The Academic Immigration Handbook

"Adam Cohen masterfully breaks down intricate processes … into clear, actionable guidance, supported by cogent examples." —Brandon McLeod, PhD, Campus Director, USF World, University of South Florida In a world shaped by global collaboration and innovation, U.S. colleges and universities remain magnets for the best and brightest minds. But navigating the complex U.S. immigration system can be daunting—for students, faculty, researchers, and the professionals who guide them. The Academic Immigration Handbook, 4th Ed., by leading immigration attorney Adam S. Cohen, is the definitive resource for understanding and managing immigration processes in higher education settings. Whether you’re an international scholar seeking a green card, a student advisor explaining visa options, or a university counsel ensuring compliance, this book delivers what you need: clear, expert, real-world guidance. In a rapidly shifting political climate, international students and scholars face growing uncertainty. Changes in policy and practice—from visa delays to unexpected SEVIS terminations—have made the path to study, work, and permanent residence in the U.S. more complex and less predictable. Yet, the contributions of these global citizens are undeniable: 25% of U.S. doctors are international medical graduates (IMGs), often serving in underserved communities. 46% of Fortune 500 companies in 2024 had at least one immigrant founder or child of immigrants at the helm. $48.3 billion contributed to the U.S. economy by international students in the 2023–24 academic year. 38% of Nobel Prizes awarded to Americans in science fields since 2000 went to immigrants. The Academic Immigration Handbook demystifies the "alphabet soup" of U.S. immigration law—from F, M, J, and H visas to waivers and green card strategies. The book is divided into clear sections that provide: Step-by-step guidance on student and scholar visa pathways Permanent residency options, including employer– and self-sponsored categories Case examples and common pitfalls from real-world scenarios Policy context and institutional considerations for university counsel, international offices, and HR staff Practical insights into maintaining compliance, filing petitions, managing transitions, and long-term planning This book is essential for: Foreign national students, researchers, and faculty looking to understand their visa and green card options. University international student & scholar advisors tasked with guiding students through complex processes. In-house counsel and academic HR professionals who need to ensure institutional compliance. Medical graduates and healthcare employers navigating J-1 waivers and H-1B sponsorship. Academic leaders building onboarding and retention programs for international talent. At 19 years old, Adam Cohen was studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, when the 9/11 attacks occurred. That life-altering semester helped him see the world—and the United States—through a global lens, as students from across Europe stood with him in solidarity and empathy. That moment, and the deeper understanding of global interconnectedness it sparked, became the foundation for his career as an immigration attorney. Today, Adam serves clients through the internationally recognized firm Siskind Susser, where he helps students, professors, physicians, universities, hospitals, and research institutions navigate U.S. immigration law. His work has been featured in The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Times of India, Bloomberg Law, and more. He brings over two decades of lived and professional experience to this book.