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February 8, 2012
IMMIGRATION AND POLICY: 17-Month Extension Of OPT For Students With STEM D...
IMMIGRATION AND POLICY: 17-Month Extension Of OPT For Students With STEM D...: February 08, 2012 Posted by Norka M. Schell, Esq. On April 4, 2008 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Optional Prac...
17-Month Extension Of OPT For Students With STEM Degree
February 08, 2012
Posted by Norka M. Schell, Esq.
On April 4, 2008 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Optional Practical Training Interim Final Rule. Under that rule, the DHS extended the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The extension also became available to F-1 students with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who were employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program.
On February 2, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") proposed another administrative reform. At this time, it proposes to expand eligibility for 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) (12+17=29) for F-1 International Students to include a prior degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM).
Currently, F-1 students who graduate in programs of study classified as STEM can obtain a 17-month extension of OPT as part of their F-1 status if their degree is included on the DHS list of eligibility for extension of OPT.
If the proposal is approved, it will expand eligibility for extension of OPT by including students with a STEM degree that is not the most recent degree that the student has received. It will be good for the U.S. economy.
Posted by Norka M. Schell, Esq.
On April 4, 2008 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Optional Practical Training Interim Final Rule. Under that rule, the DHS extended the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The extension also became available to F-1 students with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who were employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program.
On February 2, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") proposed another administrative reform. At this time, it proposes to expand eligibility for 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) (12+17=29) for F-1 International Students to include a prior degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM).
Currently, F-1 students who graduate in programs of study classified as STEM can obtain a 17-month extension of OPT as part of their F-1 status if their degree is included on the DHS list of eligibility for extension of OPT.
If the proposal is approved, it will expand eligibility for extension of OPT by including students with a STEM degree that is not the most recent degree that the student has received. It will be good for the U.S. economy.
February 6, 2012
IMMIGRATION JUDGES AND BOARD MAY ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSE REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS EVEN IF DHS OPPOSES IT
February 06, 2012
Posted by: Norka M. Schell, Esq.
The Matter of Gutierrez is now overruled by Bavakan Avetisyan.
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) held that the Immigration Judges and Board may, in the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, administratively close proceedings under the appropriate circumstances, even if a party opposes. 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012)
Bavakan Avetisyan is a woman who is native and citizen of Armenia. She came to the United States legally with a J-1 visa to pursue her studies. She overstayed her visa. She was placed into proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She married to an U.S. citizen and they have a child together. An immigrant petition was filed on her behalf and if approved, Avetisyan, she would eligible to an adjustment of status. While her immigrant petition still pending adjudication, Avetisyan requested the Immigration Judge to administratively close her case. DHS opposed to Avetisyan's request, and instead requested for a continuance of the proceedings. The Immigration Judge denied the DHS's request for continuance and granted Avetisyan's request to administratively close proceedings. The DHS filed an appeal. The appeal was decided and dismissed on January 31, 2012.
Posted by: Norka M. Schell, Esq.
The Matter of Gutierrez is now overruled by Bavakan Avetisyan.
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) held that the Immigration Judges and Board may, in the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, administratively close proceedings under the appropriate circumstances, even if a party opposes. 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012)
Bavakan Avetisyan is a woman who is native and citizen of Armenia. She came to the United States legally with a J-1 visa to pursue her studies. She overstayed her visa. She was placed into proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She married to an U.S. citizen and they have a child together. An immigrant petition was filed on her behalf and if approved, Avetisyan, she would eligible to an adjustment of status. While her immigrant petition still pending adjudication, Avetisyan requested the Immigration Judge to administratively close her case. DHS opposed to Avetisyan's request, and instead requested for a continuance of the proceedings. The Immigration Judge denied the DHS's request for continuance and granted Avetisyan's request to administratively close proceedings. The DHS filed an appeal. The appeal was decided and dismissed on January 31, 2012.