Robert Morris University is a nationally ranked, doctoral-granting university located in Pittsburgh, PA. RMU was ranked in the US News and World Report Best Colleges in the U.S and was ranked among the “Best in the Northeast” by the Princeton Review 2021 Best Colleges. FordMurray founding partner Russell Ford has worked as immigration counsel for RMU for more… [Read More]
USCIS Policy Guidance Eases Burden for International Students
International students have fewer obstacles to navigate, after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending. Under… [Read More]
New NIL Laws Leave International Student Athletes Behind
Despite a Supreme Court ruling that college athletes can receive payment for use of their name image and likeness (NIL), international student athletes should not collect compensation until further guidance is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). New laws will take effect this month, allowing student-athletes to get paid for endorsements, autographs,… [Read More]
Higher Ed FAQs: Special Handling Documentation (Video)
What documentation does a university need to hold on to during the special handling process? What kind of evidence do they have to have? What might the government request during this special handling filing? Get the answers to all of these questions and more in this short video by FordMurray founding partner Russell Ford.
Higher Ed FAQs: What is the 18 Month Window for Special Handling?
What is the 18-month window for special handling, and how does it impact prevailing wage determination and labor certification? Attorney Russell Ford explains how to navigate the 18-month special handling window in the short video.
Higher Ed FAQs: Should I Sponsor a Green Card through EB-1B or Special Handling?
Higher education employers have two unique avenues for green card sponsorship of university or college faculty – the EB-1B (extraordinary ability) petition, and special handling PERM processing. Which is the best option? How should HR leaders and in-house counsel decide? Learn more in this short video by Attorney Russell Ford.
Higher Ed FAQs: Who Qualifies for Special Handling Processing (Video)
Colleges and universities can use PERM Special Handling to sponsor noncitizen teaching faculty. Learn what makes Special Handling different, and what you need to know to start the Special Handling process in this short video by Attorney Russell Ford.
USCIS Announces Flexibility for OPT Applications
F-1 students who have been impacted by USCIS lockbox and service center delays may qualify for additional flexibility in their petition for Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, according to an announcement from USCIS. Overview OPT is a coveted component of the F-1 visa program, allowing foreign students to work in the United States in… [Read More]
Looking Ahead: How a Biden Presidency Could Impact Immigration and Higher Education
President-Elect Joe Biden will inherit an immigration landscape that has changed dramatically in the four years of the Trump Administration. Under its “Buy American, Hire American” directive, the Trump Administration changed the way federal immigration laws are interpreted and enforced, leading to increased scrutiny of every conceivable aspect of legal immigration, from obtaining U.S. citizenship… [Read More]
Trump Administration Rescinds Harmful Foreign Students Policy
The Trump Administration has stepped back from a policy that would have denied visas to foreign students in the event colleges and universities moved to virtual instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. The July 6 policy announcement was met with immediate disapproval from higher education institutions and prompted a lawsuit from Harvard and MIT, along… [Read More]
