Immigration Options for Graduates with STEM Degrees (Interstride)

Note: this webinar is brought to you by Interstride. Please log in to Interstride to register for this event.

Join Sara Fleming and Ralph Humiston of Fragomen for an overview of immigration options for F-1 graduates with STEM degrees. This webinar provides an overview of U.S. immigration pathways available to international students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is designed to help students, recent graduates, and employers understand legal options for working and building long-term careers in the United States. The presentation will outline the F-1 student visa framework, emphasizing post-graduation employment through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the two year extension that is available to STEM grads. The presentation will also discuss temporary work visa options, including H-1B visas, O-1s, and TNs. The session will also cover employment-based permanent residency (green card) pathways, and will highlight the major categories relevant to STEM professionals: –EB-2 (Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability), including the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows individuals to self-petition if their work benefits the United States. –EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-1B (Outstanding Professors/Researchers), highlighting its advantages such as faster processing and no labor certification requirement. The webinar will also address common challenges, such as visa backlogs, changes in employment, and maintaining lawful status. Attendees will gain an understanding of available pathways to maximize their opportunities to remain and succeed in the United States.