It’s H-1B Season

It’s H-1B season and there is one rule that all F-1 students should be aware of.

An F-1 student studying at a for-profit institution is not eligible for the H-1B Master’s Cap (Advanced Degree Exemption) unless the degree is earned from a U.S. institution that is properly accredited and qualifies as a nonprofit institution of higher education or is affiliated with one.

USCIS looks at:
• Whether the school is accredited
• Whether it qualifies as a U.S. institution of higher education
• Whether it meets the definition tied to a nonprofit or affiliated institution

For-profit Institutions do not qualify. As a result, students from those schools must apply under the regular H-1B cap and do not receive the additional 20,000 Master’s Cap advantage.

Students should also speak with their DSO before making any status-related decisions. Many students do not communicate with their DSO and later attempt to place blame on the school due to a lack of understanding.

A DSO will not know that you are applying for a change of status unless you inform them.

Working with an experienced immigration attorney also matters. A knowledgeable attorney will ask the right questions and assess whether you qualify for the Master’s Cap before applying. If you apply under the Master’s Cap when you are not eligible, you risk losing both time and money, as you may have to wait until the following year to apply under the regular H-1B cap.

URGENT UPDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (OPT + H-1B)

🚨 URGENT UPDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (OPT + H-1B)

If you are from certain countries, your immigration application may not be denied… but it may not be approved anytime soon either.

USCIS has placed delays and holds on final decisions for OPT, H-1B, and other immigration benefit applications for nationals from 19 countries impacted by recent travel restrictions.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Applications are still being accepted and processed
• BUT final approvals (adjudications) may be delayed indefinitely
• This directly impacts OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B, COS, and other filings

What should you do?

If you are eligible to apply APPLY EARLY.

Do not wait until the last minute expecting normal processing timelines.

Delays at the final stage could affect:

• Your ability to work
• Your status in the U.S.
• Your long-term immigration strategy

Timing is now more important than ever.

This is not about panic this is about strategy and awareness.

If you are an international student, DSO, or employer working with F-1 students, this update should be on your radar immediately.

Afghanistan
Burma (Myanmar)
Burkina Faso
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Laos
Libya
Mali
Niger
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yeme

24-Month STEM OPT Extension

The majority of international students come to the United States to study in STEM programs.

But what exactly qualifies as a STEM program?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields are particularly valuable for international students because they allow students to qualify for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.

This means a student with a qualifying STEM degree may receive up to 3 years of work authorization in the United States:

• 12 months of initial OPT
• 24-month STEM OPT extension

This additional time allows international students to gain hands-on professional experience, develop their skills, and work with leading companies in their fields. Many large corporations and consulting firms actively recruit graduates with STEM degrees and often sponsor them for H-1B visas.

If you are interested in a STEM program or would like to know if the program you are enrolled in is STEM approved, please review the below link.

DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List

The easiest way to verify this is by checking the CIP code on your Form I-20.

• If the CIP code on your I-20 appears on the DHS STEM list, your program qualifies.
• If the CIP code is not listed, your program is not considered STEM-designated for OPT purposes.

I’ve attached the most up-to-date DHS list of STEM-designated programs so students can verify their eligibility.

Always check your CIP code carefully it determines whether you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.