Students can apply for U.S. Green card while working on OPT

Highlights: International students can now apply for U.S Green Card

• The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the policies for F and M visa holders.
• International students undergoing the OPT (Optional Practical Training) can now apply for a U.S. Green card.
• The F and M student visa holders must maintain a foreign residence, stating their intention not permanently to leave the country.
• The OPT will be extended for F-1 students in STEM-related fields seeking employment with start-ups.

 

 

*Looking to study in the U.S? Contact Y-Axis for complete assistance.

 

 

Latest updates of the F and M student Visas

The USCIS recently updated the F and M student visas, updating the policies to promote more transparency between international students and educational universities in the US.

The regulations are set to bring more clarity on the topics such as:

• Eligibility
• Requirements
• Practical Training
• School transfers
• On-off campus employment

 

The three significant clarifications set forth by the USCIS are as follows:

1. Foreign residence: F and M visa holders must have foreign residence demonstrating the intent not to abandon their home country fully.
2. Green Card: While on OPT, international students can apply for a Green Card demonstrating the intent to return to their native country after the employment period.
3. Start-ups & STEM OPT: The policy will allow for an extension of the OPT for F-1 students in STEM-related fields who wish to seek employment with start-ups.  

 

 

Some of the factors the start-ups must maintain by the above policy are:

• Must meet the given requirements
• Must fulfill the required eligibility
• Must possess and adhere to the defined training plans
• Must have good ties with E-verify
• Must be able to provide compensations that align with the workers in the US.

 

 

*Looking to work in the U.S? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for complete work assistance.

 

 

List of rules that are unchanged by the new policies

Some of the requirements that remain unchanged after the USCIS announcement are:

• General rules of employment
• F & M visa requirements
• School transfer procedures
• F-1 visa permits non-citizens to enter the States as full-time students at a university, college, school, or educational institution.
• The M-1 visa allows non-immigrant students to participate in vocational or non-academic programs.

 

 

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to the US? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading Overseas Immigration Company in the UAE.

Web Story:  Students can apply for U.S. Green Card while working on OPT