Highlights: International students can apply for Green cards, and work for start-ups
- USCIS has modified its existing F and M visa policies to simplify the processes.
- International students can apply for Green cards which will grant them permanent residency.
- The policy allows extension of OPT for students engaged in employment in STEM sectors.
- Despite the new changes, some general regulations remain unchanged.
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USCIS modified F and M visa policies to streamline processes
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have made changes to its existing policies for F and M visas in an effort to streamlining procedures and enhancing transparency. This new guidance revealed recently seeks to reduce ambiguity and provide clarity for both foreign students and American educational institutions on various crucial subjects, such as school transfers, practical training, eligibility requirements, and off and on campus employment.
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Details about the new clarifications
Here are the details about the modifications made and what remains unchanged:
Foreign students maintaining foreign residence
Students on F and M visas must continue to maintain foreign residence without intending to leave their native country permanently. Foreign students showing their intent to return back to their home country after their temporary stay will be able to apply for green cards, granting them permanent residency in the US. Students may be beneficiary of permanent labour certification application or immigrant visa petitions
F-1 students opting for STEM employment in start-ups
The policy permits an extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students seeking employment in STEM sectors in the start-up enterprises. However, start-ups must meet specific criteria, including adherence to defined training programs, having positive E-Verify status, and offering compensation comparable with that of US workers.
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General regulations remain unchanged
While most aspects of F and M student visa policies have been modified, there are some general regulations that still remain unchanged, such as;
- General employment regulations, protocols for school transfers, and basic requirements are still in the place.
- Under the classification of non-immigrant academic student (F-1), a non-citizen can enter the country as a full-time academic student program.
- For students enrolled in approved non-academic programs, such as language training programs, or in authorized vocational programs come under the non-immigrant vocational student (M-1) category.
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Web Story: Students can apply for U.S. Green Card while working on OPT