CPT, OPT, and OPT STEM Guide for HR Pros and F-1 Students
Giselle Carson Apr 11, 2019 in Immigration Blog
This quick and practical reference PDF provides the information you need at a glance to identify the key differences between CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT – including the basic requirements and work authorization evidence. Thanks go to Ellen Mazujian and Gabbie Buenano for their assistance with this practical guide. Download the PDF
Continue ReadingThis downloadable PDF was written with the assistance of Ellen Mazujian, our newest team member who served as an International Student Advisor at NYU before joining us. In the document, you’ll find answers to FAQs about the transition, including information on the cap-gap extension. Download Now
Continue ReadingUnfortunately, some new H-1B petitions will not be accepted this year or might not get approved. I explore the options beyond the H-1B with my clients. But I’m so passionate about helping our clients achieve their immigration goals that I took the time to write a book about it. My book, Beyond the H-1B: A Guide to Work Visa Options for Employers, Foreign Nationals, and Graduating Students, is designed to help readers understand the most […]
Continue ReadingArchitecture Designated as STEM Subject – But Status Quo for Immigration
Giselle Carson Jan 8, 2019 in Immigration Blog
In 2018, Congress passed a bill which officially recognized architecture as a STEM subject. This is significant for the profession as it will lead, among others, to a needed more diverse workforce and increase funds to promote and modernize education in architecture. However, that recognition unfortunately did not translate to any changes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List used for F-1 STEM OPT (nor the Occupational Outlook Handbook used for H-1B filings.) The […]
Continue ReadingFor the first time in many, many years, the number of international students and scholars at US universities declined. This decline is attributed to various factors. Uncertainty about visa policies. Instability about OPT and CPT options. And yes, the United States being a less welcoming place to foreign students under the Trump presidency. Many new immigration policies make it difficult to recruit talented students and scholars to American campuses. This is also impacting US employers’ […]
Continue ReadingMost students in F-1 or J-1 status are exempt from FICA (Medicare and Social Security) taxes, but once an employee’s status changes to H-1B, that exemption ends. They will become subject to FICA taxes. As the employer, you must begin withholding FICA taxes upon the effective date of the change.
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