Key Highlights

Applicants for F, M and J visas will now undergo tighter scrutiny to improve data accuracy and streamlining the visa process.
Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will have up to five years of validity with relaxed eligibility criteria.
OPT and STEM OPT students benefit from extended reporting intervals and increased unemployment allowances.
The H-1B registration fee has increased from $215, while Green Card applicants face a rise in Form I-130 fees to $675.

Attention study abroad aspirants aiming to study in USA!!

Here is an important update that you should not miss.

The United States has rolled out new visa rules which will affect international students and skilled workers.

Student Visa Changes: Tighter Scrutiny and Improved Processes

For international students applying for F, M and J student visa for USA, the USCIS has introduced tighter scrutiny to improve data accuracy and streamline visa appointment scheduling. Applicants must now provide precise passport information while booking the visa appointments. This change aims to reduce scheduling errors and ensure smoother processing of student visas.

Additionally, there is good news for those applying for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The USCIS has relaxed some eligibility criteria, extending the validity of EADs to up to five years for eligible applicants. This move is expected to provide greater stability for international students and skilled workers, making it easier to maintain work authorization.

Practical Training Opportunities: Minor Adjustments

When it comes to practical training—such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)—there are minor but noteworthy adjustments. The 24-month extension for STEM OPT remains unchanged, but some reporting requirements and employer conditions have been slightly modified as enlisted below.

For instance, employers are no longer required to participate in E-Verify for the STEM OPT extension. This simplifies the process for students and their employers. Additionally, the reporting intervals for STEM OPT students have been extended from every six months to annually, which reduces the administrative burden. The unemployment allowance for those on OPT and STEM OPT has also been increased from 150 to 180 days.

Changes in H-1B and Green Card Applications

The H-1B visa registration fee has now increased to $215 with a slight rise in Green Card application costs. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assures that these adjustments are aimed at improving their services, promising a smoother process for applicants in the future.

It is worth making a note that major updates are for H-1B visa applicants and those looking for Green Cards. The student visa changes and updates to practical training programs make it easier to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. after graduation. Beyond that, the degree you earn in the U.S. will no doubt open doors to high-paying jobs, not just in the U.S. but in many other countries worldwide.

For international students and skilled workers, it is really important to stay informed about these latest changes. By working closely with qualified immigration advisors and study in USA consultants like KC Overseas Education, study-abroad aspirants can avoid unexpected hurdles along the way.

Changes in US Visa Rules: How Beneficial for International Students?

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