In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by my colleague, Nadia Zaidi, as we discuss the latest immigration news. There's a lot happening – fast. It's wonderful to be under a presidential administration that is excited about the contributions of immigrants, especially as it comes to technology and innovation. 

 

We're covering everything from expanded STEM fields of study that qualify for STEM OPT extensions. Apparently, they have added more fields to the STEM-designated degree program list, which qualifies more people for STEM OPT extensions. They've specifically added more multi-disciplinary merging fields that were not previously considered STEM fields.

 

We also cover other policies to attract and retain STEM talent in the U.S. and the old status quo for the eight categories and how it's opening up for new people to qualify for O-1 visa based on the new guidance. Finally, we’re giving you the current view on all of the prospects for a startup visa ​​and the America COMPETES Act.

 

Please share this episode with companies, HR and recruiting professionals, startup founders, international talent, or anyone who can benefit from it. Sign up for the Alcorn monthly newsletter to receive the latest immigration news and issues. Reach out to us if we can help you determine the best immigration options for yourself, your company, your employees or prospective employees, or your family whether in the U.S. or abroad.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Students enrolling in U.S. universities under the STEM list
• Updates in J-1 exchange visitors and the O-1 visa extraordinary ability
• New guidance for each of the eight categories to qualify for an O-1 visa
• Latest update on the startup visa and the America COMPETES Act

 

Don’t miss my upcoming conversations with top Silicon Valley venture capitalists, startup founders, professors, futurists, and thought leaders on Immigration Law for Tech Startups. Subscribe to this podcast here or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or whatever your favorite platform is. As always, we welcome your rating and review of this podcast. We appreciate your feedback!

 

Resources:

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

 

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast:

• Episode 84: Back to School: Extraordinary Ability Bootcamp Part 1

• Episode 86: Back to School: Extraordinary Ability Bootcamp Part 2

• Episode 91: What You Need to Know About Hiring Students on OPT

• Episode 111: Public Policy and Entrepreneurship with NVCA CEO, Bobby Franklin

 

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Extraordinary Ability Bootcamp course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.