Generally, F-1 students may engage in temporary employment, OPT, that is directly related to the student’s major area of study. This year of employment must be completed within 14 months from the end of their program. To do so, I-765, application for employment authorization, must be filed. Due to Covid-19 and policy changes, there have been delays on part of USCIS that might cause applicants to receive less OPT than they would have normally.

To address these issues, USCIS has extended the 14 month start date to begin from the date of approval of the I-765 for OPT instead of from the end of their program. “F-1 students requesting post-completion OPT who receive an approval of Form I-765 for less than the full amount of OPT time requested (not to exceed 12 months) due to the requirement that the OPT be completed within 14 months of the program end date may request a correction of the EAD due to USCIS error. USCIS will issue a corrected EAD with a new end date, as requested, to cover the full amount of OPT time recommended in the original application.”

For those applicants who were rejected because they were unable to timely refile within the required timeframes, USCIS will accept a refiled I-765 for OPT and STEM OPT if the original rejected application was received between October 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021. “Refiled applications must be received by May 31, 2021, for USCIS to treat the application as though filed on the original received date.” Applicants looking to refile should include a copy of their original rejection notice.

These extensions listed above are only applicable to applications received between the dates of October 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021. 

At Zhang & Associates, we have successfully represented thousands of non-immigrant and immigrant visas cases.  Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide professionals through the complicated process, and minimize any and all confusion or challenges. We understand theimportanceof immigrant and non-immigrant applications to your life and future plans. Our seasoned staff and years-long track record of success make Zhang & Associates the natural choice to facilitate your application. If you would like to contact us, please email us at info@hooyou.com.

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Former U.S. Consular officer and Visa Officer , Attorney Sechyi Laiu joined Zhang & Associates, P.C. on June 26, 2017

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu specializes on Consular Processing cases and business development. Attorney Laiu also focuses on TN visas, E visas, CBP administrative proceedings (monetary confiscation, deferred inspection), and overseas financial compliance.

Prior to joining Zhang & Associates, P.C., Attorney Laiu worked for the U.S. Department of State as a Chinese and Portuguese speaking diplomat. As a consular-coned officer who served in Vancouver (Canada), Shenyang (P.R. China), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Attorney Laiu processed over 30,000 visa cases and worked in every section of Consular Affairs overseas (Fraud Prevention Unit, Immigrant Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, and American Citizen Services).

He uses his experience and expertise to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients.

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Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand immigration cases.

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past over twenty years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.

Zhang & Associates, P.C.

New York • Chicago • Houston • Austin • Seattle • Madison • Honolulu

Tel:	1-800-230-7040, 713-771-8433
Email:	info@hooyou.com
website:	http://www.hooyou.com

 

(03/03/2021)