OPT

Emily McIntosh

2023 (FY 2024) H-1B Lottery Timeline

USCIS announced on January 28, 2023 that the H-1B lottery registration for 2023 (Fiscal Year 2024) will open on March 01, 2023. Details here

Raj Singh

Ultimate Guide to the 2022 H-1B Lottery & Petition Processes

With the lottery season fast approaching, a lot of foreign national employees are looking to understand what it takes to get through the...

Emily McIntosh

USCIS withdraws rule to award H-1B visa based on higher wages

The DHS has withdrawn a rule that would allow USCIS to award H-1B visas based on higher wages.

Raj Singh

Can an employee work while waiting for OPT or STEM OPT card?

An employee waiting on OPT (12 months) cannot start work but an employee waiting on STEM OPT (24 months extension) can continue working.

Emily McIntosh

Can I travel on visa this December?

Can I travel on H-1B/OPT/CPT in December? Employees on new/transfer H-1B will have to get visa stamped. Employees on OPT should not risk....

Emily McIntosh

International Students on F-1 can now file for OPT online

F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) can now file Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) online.

Raj Singh

Will there be a second H-1B Lottery?

There may NOT be a second H1B lottery this year. Here's why there was a second lottery last year and why there might not be one this year.

Raj Singh

What are my chances of H1B Lottery Selection in 2021 (Cap Year 2022)?

USCIS got 275K applications last year. Employees with an advanced degree from the U.S. have about 39% chance of selection at the lottery.

Emily McIntosh

Do international students on F1 visa or OPT have to return the COVID relief money

Should I return the money? Short answer. No. If you received the benefit based on your 2019 taxes then you are legally eligible.