STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The term often refers to the Designated Degree program requiring a degree in one of these fields of study. STEM programs, in recognition of their importance to US interests, are awarded special consideration in certain areas under US immigration laws.

STEM extension application is pending with USCIS due to a USCIS error in failing to withdraw H-1

2 years ago By Chief Editor

Question details

I am in the initial OPT which expires on November 30th, 2021. My STEM Extension has been denied based on approved H1-b which is pending withdrawal at the Texas Service Center for the last 6 months. My current employer’s attorney raised the Ombudsman request a week ago and I’ve taken Ohio senator's help to submit inquiry two weeks ago but no response so far from the USCIS and also from online forums it seems it’ll take 30 days to get a response at least but I’m running out of my time. My employer is reapplying for my STEM OPT in two weeks again. Do I need to take any other steps to get this issue resolved?

FAQ Transcript

Firstly, talk with your DSO. Second thing is to talk to your congressman's office. Even though they are effective in my opinion they can take time. These are the only two steps that I can recommend in addition to what you have done.

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, this is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.

Dec 9, 2021 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)

2 years ago By Chief Editor

Citizenship and Naturalization

Form N-470

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

Discussion Topics, Thursday, December 09, 2021:

FAQ: Working for two employers on W-2 using the GC-EAD || STEM extension denied based on approved H-1B pending for withdrawal at a USCIS service center || Correcting names on passports, visas, and other documents || Options to remain in status: F-1 visa expired, H-1B approved for consular processing, but not stamped.

F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students obtain settlement in Li v USCIS case

3 years ago By Rajiv S. Khanna

The following settlement was reached in Li v. USCIS in favor of the OPT and STEM OPT applicant students suffering from delays and rejections:

22 July 2021: Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)

3 years ago By Chief Editor

Immigration.com

Community Conference Call

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

Discussion Topics, Thursday, July 22, 2021:

Apri, 15, 2021 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)

3 years ago By Chief Editor

Immigration.com

Community Conference Calls

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

FAQS: H-1B revoked after 1 October, never used. Am I quota exempt? Travel while I-485 AOS is pending: returning on H-1B visa, AP, AVR etc.

F-1 OPT Requirements

11 years ago By Chief Editor

Question details

1. How do I apply for F-1 OPT?

2. How do I get a 17-month STEM extension of my post-completion OPT?

1. Once you receive a recommendation for post-completion OPT from your Designated School Official (DSO) to pursue OPT, you must apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) with USCIS within 30 days. Additionally, you may file up to 90 days prior to your program end-date and not later than 60 days after your program end date.

Read more about F-1 OPT Requirements

USCIS Releases Policy Memo on 17-Month Extension of Post-Completion OPT for F-1 Students Enrolled in STEM Degree Programs

11 years ago By Editor

USCIS interim memo clarifying the eligibility requirements for a 17-month extension of Post-Completion OPT for F-1 students enrolled in STEM degree programs. Comments accepted until 11/1/13 and memo is in effect until further notice.

Please check the attached memo.

OPT to H-1B

11 years ago By Chief Editor

Question details

I am currently on my Post-completion OPT. I was recently hired as an IT by a company which agreed to sponsor my H-1B. My OPT expires on January 2013. I've done my Associate Degree in Computer Science. Also, I have BS in Computer Science but from foreign country. Seven year experience in IT.I had my BS evaluated recently. It is equivalent to US Bachelors Degree in Computer Science Computer Technology.

Q1: I will have a gap of 3 months before April 1. How to maintain my status?

Q2: I am under STEM not with my US AAS but with my foreign BS degree. Can I extend my OPT with my evaluated diploma?

A1. You can consider going back to school or B-1/B-2 status. There is information on our blog on B-1/B-2 to maintain status.

Read more about OPT to H-1B

Cap-Gap Rule for F-1 OPT and H-1B Cap Filer

11 years ago By Chief Editor

The period of time when an F-1 student’s status and work authorization expire through the start date of their approved H-1B employment period is known as the "Cap-Gap".

The "Immigration Innovation Act of 2013" May Double H-1B Visa Cap

11 years ago By Chief Editor

IMMIGRATION INNOVATION (I2) ACT OF 2013

ORRIN HATCH (R-UTAH), AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MINN.), MARCO RUBIO (R-FLA.), CHRIS COONS (D-DEL.)

Employment-Based Nonimmigrant H-1B Visas

1. Increase H-1B cap from 65,000 to 115,000

2. Establish a market-based H-1B escalator, so that the cap can adjust – up or down – to the demands of the economy (includes a 300,000 ceiling on the ability of the escalator to move)

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