The recent guidance from the USCIS on F and M student visas clarifies important information for international students and the educational institutions that welcome them.
Released through a comprehensive USCIS media announcement on December 20, the updated guidance underscores the importance of international students obtaining F and M visas to maintain a permanent residence in their home country. However, exceptions exist for cases related to permanent labour certification applications and immigrant visa petitions, which may fulfil this residence requirement.
This guidance permits students to temporarily depart from the United States, a clarification that was sought after by many. Additionally, it delves into employment opportunities, especially for F visa holders pursuing an extension of optional practical training (OPT) within STEM fields. Notably, it allows these students to engage in work with start-up companies, provided that their employers adhere to specific training plan guidelines, maintain compliance with E-Verify, and ensure equitable compensation akin to that of US workers in similar positions.
Statistics reveal a noteworthy surge in active F-1 and M-1 students in 2022, marking a 10 percent increase compared to 2021 and reaching an all-time high of 1.4 million—a remarkable enrollment figure since 2019. As detailed in a report by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, six distinguished US universities hosted over 15,000 international students in 2022. Notably, New York University led the pack with an impressive enrollment of nearly 24,500 international students.
In terms of fees, VisaGuide.World, a reputable online resource for visa information, highlights that the application fee for the M1 visa stands at $185. Additionally, international students pursuing this visa category must allocate an extra $200 for the SEVIS I-901 fee, a necessary component of the application process.
