USCIS Policy Updates for International Students

The Summary: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy guidance for international students, particularly those on F-1 visas, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The Details:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students will now be extended to STEM startups, allowing international students to work at startup companies that meet specified criteria.

• All employers who qualify must adhere to training plan requirements, remain in good standing with E-Verify, and provide compensation comparable to that of similarly situated US workers.

Why It Matters: This updated policy is a Big Deal! It means international students can now explore working for startups in STEM after graduation. This will also benefits startup businesses that gain from the talent and perspective of international students creating a win-win scenario for all. Think of all the successful tech start-ups; Uber, Airbnb, OpenAI, Facebook, and how exciting it would be to join those companies in their infancy. That is now a potential reality with this new update.

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