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 Four Month Validity Period of an Approved I-129F Petition for a K-1 Visa?

What is Advance Parole and How is it Different from a Re-Entry Permit?

What is a Form I-212 Following Deportation From the United States?

“Class A or B (TB) )…requires attn of USPHS at POE ” Annotation On Your U.S. Immigrant Visa

our services

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &
Partners, realizing the dream of immigration

Latest News

Can My Fiance Work in the U.S. After Arriving on a K-1 Visa?

One your fiance arrives in the United States on a K-1 visa and you are married within ninety (90) days upon arrival, you and your fiance will need to file for adjustment of status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) in order to convert the K-1 fiance nonimmigrant visa status to lawful permanent resident status. As part of the adjustment process, applicants have the option of filing a Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/ Departure Records with their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Approval of the Form I-131 will result in Advance Parole allowing for international travel while waiting for USCIS to approve the Form I-485. Applicants also have the option to file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (“EAD”) while USCIS adjudicates the adjustment application. Once the EAD is approved, they will have valid status and

What is the Four Month Validity Period of an Approved I-129F Petition for a K-1 Visa?

Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approves an I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé, the foreign fiancé typically has four (4) months to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, due to the time that it takes for an approved petition to be sent and received by the National Visa Center and then forwarded to the foreign fiancé’s embassy or consulate where he/she will undergo a visa interview, petition revalidation is possible. While the interviewing consular officer will often automatically revalidate an expired petition, demonstrating ongoing intent that the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé intend to marry within ninety (90) days upon the foreign fiancé’s arrival in the United States may be requested. The rationale behind requesting updated documentation showing continued marital intent is to ensure that the couple’s bona-fide relationship remains current and genuine. It further helps to reduce prolonged processing

What is Advance Parole and How is it Different from a Re-Entry Permit?

Foreign nationals who arrive in the United States as nonimmigrants and then file for adjustment of status may also file for advance parole in conjunction with their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Advance Parole differs from a Re-Entry Permit because while both use the same form; Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, USCIS issues Advance Parole to those seeking to temporarily depart the United States before their lawful permanent residence is approved. A re-entry permit is for those who are already lawful permanent residents and are looking to travel outside the United States for a short period without abandoning their permanent resident status. An example of a foreign national who would be eligible for Advance Parole is somebody who entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa. After arriving and marrying

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

CATEGORY

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &Partners, realizing the dream of immigration

Latest News

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &
Partners, realizing the dream of immigration