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]
SEVP Backs Away from Temporary Plan Helping F-1/M-1 Students during the Pandemic
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SEVP instituted temporary measures allowing F-1/M-1 students to take more classes online than normally permitted under the Regulations. Request Your Complimentary Consultation Generally, SEVP Regulations only permit 1 class online per semester with the remaining credit hours to be taken “in person” at the university. In a July… [Read More]
Profiles in Immigration – From Student Visa to U.S. Citizenship/Naturalization
Matt Nicholson, the associate head coach of Niagara University’s Division I Men’s Hockey Team, navigated the United States immigration system for nearly 20 years before going through the naturalization process and becoming an American citizen on July 31st, 2019. He spoke with FordMurray about his journey from student visa to U.S. Citizenship, and how his… [Read More]
Profiles in Immigration – Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a diverse, welcoming, academically rigorous institution, offering 50 majors across 5 undergraduate colleges and 28 Master and Doctorate degree programs. Founded in 1906, ACU is a private, non-profit university affiliated with Churches of Christ and committed to transformative, energized learning. Abilene Christian University trusts FordMurray as immigration counsel, primarily for H-1B,… [Read More]
SEVP Publishes Advice for DSOs and F-1 Students on OPT
Recently published guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for F-1 students and Designated School Officials (DSOs) should be viewed as a signal that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will more closely monitor compliance with the recommendations. The policy guidance, titled, “Practical Training: Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major… [Read More]
FordMurray Releases Higher Education Employer’s Guide
FordMurray released a new guide to assist higher education institutions navigate the process of hiring foreign faculty and staff. The 25-page Guide, a companion resource to our SEVP Certification and Compliance Guide, presents a holistic overview of visa and green card options for colleges and universities. The Guide was produced for general counsel, human resource… [Read More]
Four Benefits to Hiring Foreign Faculty to U.S. Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities are faced with the task of preparing undergraduate and graduate students for lives beyond their degree program – and hiring foreign faculty and having a dynamic team of faculty, scholars, researchers and professional staff provides essential scaffolding for that goal. Most higher education employers have one primary reason for hiring foreign-born professionals… [Read More]
Back to School – 3 Tips for Designated School Officials (DSO)
It is the end of August, and students return to college and university campuses with high hopes and expectations for the future. This rite of passage carries a host of emotions, from nervousness to excitement for all college students and DSO. But it can be even more nerve-wracking for international students, who must always bear… [Read More]
