Official Resources & Links

The complete USCIS Policy Manual volume covering all employment-based immigrant categories, including EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.

USCIS guidance on adjudicating EB-1A petitions, including the 10 criteria and the Kazarian two-step evaluation framework.

USCIS guidance on the 6 criteria for outstanding professors and researchers, including documentation requirements.

USCIS policy on EB-2 classification including the National Interest Waiver and the Matter of Dhanasar analytical framework.

Official USCIS page for H-1B specialty occupation visa, including filing procedures, registration, and cap information.

Official USCIS information on OPT eligibility, application procedures, and STEM OPT extension requirements.

The Immigration and Nationality Act provision establishing the EB-1A extraordinary ability classification.

The statutory basis for the EB-1B outstanding professor and researcher classification.

The federal regulation listing the 10 criteria for EB-1A extraordinary ability and evidentiary requirements.

The federal regulation defining the 6 criteria for EB-1B outstanding professors and researchers.

The federal regulation governing the EB-2 classification, including the advanced degree and exceptional ability requirements for National Interest Waiver petitions.

The federal regulation governing H-1B temporary worker petitions, including specialty occupation definitions and cap provisions.

The main NAFSA website with resources for international students, scholars, and the advisors who support them.

NAFSA's comprehensive guide for international student advisers covering OPT, H-1B, and employment-based green card categories.

The official Department of Homeland Security list of STEM-designated degree programs eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check your CIP code here.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) resource page for STEM OPT, including employer and student responsibilities, I-983 requirements, and E-Verify information.

The National Center for Education Statistics Classification of Instructional Programs code search. Use this to find or verify your program's CIP code.

The main DHS resource page for current and prospective F-1 and M-1 students, covering the entire student lifecycle from preparation through completion.

Official DHS tool to find SEVP-certified schools and programs eligible to enroll F-1 and M-1 students. Search by school name, location, education level, or visa type.

DHS guide explaining the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), including when you need it, signing requirements, and how to use it for visa applications and U.S. entry.

Official DHS overview of employment options for international students, including on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and severe economic hardship authorization.

DHS guidance on what F-1 and M-1 students must do to stay in valid status, including full course of study requirements, reporting obligations, and grace periods after program completion.

DHS explanation of the cap gap period between F-1 status and H-1B status, including the extended cap gap provisions through April 1 under the 2025 H-1B rule, and critical travel restrictions.

Guide to the SEVP Portal, the online tool where F-1 students on post-completion OPT and M-1 students on practical training report address changes, employment updates, and other required information.

Central DHS resource for understanding the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including record management, reporting requirements, and system updates.

Visual DHS guide walking through every phase of the international student journey: getting started, preparing, attending school, working, and completing your program.

Official DHS guidance for STEM OPT students on completing the Form I-983 training plan, including employer sections, evaluation requirements, and submission procedures.

DHS guide on changing your nonimmigrant status, relevant for students transitioning from F-1 to H-1B or other visa categories.

Official DHS glossary defining key immigration terms used throughout the F and M student process, including SEVIS, DSO, CPT, OPT, and many more.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) lawyer search tool. Find an attorney who specializes in employment-based immigration in your area.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network's directory of affordable immigration legal services providers across the United States.

A directory of free legal aid programs organized by state. Many legal aid organizations offer immigration services on a sliding scale.

Your primary first resource. Almost every U.S. university enrolling international students has an International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) — sometimes called Office of International Services (OIS), International Student Services (ISS), or similar — that employs Designated School Officials (DSOs) who can answer F-1 and OPT questions, issue I-20s, and connect you with immigration attorneys the university trusts. Visit your own university's website and search for 'international students' or 'ISSO.' You can also use the SEVP School Search (linked in the Study in the States section above) to verify your school's SEVP certification.

USCIS official directory of low-cost legal service providers recognized by the Department of Justice.

A nationwide directory of free and low-cost immigration legal services, searchable by state and service type.

The Department of Justice list of organizations and accredited representatives authorized to provide immigration legal services.