October 1, 2024

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its guidance effective immediately regarding when students who are in either F or M nonimmigrant visa classification may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) field.

The updated guidance, which is found in the USCIS Policy Manual, also provides clarification for F and M students concerning online study, school transfers, and grace periods.

Specifically, the policy manual provides the following:

Clarifies that F and M students may count one (1) class or three (3) credits per academic session toward a full course of study if they take online classes or through distance learning not requiring physical attendance.

Explains that F and M students may transfer between approved schools at the same educational level or file a petition with USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant status or adjust to an immigrant status.

Explains that during the sixty (60) day grace period following authorized period of post-completion of OPT, F and M students may change their education level, transfer to another school, or file a petition to change their nonimmigrant status or adjust to an immigrant status.

Clarifies that F and M students may be eligible for post-completion OPT after finishing an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program.

Corrects the period during which F and M students may apply for STEM OPT extensions and makes other technical corrections.

For more information, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com. 

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING  

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office  

146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,  
District 2, Thu Duc City  
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam  

Tel: +84 933 301 488  
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com  
Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ  
YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting  
Website: http://enterlinepartners.com  

Manila, Philippines Office  

LKG Tower 37th Floor   
6801 Ayala Avenue  
Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +63 917 543 7926  
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com  
Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines  
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/  

Copyright 2024. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.  

Categories: Non-immigrant Visa

Tags: f visa, m visa, student visa

What is the DS‑260, Its Role in Consular Processing, and Why Accuracy Matters?

CR1 Visa Guide: Eligibility, Process, and Costs Explained

Reauthorization and Stability From The RIA

Can the Intending Immigrant Help the Sponsor Meet the Income Requirements?

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

What Does A 214(b) Refusal Mean in U.S. Immigration Law?

A 214(b) refusal in U.S. immigration law refers to a specific section of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) that is often cited when a U.S. consular officer denies a nonimmigrant visa application. This section is often seen with individuals applying for B-1/ B-2 Visitor Visas but it is applicable to all nonimmigrant visa categories such as F-1, E-1/E-2, and L-1, etc. What Is a 214(b) Refusal? When a consular officer issues a 214(b) refusal, it means the officer, independently and subjectively is of the opinion the nonimmigrant visa applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate qualification for the visa category applied for. This is at the discretion of the interview consular officer. Often the applicant did not demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country. In essence, the consular officer is concerned that the applicant may overstay their visa or may use the visa for purposes other than what the applicant has

What is the DS‑260, Its Role in Consular Processing, and Why Accuracy Matters?

If you are applying for a U.S. immigrant visa, completing the online Form DS-260 is a major step in the immigration process once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approves your petition. The DS-260 asks for detailed personal, family, and background information, which helps the United States Department of State (“DOS”) confirm your identity and eligibility. If the DS-260 is not properly completed, it can lead to the visa process being delayed. At Enterline and Partners, we help clients avoid such roadblocks by making sure their DS-260 is accurate and complete from the start. In this guide, we’ll cover what the DS-260 is, when to file it, and the key things to keep in mind during the overall process. When and How to Open Your DS-260 You will be able to begin your DS-260 once the National Visa Center (“NVC”) which is under DOS, confirms that your fees are

CR1 Visa Guide: Eligibility, Process, and Costs Explained

When couples begin exploring U.S. immigration options, one of the first questions that often comes up is “What is a CR1 visa?” The CR1 is a U.S. immigrant spouse visa that grants conditional permanent residency (“Green Card”) to foreign spouses married to U.S. citizens for less than two (2) years. While the concept is straightforward, the process involves multiple steps, forms, and interviews that can be confusing without guidance. At Enterline and Partners, we understand how stressful this process can feel. That is why we guide families with care, help prepare the right documents, and ease the challenges so the transition to the United States feels less overwhelming. Understanding the CR1 Visa and How It Is Classified The CR1 category is intended for couples whose marriage is still considered recent. Upon visa issuance, the foreign spouse will receive a two-year conditional residence and a Green Card, which requires filing to

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News