding how they assess whether a benefit requestor has fulfilled the two-year foreign residence requirement. This updated guidance, found in Volume 2 of the Policy Manual, is immediately…
Earlier this year, USCIS introduced premium processing for F-1 students applying for optional practical training (OPT) or STEM OPT extensions. As students started submitting premium processing requests, stakeholders raised concerns about delays in receiving their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). In response, the CIS Ombudsman’s Office issued a reminder providing more details about the timeline for F-1 students who filed Form…
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made revisions to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This includes the addition of eight new fields of study, each accompanied by a corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. It’s important to note that no CIP codes are being removed from the existing list. The eight newly added…
USCIS has announced a phased expansion of premium processing for applicants who are filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and are seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. The agency has also issued guidance on the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) visa classification, which includes its role in the adjudication of…
In February 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) provided updated guidance that consular officers can now issue an F or M student visa up to 365 days in advance of an international student’s program start date. This new guidance does not change the requirement for issuing Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” in the Student and…
The CIS Ombudsman’s Office provides tips for F-1 students applying for optional practical training (OPT) to avoid processing delays with Form I-765. Tips include checking USCIS website for updates, ensuring Form I-20 is signed and dated, applying online for faster processing and easy access to case updates, submitting Form I-765 within specified timelines, including a properly completed Form I-20, updating…
