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

USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

EB-5 Visa Processing Time: How Long Do I Have to Wait for Approval?

EB-5 Petition and Application Fees Reduced by Court Order

U.S. Immigration Consultation 2025 | Process, Costs & Popular Visa Types

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

What is a Priority Date in U.S. Immigration? A Complete Guide to the Priority Date in U.S. Immigration

The priority date in U.S. immigration is a critical concept for anyone waiting for lawful permanent residency status (“Green Card”). Because Congress sets strict annual limits on the number of immigrant visas issued in most categories, demand often outstrips supply, creating significant backlogs. Your priority date effectively acts as your “place in line” in this complex government queue. This priority date is established when the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) receives your initial petition, either the Form I-130 (for family-sponsored cases) or the Form I-140 or Labor Certification (for employment-based cases) or Form I-526/I-526E (for investor cases). Think of it as the timestamp on your ticket; until your number is called based on this date, you cannot move forward to the final stage of the immigration process. Understanding how the USCIS priority date works is vital for managing your expectations, planning your life during the wait, and knowing

USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced an update to its Policy Manual that re-introduces a modified version of the 2020 Civics Test—now called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. The update, once adopted, will apply to applications for naturalization (Form N-400 Application for Naturalization) filed on or after October 20, 2025, and aims to reinforce the importance of civic knowledge, assimilation into the U.S. society, an understanding of the Constitution, laws, and founding principles of the United States. Why This Change Matters Naturalization is the process by which lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens—gaining full rights and responsibilities in American society. Under Section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), most applicants must demonstrate both proficiency in the English language and knowledge of U.S. civics and government. The USCIS notes that strengthening these requirements is part of its broader goal to ensure that new citizens are well-prepared

EB-5 Visa Processing Time: How Long Do I Have to Wait for Approval?

If you are applying for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What is the EB-5 visa processing time?” The truth is, EB-5 processing times vary greatly depending on many factors, such as your nationality, the project you invest in, how the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) handles the Form I-526/I-526E Petition (“Petition”), and timing regarding the approval of Petitions, and timing regarding visa availability. On average, it can take 12 to 30 months for many Petitions to be approved, but the official USCIS posted times may show 2–4 years or longer. EB-5 Visa Process Overview There is a 3-step process to obtaining lawful permanent residence in the U.S. via the EB-5 immigrant investor visa category. First, an investor files a Form I-526 or Form I-526E Petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. Once the Petition is approved, an investor

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News