Hawaii International Student Community
We’re smarter together – Let’s collaborate!
July 1, 2013 from 4pm to 6pm – 1833 Kalakaua Avenue, First Floor Conference Room
On the first Monday of each month, MigrationCounsel hosts informal Q & A sessions for international students and others to answer their questions about U.S. immigration law, including the process…
Organized by Daryl Takeno | Type: visa, information, session
Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2011-2012 Ho'opae Scholarship!
Please make sure to check back here in September to apply for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Hawaii International Student Community is a social network

The New York Times is talking about prospects for International Students to gain some certainty in their post graduation career options through the immigration reform package moving through Congress this summer. The article is here be sure to view the video…
ContinueCreated by John Robert Egan May 23, 2013 at 10:09am. Last updated by John Robert Egan May 23.

Following the Boston Marathon bombing last month, the U.S, Customs and Border Protection has begun to check student visas more carefully. According to a story in the New York Times, it appears that an international student is suspected of assisting or enabling the bombers, and was allowed re-entry to the U.S. even though he may not…
ContinueCreated by John Robert Egan May 6, 2013 at 10:19am. Last updated by John Robert Egan May 6.
The Economist has a cogent view of the current year's H-1B visa frenzy. In the April 6, 2013, edition they say this epic mismatch of demand and supply is a result of a program quota that is "entirely arbitrary and unnecessary, and almost certainly imposes high economic costs on the country." We have heard from…
Created by John Robert Egan Apr 6, 2013 at 2:27pm. Last updated by John Robert Egan May 6.

John Egan's commentary on the impact newly proposed immigration reforms will have on Hawaii's economy was recently published in the Pacific Business News. International graduates are an important resource for Hawaii's economy, bringing highly skilled and motivated applicants into the local job…
ContinueCreated by John Robert Egan Jan 28, 2013 at 11:23am. Last updated by John Robert Egan Jan 28.

The Associated Press is reporting a financial settlement in favor of over 100 International Student workers in part-time jobs here in the U.S. Three companies were charged by the Department of Labor with overcharging for housing, failing to pay appropriate wages and other workplace condition violations. We have heard repeated stories, particularly involving J visas, of exploitation and employer misbehavior. Student worker who are concerned about their working conditions…
ContinueCreated by John Robert Egan Nov 16, 2012 at 9:41am. Last updated by John Robert Egan Nov 16, 2012.
This community is sponsored by MigrationCounsel as an open forum and information exchange about immigration law issues facing International Students in Hawaii as they make the transition from graduation to careers, from student status to working visa status. We'll post useful information, take your questions, and provide a chance to communicate with other people working through the immigration process. We're smarter together- Let's collaborate!
Site Guidelines here: Welcome to our site.pdf
As most people are now aware, following the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing in April it was found that some friends of the suspected bombers had entered the U.S. on student visas that may have been invalid. This has triggered a closer inspection of international students at passport inspection stations at U.S. ports of entry. An article in the Yale Daily News provides an overview. International students should take care in checking their status and updating their paperwork with the International Student Services offices at their schools before traveling. As the saying says: Know before you go!
Posted by John Robert Egan on May 21, 2013 at 9:31am
In the fastest H-1B filing season since 2008, the H-1B quota was declared filled today, Friday, April 5, 2013, a mere five days after the opening of application season. The USCIS has posted its announcement HERE. This is bad news for employers and job seekers in the professional occupations visa category most used by international graduates. It is also the clearest statement possible about the completely inadequate system in place for managing this visa category. Let's hope the coming reform efforts in Washington, D.C. take this to heart.
Posted by John Robert Egan on April 5, 2013 at 11:35am
From the Brookings Institution's blog UpFront:
Today marks the first day U.S. employers can submit H-1B visa applications to the federal government for fiscal year 2014 (for visas beginning on October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014). Every year at the beginning of April, employers race for a limited number of H-1B visas available—currently set at 85,000, including 20,000 that are set aside for foreign graduates with advanced degrees from American universities. These visas are given on a first-come, first-served basis, resulting in this frenzy.
Posted by John Robert Egan on April 1, 2013 at 2:37pm
The USCIS has released its estimate for how long the current year visa quota will last before it will be closed for the year, and it is not good news for procrastinators and late-filers. According to a USCIS Alert dated 3/15/2013 it is anticipated at ALL of the available H-1B cap-subject visas, including both the 65,000 standard and the 20,000 masters degree set-aside, will be used by April 5, 2013. This reflects very high demand, but more importantly, underscores the need for filers to get their petitions delivered to the USCIS on April 1, or April 2. This can be a logistical challenge, because if your application arrives before April 1, it will be rejected. This narrow window is entirely a function of the outdated quota numbers and renewed demand.
Posted by John Robert Egan on March 19, 2013 at 9:30am
Hi all,I think my case is quite unfortunate. I'd like to bring it up here so other international students are aware.I am on first-year H-1B from a cap-exempt university(A) and received a job offer…Continue
Started by Amanda H. Last reply by Amanda H Apr 19.
By now everybody who is interested in H-1B visas knows that the USCIS has closed applications for this year, having received enough applications to use up the entire quota by June 11, 2012. This…Continue
Tags: InternationalStudent, OPT, H-1B, F-1
Started by John Robert Egan. Last reply by Amanda H Apr 16.
On Thursday, September 20, 2012, the U.S. House of Representatives voted down a proposed law that would provide additional visas to international students graduating from U.S. universities with…Continue
Tags: OPT, student, international, Visa, STEM
Started by John Robert Egan Sep 23, 2012.
I have a question about H1b holder. Some of the international students may be offered a full time job while they are still in their academic program. Company usually wants to have the student quit…Continue
Started by Alyx Yu. Last reply by John Robert Egan Feb 27, 2011.
Daryl Takeno posted an event3 Mistakes New International Students Make
Here is some good advice for new international students from Mai-Linh Bui
Which U.S. universities provide the most financial aid for international students? A recent article in the U.S. News and World Report give some figures.
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Here's an article from the New York Times with tips for incoming International Students. Be sure to check the comments left by readers, they are even more practical than the author's suggestions.
I found a useful article for new International Students in the U.S. News and World Report. It provides some tips on where to get help in acclimating to the new environment when arriving at a school here in the U.S.
June 2012
The H-1B visa application season closed before I got my application in - NOW WHAT?
Unfortunately, the H-1B visa application system is quite unforgiving of late applications, they are simply returned as rejected. Unless you have a job in a "quota exempt" category, typically with a university or the Department of Defense, you will likely have to wait until the next application cycle begins, on April 1.
We emphasize advance planning, and provide a variety of ways interested applicants can discover the timelines and milestones involved in the visa process. Check out our website and our calendar of Migration Mondays information sessions so you will empowered with the right information when your time comes.
APRIL 2011
When should I talk to my employer/potential employer about the fact that I need a visa to take the job?
We are asked this question quite often. In general, I tell job applicants who need a sponsor to be honest, and address the issue as early as possible. If the company is willing to be your sponsor, they will need to know in order to make arrangements. If they are unwilling, you will either need to persuade them, or move on to another employment opportunity. Either way, the sooner you and your employer know, the better.
NOVEMBER 2010
What are the "best" majors to study if I want to get an H-1B visa after I graduate?
Of course, you should study the field you are best qualified for, or that you feel will be most satisfying for your career plan. However, it is true that some fields of study are more directly suited to the H-1B visa process than others. The federal regulations specifically recognize the following as being consistent with the requirements: architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts. So, if you are in one of these fields, you are in a good position to begin the H-1B process. If not, you may need to work a bit harder to prove to the USCIS that you are working in a "professional" position. If you are highly motivated to get that H-1B, you might consider changing majors while you still have time.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Is there a grace period for J-1 visa holders after they complete their program?
Yes, the regulations provide a 30-day grace period during which the exchange visitor, spouse and children may remain in the U.S. "for the purposes of travel."
Options for Nursing Graduates
We've had a number of inquiries lately about the visa options available to nursing graduates. Here are some of the topics we have addressed.
Is Nursing considered one of the STEM categories?
No, unfortunately Nursing is not on the Stem (Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics) list, and so Nursing grads are not entitled to the extra time in OPT allowed for STEM grads. For the complete list of STEM qualifying degree areas, we have linked to the source document under our Info Center.
Do Nursing positions qualify for the H-1B visa?
Some do, some don't. The USCIS takes the general view that Registered Nurses (R.N.) do NOT automatically qualify for H-1B status, because many R.N.s are hired based on some combination of an Associates degree, training and experience, and these positions do not have a Bachelors degree as the minimum qualification. However, positions in the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) category will generally qualify. The USCIS Memo that lists the nursing categories that qualify under their guidelines as specialized occupations for H-1B adjudication is reproduced in our Info Center.
Do I need a VisaScreen Certificate to apply for a H-1B visa?
Yes, all international students applying for a H-1B visa to work in nursing need to comply with the VisaScreen process. The process is somewhat streamlined for international students who graduate from U.S. nursing programs, you do not need to show proficiency in English, and do not need to have your degree evaluated. More information is available in the CGFNS Handbook.
FEBRUARY 2010
Can a J-1 visa holder change to H-1B?
At our February Face 2 Face information session, I was asked if J-1 visa holders are restricted from obtaining an H-1B visa. There are restrictions on some J visas, but there is not a "blanket restriction" on all J visas.
If your J visa is subject to Section 212(e), which requires a two year commitment to residence in your home country, you may not change your status directly from J-1 to H-1B.
Also, if you are in J-1 status doing medical education or training, you may not change directly to H-1B.
However, for J-1's not subject to these specific restrictions, there is no blanket bar. If you meet all of the other eligibility requirements for the H-1B, or any other nonimmigrant visa status for that matter, you may apply through the usual methods.
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