Jordi S. Bayer, Dillon R. Colucci, and Lauren A. Tetenbaum, members of Greenberg Traurig’s Business Immigration & Compliance Group, were invited to speak on September 8, 2015 at an international student orientation event at Fordham University regarding post-graduate immigration options for students.

Tetenbaum provided an overview of U.S. immigration law, including the various agencies involved, and presented an overview of common nonimmigrant and immigration visa options and procedures. She then discussed Curricular Practical Training and its potential effect on post-graduate employment, Optional Practical Training, and the current events surrounding the 17-month OPT STEM extension policy. Ms. Bayer informed attendees about the H-1B cap and explained the H-1B visa petition process, including the requirements related to the Labor Condition Application, specialty occupation, and the differences between applying for change of status and selecting to consular process. She also explained the cap-gap regulations. Colucci spoke on the EB-5 green card process as an option for students or their families to consider. Given that the laws on many of these issues (particularly regarding EB-5 Regional Centers and the OPT STEM extension) are constantly changing, students were reminded that it is important to seek accurate advice from immigration attorneys when making immigration decisions.

The event was attended by over 100 students from the Fordham International Students Society and other diverse student associations. Fordham University was established in 1841 in New York City. It enrolls approximately 15,000 students across three campuses in the New York area, including the Bronx and Manhattan. International students represent approximately 70 percent of the graduate business population at the university.