Game-Changing Update: F-1 Visa Students Now Eligible for Employment-Based Immigrant Visas in the U.S

In a groundbreaking policy shift, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced sweeping changes that will have a profound impact on international students holding F visas in the United States. For the first time ever, F-1 visa students are now granted the direct privilege of applying for immigrant visas under the Employment-Based (EB) category, heralding a new era of opportunities.

This momentous update underscores the USCIS's commitment to providing comprehensive guidance to F and M student nonimmigrant classifications. The revised policies aim to demystify the intricate procedures and prerequisites related to employment authorization, status alterations, extensions, and reinstatements for these students and their dependents residing in the U.S.

Furthermore, the revised policy brings even more good news for graduates with STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These alumni can now leverage their 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work with burgeoning startup ventures. However, this privilege comes with conditions—startups must meet stringent criteria, maintain good standing with E-Verify, and offer fair compensation to align with U.S. workforce standards.

The F-1 visa student category primarily caters to those pursuing academic studies, while the M-1 visa category focuses on vocational or non-academic studies, with more restrictive employment provisions. This transformative policy alteration is set to empower international students in the United States, unlocking fresh prospects on their path to realizing the American dream.