Important Updates

Last Updated December 3, 2024 On November 26, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) re-published its Policy Manual to remove the conflicting guidance issued on August 27, 2024, regarding the Five-Month Temporary Absence Rule for F-1 students. The USCIS update resolves the confusion created by the August policy update and aligns with the Student… Read more »

To the International Community at Northeastern University:  With results of the U.S. presidential and congressional elections confirmed, we want to share important information for those in our community who hold re-entry visas, including international students, visiting scholars, faculty, researchers, and staff. We are encouraging members of the Northeastern community to be proactive with international travel… Read more »

Dear F-1 Students, Upon a university review, the following definitions have been solidified to provide clarity regarding remote practical experiences (co-ops, internships, clinicals, residencies, or research experiences). These definitions align with the Northeastern University’s defined instructional methods. Defined Practical Experience Methods: In person (Traditional): All engagement takes place on site at the employer’s physical location… Read more »

On January 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Final Rule to adjust fees for certain immigration and naturalization benefit applications, effective April 1, 2024. This includes applications for F-1 Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT, and STEM OPT Extension. As of April 1, 2024, there will also be differences in pricing between applications filed online, versus mail-in… Read more »

December 28, 2024 Update As of February 26, 2024, premium processing fees for certain applications will be increased due to inflation. The final rule outlining the increase in fees can be found here on the Federal Register website. __________________________________________________________________________________ In June 2023, USCIS announced that they would expand premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application… Read more »

Dear Northeastern Students and Alumni, Beginning on December 7, 2023, OGS deactivated its general office email addresses and implement a newly designed inquiry form in our self-service portal.  Effective immediately, students are encouraged to contact OGS through one of the below methods for any inquiries or concerns: 1. Submit a question online through our new… Read more »

On July 12th, the USCIS implemented a feature on I-765 applications called “myProgress” that will eventually allow OPT/STEM applications to see more detail about their pending applications. Unfortunately, there was a glitch with this feature showing a biometrics appointment requirement. Please note that students can disregard this as biometrics appointments are NOT currently required for… Read more »

The Citizenship and Immigration Ombudsman recently published a “tip sheet” for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT). OGS encourages all of our students to review this guidance ahead filing the Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to avoid unnecessary delays in the adjudication of your OPT application! Tip Sheet: How F-1… Read more »

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has announced that students and employers may now utilize electronic signatures on the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.” You can learn more about this change by reading the announcement on the Study in the States website.  

Starting January 3, 2023, USCIS will only accept the 10/31/22 edition of the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Access the 10/31/22 edition of Form I-765 Here Please note, this only applies to F-1 students who submit a paper-based application to USCIS for Pre/Post-Completion OPT or the STEM OPT Extension (it does not apply to… Read more »