The US has long been a preferred destination for international students and skilled experts. However, recent adjustments in US visa laws, including increased fees and altered regulations, are set to significantly impact those aspiring to study and work in the nation. Being fully informed about these changes and their potential effects is crucial. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current modifications and their implications.
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H-1B Visa Fees Observed Significant Increase
The H-1B visa, necessary for hiring international experts in specialized areas, has observed dramatic fee elevations:
- Enrollment fee: The expense has been elevated from $10 to $25 for each candidate, a massive increase of 2150 percent.
- Request fee for paper filings: The charge has increased from $460 – $780, representing a 70 percent increase.
Extra fees: Candidates may also go through additional expenses, which have to do with:
- Scam prevention and detection payment
- Asylum program fee
- Fees authorized by Public Law 114-113
- American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) charge.
Higher Expenses For Green Card Filings
Getting a green card has also become more costly. The I-130 petition filing charge has increased to $675 for paper requests and $625 for online presentations, up from the previous $535.
A new $600 Asylum Program Fee has also been presented for specific non-immigrant and immigrant employee pleas, adding to the financial stress on candidates.
USCIS Strives To Enhance Operations
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that the fee adjustments aim to cover operational costs and modernize its infrastructure. These changes, particularly those affecting international students, are designed to streamline processes and provide more efficient services.
Improved Prerequisites For Student Visas
Candidates for F, M, and J visas must offer actual passport information when scheduling appointments. This action aims to enhance information accuracy and facilitate the visa appointment procedure.
- Passport information: Candidates for F, M, and J visas are now required to provide correct passport details when booking appointments.
- Goals: This modification enhances information correctness and facilitates the appointment system.
Employment Authorization Documents Extension Updates
USCIS has also calmed down the laws for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), prolonging the authenticity duration to a maximum of five years for qualified candidates. This modification strives to offer higher stability and decrease the regularity of continuations for people going through hob difficulties.
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- Qualifications: USCIS has relaxed measures for Employment Authorization Documents, enabling a maximum authenticity of five years for qualified candidates.
- Advantages: This extension offers higher stability and decreases the regularity of renewal requests.
Practical Training Alternatives for Foreign Students
International students in the United States can gain from different Practical Training (PT) opportunities, which provide work skills associated with their area of study:
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training is separated into two kinds:
- Pre-Completion Opt enables F-1 students to work part-time during their studies.
- Post-Completion OPT awards up to 1 year of work approval after graduation.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training offers full-time employment prospects directly associated with a student’s educational scheme, bridging the space between classroom learning and real-world experience.
Practical Training (PT) for M-1 Students
Students in M-1 professional courses can get involved in PT after concluding their studies, with the period based on the duration of their program.
Updates To Practical Training Laws
The recent changes have introduced some minor adjustments to the laws governing Practical Training for students. These changes, effective until April 1st, 2024, bring several benefits, including extended unemployment benefits and reduced reporting requirements, enhancing the overall experience for international students.
Before April 1st, 2024:
- STEM OPT Extension: F-1 students could get a two-year extension on their post-completion OPT.
- Employer Participation: Employers were needed to be an aspect of the E-Verify program.
- Reporting: Students on STEM OPT must update their Designated School Official (DSO) every six months.
After April 1st, 2024:
- STEM OPT Extension: The two-year extension for STEM OPT stays unmodified.
- Employer conditions: E-verify is no longer needed. However, employers must still document an official internship plan using Form I-983.
- Reporting modifications: The reporting space has decreased from six to 12 months.
- Unemployment stipend: The mixed sum for unemployment during OPT and STEM OPT has been prolonged from 150 to 180 days.
- Free adaptations: The STEM OPT extension request (Form I-765) charge has been elevated to $470 for online applications and $520 for paper filings.
In conclusion, the modifications portray wider changes in the United States Immigration Policy, with elevated charges and changed laws influencing visa candidates across different classifications. International students and skilled employees are required to carefully check these updates to understand their effects and navigate the new visa topography effectively.
