INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Xiao Wang is CEO at Boundless, a technology startup that has helped thousands of immigrant families apply for marriage green cards and
citizenship while providing affordable access to independent immigration attorneys. More posts by this contributorThis fall, nearlyhalf a
million international students will begin or return to STEM degree programs at U.S
colleges and universities
tech firms when you graduate
In practice, however, it can be tough for international students to secure permanent residence in the United States
The H-1B skilled-worker visa system isbadly clogged; a federal lawsuitcould slam the door on many STEM graduates, and the White House is
just might face a bumpy ride
dollars in fees and labor-certification costs
employer for up to six years
on an F-1 visaImage via Getty Images / South_agencyTheF-1 student visa is one of the main on-ramps to the U.S
tech sector for foreign-born workers
theJ-1 visa is designed for students involved in cultural exchange programs or who receive substantial funding from governments or
than 18 months of work authorization remaining
(HRR), requiring holders to return to their home country for two years before seeking a work-based or family-sponsored U.S
a job offer, there are other ways to stay in the United States after finishing your studies
upgrading to a PhD program could get you several additional years
citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
afamily-based green card, allowing you to live and work permanently in the United States
In many cases, OPT is still a better springboard to an H-1B or green card.If the person who claims you as a dependent applies for permanent
left without a valid visa.For graduate study: Update your existing student visa before the end of the 60-day grace period (for F-1 visas) or
30-day grace period (for J-1 visas) following the program completion date listed on your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
If your official completion date is June 1, 2020, for instance, you can apply for OPT between March 3 and July 31 of that year
For J-1 AT: Apply shortly before your program ends
Your school will facilitate your AT application and will set its own deadline to process your paperwork before the end of your studies, but
your AT must begin no later than 30 days after completing your program.For H-1B visas: Play the annual visa lottery held in early April
green cards through marriage to a U.S
to understand your current visa but also to recognize that the U.S
For STEM grads with solid job offers, that might not seem like a major concern, but the new rule will apply even to those on temporary
visas, including H-1Bs, who wish to extend or change their immigration status
Fortunately, the rule is tied up in court, but if it goes through, it could lead to lengthy bans on future work visas if youoverstay on your
your own due diligence and not simply relying on your college or employer to steer you right
about the complex and shifting immigration process? Boundless can help
Please send your immigration-related questions to our resident immigration expert, Anjana Prasad, at ask.anjana@boundless.com
We will consider your question for a future column on the Boundless blog
