04/28 webmail
On April 8th, 2008, USCIS published a new rule regarding a 17 monthextension of Optional Practical Training for F-1 students. Certain studentswho are currently participating in their 12 months of post-completion OPTwill be allowed to file for an additional 17 months of OPT, taking their total allocation to 29 months.
To request an I-20 recommending the 17-Monthextension click here
http://www.oie.gatech.edu/optextension/
17 month OPT extension application instructions
http://www.oie.gatech.edu/Instructions%20for%2017%20month%20STEM%20extension.pdf
You can also check the 17 month OPT extension Frequently Asked Questionsthat includes information on application eligibility. 17-Month Extension FAQs.
http://www.oie.gatech.edu/OPT_17_month_extension%20FAQs.pdf
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
H-1B, H1, OPT, extension and other such ...
InTECHnational News ********************Vol. 7, No. 28April 18, 2008********************
OIE Updates and Reminders:17 Month Extension of
17 month Extension of Optional Practical Training On April 8th, 2008, USCIS published a new rule regarding a 17 monthextension of Optional Practical Training for F-1 students.
Q: What is the new rule?A: Certain students who are currently participating in their 12 months ofpost-completion OPT will be allowed to file for an additional 17 months ofOPT.
Q: Who is eligible for this extension?A: To qualify you must: . Be approved for your initial period of 12 months of post-completionOPT. . Have a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in a STEM field (Science,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) . Be currently working in a position directly related to the degreeobtained and for an employer who participates in the USCIS E-Verify system.E-Verify information can be found in the FAQs at <http://www.uscis.gov/>www.uscis.gov . Not have previously obtained the 17 month extension based on a priordegree.
Q: What STEM fields qualify?A: Actuarial Science, Computer Science Application, (except DataEntry/Microcomputer Applications) Engineering and Engineering Technologies,Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, MilitaryTechnologies, Physical Sciences, Science Technologies and Medical Scientist(MS, PhD level only). OIE will post the specific Georgia Tech programs that qualify as STEMprograms shortly.
Q: When should I apply?A: You must apply before your current EAD expires. As long as yourapplication is received by USCIS before this date, you will be allowed toremain in the US and continue employment for 180 days or until a decision ismade on your application. OIE is currently developing a process to allow students to request the newI-20. Information about this process will be released shortly.
Q: How can I apply?A: OIE still has not received specific instructions on issuing these I-20s.As soon as it is available, OIE will update the website with theinstructions for applying for the extended I-20.After requesting the OPT extension from OIE, you will receive a new I-20reflecting this.
You will then file an I-765 application with the $340filing fee to USCIS. USCIS has not released full instructions on how theapplication to extend OPT should be filed. { Aur loooto saaalo !!!!}
Q: What must the student do after being granted the 17 month extension?A: The student must report to the DSO within 10 days any change in:Legal name;Residential or mailing address; Email address; Employer name; Employer address.The student must also report to the DSO the information above every sixmonths even if there have been no changes.OIE is currently developing a way for F-1 students to report thisinformation. Information on how to satisfy these reporting requirements willbe posted on the OIE website.
Q: My employer does not know what E-Verify is, what should I do? A: Information about E-Verify can be found at:http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm ---Requirement to Report OPT Employer Information
This notice is to inform F-1 students of an upcoming reporting requirement.Please read carefully. The Department of Homeland Security has recently mandated that students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) must inform their schools of the name oftheir employer and their employer's address so that the schools can report this information through SEVIS by June 15, 2008. OIE is developing a way for students to report this information electronically. Further details, including what to report if you are still looking for an employer, will be released shortly. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUREMPLOYER'S NAME AND ADDRESS TO ADVISORS DIRECTLY. Students who have applied for OPT or are working on OPT should look for further information in future editions of InTECHnational News, on the OIEwebsite and through their official Georgia Tech e-mail account.---
OIE Updates and Reminders:17 Month Extension of
17 month Extension of Optional Practical Training On April 8th, 2008, USCIS published a new rule regarding a 17 monthextension of Optional Practical Training for F-1 students.
Q: What is the new rule?A: Certain students who are currently participating in their 12 months ofpost-completion OPT will be allowed to file for an additional 17 months ofOPT.
Q: Who is eligible for this extension?A: To qualify you must: . Be approved for your initial period of 12 months of post-completionOPT. . Have a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in a STEM field (Science,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) . Be currently working in a position directly related to the degreeobtained and for an employer who participates in the USCIS E-Verify system.E-Verify information can be found in the FAQs at <http://www.uscis.gov/>www.uscis.gov . Not have previously obtained the 17 month extension based on a priordegree.
Q: What STEM fields qualify?A: Actuarial Science, Computer Science Application, (except DataEntry/Microcomputer Applications) Engineering and Engineering Technologies,Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, MilitaryTechnologies, Physical Sciences, Science Technologies and Medical Scientist(MS, PhD level only). OIE will post the specific Georgia Tech programs that qualify as STEMprograms shortly.
Q: When should I apply?A: You must apply before your current EAD expires. As long as yourapplication is received by USCIS before this date, you will be allowed toremain in the US and continue employment for 180 days or until a decision ismade on your application. OIE is currently developing a process to allow students to request the newI-20. Information about this process will be released shortly.
Q: How can I apply?A: OIE still has not received specific instructions on issuing these I-20s.As soon as it is available, OIE will update the website with theinstructions for applying for the extended I-20.After requesting the OPT extension from OIE, you will receive a new I-20reflecting this.
You will then file an I-765 application with the $340filing fee to USCIS. USCIS has not released full instructions on how theapplication to extend OPT should be filed. { Aur loooto saaalo !!!!}
Q: What must the student do after being granted the 17 month extension?A: The student must report to the DSO within 10 days any change in:Legal name;Residential or mailing address; Email address; Employer name; Employer address.The student must also report to the DSO the information above every sixmonths even if there have been no changes.OIE is currently developing a way for F-1 students to report thisinformation. Information on how to satisfy these reporting requirements willbe posted on the OIE website.
Q: My employer does not know what E-Verify is, what should I do? A: Information about E-Verify can be found at:http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm ---Requirement to Report OPT Employer Information
This notice is to inform F-1 students of an upcoming reporting requirement.Please read carefully. The Department of Homeland Security has recently mandated that students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) must inform their schools of the name oftheir employer and their employer's address so that the schools can report this information through SEVIS by June 15, 2008. OIE is developing a way for students to report this information electronically. Further details, including what to report if you are still looking for an employer, will be released shortly. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUREMPLOYER'S NAME AND ADDRESS TO ADVISORS DIRECTLY. Students who have applied for OPT or are working on OPT should look for further information in future editions of InTECHnational News, on the OIEwebsite and through their official Georgia Tech e-mail account.---
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Random Musings + KBB
- Over a period of time, I have realized that the things which are _truly_ valuable in life are those which you cannot measure in terms of money. Things like love, friendship, dedication, commitment, good intentions etc etc.. There are many more, and in my humble opinion, it is these "things" which truly define a person.
- Sometimes ( or I should rather say that in my case most of the time) you realize the true value of something, when you do not have it. Value is inversely proportional to the object's distance from you.
-" For when the student is ready, the teacher shall appear..."
- " Usually there is an algorithm to solve any problem on the earth, it is a simple 10 step algorithm, the first step is always - recognize that there is a problem. "
- "Be careful in wishing for something, you might actually end up getting it!"
- Discovered the power of KBB value. It is definitely a resource which you want to consult if you want to buy a new car ..
- Sometimes ( or I should rather say that in my case most of the time) you realize the true value of something, when you do not have it. Value is inversely proportional to the object's distance from you.
-" For when the student is ready, the teacher shall appear..."
- " Usually there is an algorithm to solve any problem on the earth, it is a simple 10 step algorithm, the first step is always - recognize that there is a problem. "
- "Be careful in wishing for something, you might actually end up getting it!"
- Discovered the power of KBB value. It is definitely a resource which you want to consult if you want to buy a new car ..
Monday, April 7, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Keepin it short before the flight back home
Blasted the Cert exam and heading back to Atlanta ! Will miss Vegas for sure, but in terminator's words, "I will be back".... :D
Plus, great to hear that the OPT period for new-hires has been increased to 29 months ! ( Thanks Rishi for this! ) Hopefully it will apply to me and others in the same boat as I am. :)
For more official information, read below
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1207334008610.shtm
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