Updates to visa rules affected foreign students coming to America for education: the innovations include an increase in fees, a change in the rules of practical preparation, and more.
It is important for international students interested in entering American institutions to know about the main changes, concerning visa application. Below there is a more detailed information:
- Increase in the H-1B visa fee for obtaining a work permit while studying: registration costs increased from $10 to $215, the application fee increased from $460 to $780.
- Increase in fees for applying for a green card: the I-130 petition has risen in price to $675 for paper format and to $625 for online filing + an additional fee for the asylum program ($600) has appeared.
- Increased visa requirements for expat students. To apply for an F, M, and J student visa, a foreigner will have to collect more detailed information about himself before sending documents to the consulate.
- Extension of official work permits for foreigners: The American Immigration Service has extended the validity of EAD work permits for up to five years for those who already have the right to work in the States.
- Practical training in the United States operates on the basis of F-1 visas: Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). As of April 1, the renewal of practice permits through the E-verify program is no longer valid, but local employers are still required to form official I-983 curricula. It is possible to renew the internship permit in other formats, but for this, foreign students will have to pay for the application for the STEM OPT course (Form I-765). The cost of the service starts from $470 (in case of an online application) and from $520 (if offline).
