Some changes to immigration policy are dramatic. They draw the attention of the news. Recently, there has been a lot of focus on removal efforts, denaturalization and other immigration enforcement changes.
There has been less attention allocated to certain positive immigration changes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) frequently announce modifications to visa programs and immigration policies. Many of those changes don’t attract attention despite having a major impact on certain immigrants.
A recent policy shift could prove beneficial for students studying in the United States with F-1 visas.
What is the new student visa policy?
Those pursuing college and post-graduate degrees can enter the United States to study if they qualify for an F-1 visa. When they secure their degrees, they may want to continue living in the United States by finding jobs that put their degrees to use. Their degrees could make them beneficial for the domestic economy.
Historically, student immigrants have faced intense pressure to make employment arrangements as quickly as possible in their final year of college or graduates. If they fail to secure employment quickly, they might have to leave the United States to reenter their country of origin. They can then begin seeking domestic employment and applying for visas. The complexity and expense of the process may deter educated immigrants from returning to the United States for work.
Under a new final rule, students with F-1 visas could the eligible for a short-term extension of that visa when applying for an H-1B visa as an educated professional. They may be able to work at start-up companies instead of established businesses. In fact, they can potentially qualify for H-1B visas as entrepreneurs working to start a business.
For students who have secured degrees or are near the end of their studies, these new rules can make a major difference. Students with F-1 visas now have more time to look for employment in some cases and more flexibility regarding what jobs they seek.
Those studying in the United States may benefit from taking advantage of this new immigration rule. Understanding the different visa and immigration opportunities available can help those living, studying and working in the United States retain their legal status.