The Handbook for Employers M-274 (also known as the Form I-9 employer handbook) has been updated to reflect the final rule changing the automatic extension end date to April 1 of the applicable fiscal year for F-1 visa students requesting H-1B visa status.

Key Points:

  • Section 7.4.2 of the handbook was updated to reflect the final rule automatically extending the duration of status and any employment authorization for an F-1 student who is the beneficiary of an H-1B visa petition requesting a change of status.
  • Under the final rule, the automatic extension end date was changed from Oct. 1 to April 1 of the fiscal year in which the H-1B status is being requested (or until the validity start date of the approved petition, whichever is earlier).

Additional Information: The final rule modernizing the H-1B visa program was published by the Department of Homeland Security on Dec. 18, 2024. Additional Form I-9 guidance for F-1 students can be found here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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