Enterline & Partners Consulting | info@enterlinepartners.com

logo
Search
Close this search box.
Enterlineparterns_logo

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.   

CATEGORY
find
time
recent posts
view more
our services
view all services
CTA_Collection

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

Latest News

Supreme Court Hands the Trump Administration a Partial Victory in Ongoing Birthright Citizenship Litigation

The United States Supreme Court has given President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (“EO”) curbing birthright citizenship a partial victory. The ruling does not impact “Birthright Citizenship” but rather restricts district court judges from issuing nation-wide (or “universal”) injunctions against Executive Orders.  In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court held that lower federal court judges who issued nationwide injunctions against the EO went too far and granted the Trump Administration’s request to narrow the injunctions issued in Maryland, Washington and Massachusetts. While the Supreme Court’s ruling was a dramatic shift in how lower federal court judges have operated for years, the decision left enough room for challengers to the EO to prevent it from taking effect while litigation works its way through the federal court system. Specifically, the EO, which also suffered a setback by the Federal Court of Appeals will remain blocked for an additional thirty (30) days) allowing the

Read more >
July 4, 2025

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

For immigrants to the United States, the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”), is a critical part of the family-based immigration process. It is a legally enforceable contract in which a sponsor agrees to financially support the intended immigrant, helping ensure that the immigrant does not rely on certain U.S. government benefits after becoming a permanent resident. By signing Form I-864, the sponsor takes on long-term financial responsibility, but this obligation is not indefinite. The U.S. government outlines specific situations under which the sponsor’s duties come to an end. When Will These Obligations End?  A sponsors obligations under a Form I-864 end when the sponsored immigrant: A sponsor’s obligations under a Form I-864 also end if the sponsor dies. As such, the sponsor’s estate is not required to take responsibility for the sponsored immigrant following the sponsor’s death. Divorce does not terminate the responsibility, and if the sponsor dies,

Read more >
July 2, 2025

F, M and J Student Visa Interviews to Resume with Enhanced Social Media Vetting

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has instructed Embassies and Consulates to begin accepting new F, M, and J student visa application appointments following a temporary suspension. The pause was initiated to allow DOS to implement policy changes regarding social media vetting. After the suspension, e F, M, and J student visa applicants are required to make their social media accounts public for vetting purposes. In a DOS announcement, DOS will use all information available for “visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security. Under this new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.” The new policy, following the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to begin screening anti-Semitic online activity posted by

Read more >
June 25, 2025
SERVICES
VIETNAM OFFICE
  • 146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City,
    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
CONTACT
PHILIPPINES OFFICE
  • LKG Tower, 37th Floor
    6801 Ayala Avenue
    Makati City, Philippines 1226
CONTACT FORM
SERVICES
CONTACT
VIET NAM OFFICE
  • Suite 601, 6th Floor Saigon Tower
    29 Le Duan Street
    Ben Nghe Ward
    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
PHILIPPINES OFFICE
  • LKG Tower, 37th Floor
    6801 Ayala Avenue
    Makati City, Philippines 1226
CONTACT FORM

Copyright 2012 – 2024 Enterline and Partners Consulting | All Rights Reserved

Gọi điện thoại
Vietnam
icons8-exercise-96 chat-active-icon