Skip to main content
2024 NAFSA Region XI Conference Main banner
Back
Session Evaluation

Session

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

F-1 to H-1B Change of Status Challenges & Best Practices

Sunday, October 27, 2024
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
Location: Meeting Room 26/27
This presentation explores the complexities of changing status from F-1 to H-1B and the challenges posed to both DSOs and immigration attorneys assisting students with this transition. After a brief overview of the options for F-1 students to change to H-1B status and the cap gap extension (assuming some prior knowledge of attendees), we will address issues that may impact F-1 students navigating this process such as H-1B withdrawals and denials, loss of H-1B employment, SEVIS/CLAIMS data feed issues, and international travel. Case studies and best practices will illustrate strategies for proactive advising, including handling SEVIS data fixes, while offering insights from both university advisors and immigration attorneys.

Learning Objectives:

  • By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to understand and articulate the consequences of H-1B withdrawals, revocations, and layoffs on international students' F-1 status and SEVIS records.
  • By the end of the presentation, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of H-1B withdrawals, denials, and loss of H-1B employment on international students' F-1 status and SEVIS records, and the options and limitations for DSOs advising students in these situations.
  • During the presentation, participants will discover best practices for DSOs to guide students through the complexities of changing status from F-1 to H-1B, including when to refer to employers or attorneys.