As discussed elsewhere on this blog, DHS has finalized a new rule governing F-1 status, scheduled to take effect on Sept. 15, 2026. The rule’s core change is to
Continue Reading Day One CPT Under the New F-1 Rule: Workforce Planning Considerations for Employers
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows travelers to use mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) or state-issued digital IDs stored in apps or digital wallets at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide. Travelers, however, may wish to still
Continue Reading TSA to Accept Digital IDs From a Number of States
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced July 25, 2025, a significant change to its interview waiver policy effective Sept. 2, 2025. This policy revision will require most nonimmigrant visa
Continue Reading DOS to Require In-Person Consular Interviews for Most Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
According to an internal State Department cable dated May 27, 2025, all consular interviews for the F, M, and J visa applicants are to be temporarily paused.
Continue Reading Temporary Pause on Foreign Student and Exchange Visitor F, M, and J Visa Interviews
Global Immigration & Compliance Practice Co-Chair Kate Kalmykov will participate in a webinar with the Columbia University Journalism School Feb. 13, 2024. During the event, Kate will speak with
Continue Reading Kate Kalmykov to Present Webinar with Columbia Journalism School
As students from around the world settle into U.S. college campuses for the 2023/2024 academic year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a reminder about the timeline to produce
Continue Reading Stakeholder Reminder: CIS Ombudsman’s Office Reiterates Anticipated Timelines for F-1 EADs Post-Adjudication
On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of eight new fields of study to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The OPT
Continue Reading DHS Adds 8 Fields to STEM OPT Program, Expanding Opportunities for Foreign National Students
Global Immigration & Compliance Practice Co-Chair Kate Kalmykov served as the featured speaker at Columbia University’s Career Design Lab, presenting at its Employer Informational Breakfast Series. During this inaugural event
Continue Reading Kate Kalmykov Presents ‘Demystifying Hiring International Candidates on a Student Visa’ at Columbia University
On Jan. 12, 2023, USCIS announced its plan to expand premium processing service availability for certain immigrant and non-immigrant benefits in 2023. Beginning Jan. 30, 2023, USCIS will be implementing
Continue Reading USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing Expansion for EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions and Future Expansion for F-1 Students Seeking OPT and Certain Student and Exchange Visitors
USCIS posted a notice that as of Aug. 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting
Continue Reading U.S. Department of Education No Longer Recognizes ACICS as an Accrediting Agency