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…
In December 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pledged to establish guidelines for identifying stateless individuals for immigration purposes and enhancing protections for them in the U.S. USCIS is now providing clarification on statelessness for immigration through a specialized internal process. This process allows adjudicating officers to determine if an applicant is stateless and how it impacts their eligibility…
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a document that allows individuals in various immigration categories to work legally in the United States and can be used to prove eligibility to employers. USCIS temporarily extends the automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for up to 540 days while the EAD renewal application is pending, due to long processing times.…
Starting November 12, 2021, USCIS announced an important update that L-2 and E-dependent spouses are no longer required to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to work in the United States. If L-2 and E dependents want to apply for an EAD as proof of work authorization, they are entitled to have automatic extensions of EADs for up to…
USCIS announced new designs to improve the security of Permanent Resident Cards and Employment Authorization Documents. USCIS started issuing redesigned cards on January 30, 2023. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain state-of-the-art technology that continues to safeguard national security and improve service for the applicants. Current cards will remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such…
