Adviser's Manual Online Update History
Changes to laws and policies, as well as new insights in areas of practice, may lead to revision of the Adviser’s Manual Online content. Content revision is a process, and often requires research, analysis, clarification from the government, and consultation with content experts, before changes to the Adviser's Manual Online are made.
When we complete and upload content changes to the Manual, we e-mail notification to Principal License Holders and their designated Additional Users, and post hyperlinks to the changed sections in the Chapter One landing page that appears after launching the Manual. Here is a list of the most recent changes.
| Most Recent Updates |
Updated |
F-1 Students: See AM § "Chapter 3 F-1 Students"
- Incorporated guidance from SEVP's OPT Policy Guidance document, throughout Chapter 3.
J-1 Exchange Visitors: See AM § "Chapter 4 J-1 Exchange Visitors"
- Information on SEVIS SCR adding "Occurs on Premises" to the college/university student employment function in SEVIS.
- Information on adding, updating, and canceling college/university student employment segments.
Reference Appendix: See AM § "Chapter 15 Reference Appendix"
- Added notes on the Exchange Visitor Program Pay.gov payment process, from the April, 2008, DOS Pay.gov User Manual.
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May, 2008
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F-1 Students: See AM § "Chapter 3 F-1 Students"
- Updated OPT section with basic information on new OPT rules effective April 8, 2008.
- Added content on "cap-gap" extensions of status and employment for F-1 students applying for change of status to H-1B.
- Updated information on reporting employer name and address for students on OPT pursuant to OPT validation project guidance.
- Added link to SEVP Transfer FAQ 2.5, which provides guidance on transferring a SEVIS record while school is in session.
H-1B Temporary Workers: See AM § "Chapter 7 H-1B Workers"
- Added content on "cap-gap" extensions of status and employment for F-1 students applying for change of status to H-1B.
- Update added on USCIS processing of H-1B petitions subject to the H-1B cap.
- Practice notes added on updating PIMS for I-129 petitions approved for change of status, extension of stay, or petition amendment.
J-1 Exchange Visitors: See AM § "Chapter 4 J-1 Exchange Visitors"
- Added information on college/university student employment function in SEVIS 5.8.
- Added information on professor/research scholar out of country function in SEVIS 5.8.
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April, 2008 |
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F-1 Students: See AM § "Chapter 3 F-1 Students"
- SEVP clarified that public secondary school students should be admitted for duration of status like other F-1 students.
- The most recent Form I-539 now has a box to indicate that it is being filed for reinstatement.
- More detailed coverage of Form I-17 updates, based on SEVP PowerPoint presentations.
- Notes on updating a student's record while on OPT.
- SEVP clarified the F-1 record 1-year document retention period.
- The USCIS Web site states that for renewal EADs, "You cannot file more than 120 days before your original employment authorization expires."
M-1 Students: See AM § "Chapter 5 M-1 Students"
- SEVP clarified that M-1 students must submit Form I-539 with Form I-765 if their I-94 will expire before the period of practical training they are requesting.
J-1 Exchange Visitors: See AM § "Chapter 4 J-1 Exchange Visitors"
- Added information from EVP Web site regarding "inappropriate J activities."
- The USCIS Web site states that for renewal EADs, "You cannot file more than 120 days before your original employment authorization expires."
H-1B Temporary Workers: See AM § "Chapter 7 H-1B Workers"
- Centralized filing at California Service Center for H-1B petitions (Form I-129) filed by certain cap-exempt employers.
- Practice note added on reports of H-1B admission period being limited because of passport expiration date.
Permanent Residence: See AM § "Chapter 12 Permanent Residence"
- A February 4, 2008 USCIS memo instructed field offices that where an application for adjustment of status (Form I-485) is otherwise approvable, and the FBI namecheck request has been pending for more than 180 days, USCIS can approve the I-485 and proceed with card issuance.
- The USCIS Web site states that for renewal EADs, "You cannot file more than 120 days before your original employment authorization expires."
Nonimmigrants: See AM § "Chapter 10 Nonimmigrants"
- Basic information about REAL ID Act requirements.
Institutional Issues: See AM § "Chapter 14 Institutional Topics"
- Penalties raised for I-9 and employer verification violations effective March 27, 2008.
- Penalties raised for document fraud violations effective March 27, 2008.
- The USCIS Web site states that for renewal EADs, "You cannot file more than 120 days before your original employment authorization expires."
Reference Appendix: See AM § "Chapter 15 Reference Appendix"
- Centralized filing at California Service Center for H-1B petitions (Form I-129) filed by certain cap-exempt employers
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March, 2008
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| Chapter 4 has been updated with information on the new Exchange Visitor Program sanctions and terminations rule that became effective January 22, 2008. |
1/18/2008 |
| Added practice note regarding the status of a proposed increase to SEVIS I-901 fee. |
1/18/2008 |
