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March 11, 2016

15 Things you must know about the New STEM OPT Rule

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The long awaited STEM OPT Final Rule has published in Federal Register today. Congratulations to the student community out there in chaos and eagerly waiting for the new rule to be in place. The STEM OPT Rule proposal has received record number of 50,500 public comments.

Congratulations to all who contributed in this rule making process by posting strong positive comments. Beginning 10th May, 2016, the USCIS will issue RFEs to the pending STEM OPT applications. This will enable the students to successfully amend the applications to eligible for 24 month STEM extension without additional fee.

Here are 15 things you need to know about the new STEM OPT Rule:
1. The STEM OPT Extension has increased to 24 months from 17 months.
2. A second higher STEM Degree from a US Academic Institution will be qualified for a 2nd STEM Extension of another 24 months. This is a great news for those the H-1B petitions not picked in the lottery system.
3. The student must at least have 150 calendar days remaining prior to the expiration of 17 Months STEM Extension in order to be eligible for additional 7 months STEM OPT period as per the new rule.
4. The previous STEM degree can be used to quality for a 24 months STEM OPT Extension if not used before and both degree received from a currently accredited institutions.
5. To quality for STEM extension, the student must be graduated with a STEM degree from an academic institution which is accredited AT THE TIME of application for extension.
6. Maximum Unemployment Period during STEM OPT Extension has extended from 30 days to 60 Days(for an aggregate of 150 days).
7. The student must report any changes to STEM OPT employment to the DSO within 5 business days. This includes the changes to the name, address or employer.
8. The Cap-Gap during change of status to H-1B would extend the OPT until 1st October for the timely filed H-1B petitions.
9. The STEM Definition and CIP(Classification Of Instructional Program) Categories or Specializations will be updated in the SEVP(Student Exchange Visitor Program) Website.
10. Limiting STEM OPT Extension eligibility to Students with degrees only from accrediting agencies recognized by Department of Education.
11. Employer On-Site Visits to be increased to verify the students are meeting the STEM OPT Extension requirements. DHS will provide notice to employer 48 hours before the visit unless a complaint or other evidence of non-compliance in place.
12. Employers or the hiring companies must be enrolled in USCIS E-Verify Program and report STEM student employment changes.
13. The Employers or the hiring companies are required to attest that they have sufficient Resources and Trained Personnel to provide mandatory Mentoring and Training to students under STEM OPT.
14. Employers or the hiring companies must implement a formal Mentoring and Training Program for the students working under STEM OPT Extension or may use the existing training program to satisfy the regulatory requirements to track the progress of STEM OPT students.
15. The Employers or the hiring companies are required to attest that they will not lay-off or terminate a Temporary or Permanent US worker as a resulting of hiring a STEM OPT student.

Link to the Complete rule in Federal Register

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October 16, 2015

STEM OPT Extension from 17 To 24 Months, More Exciting News From Proposed Rule

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The OMB(Office Of Management And Budget) has approved the STEM OPT Extension Rule Proposal by DHS(Department Of Homeland Security) on 14-OCT-2015. This is one step of a progress towards providing a sigh of relief to International Students!

Click here to look at The STEM OPT RuleMaking Steps

As part of the RuleMaking process, the Proposed STEM OPT Extension Summary was attached in the Federal Registry for Public comments.

We have reviewed the Proposed STEM OPT Extension Rule and it certainly has some exciting news.

Main Pointers of Proposed STEM OPT Extension Rule:

1. The STEM OPT Extension was proposed to be increased to 24 months from 17 months as per invalidated old rule.
2. A second STEM Degree to be qualified for a 2nd OPT Extension of another 24 months. This is another great news for those the H-1B petitions not picked in the lottery system.
3. The previous STEM degree can be used to quality for a 24 months STEM OPT Extension if not used before and the recent degree received from an accredited institution.
4. Maximum Unemployment Period during STEM OPT Extension was proposed to be increased from 30 Days To 60 Days(for an aggregate of 150 days).
5. The Cap-Gap would extend the OPT until 1st October for the timely filed H-1B petitions.
6. The STEM Definition and CIP(Classification Of Instructional Program) Categories or Specializations will be updated in the SEVP(Student Exchange Visitor Program) Website.
7. Limiting STEM OPT Extension eligibility to Students with degrees only from accrediting agencies recognized by Department of Education.
8. Increased Employer On-Site Visits to verify if the students are meeting the STEM OPT Extension requirements.
9. Employers(or Hiring Companies) MUST implement a formal Mentoring and Training Program for the students working under STEM OPT Extension.
10. Employers(or Hiring Companies) MUST be enrolled in USCIS E-Verify Program and report STEM student employment changes.
11. The Employers(or Hiring Companies) are required to attest that they have sufficient Resources and Trained Personnel to provide mandatory Mentoring and Training to students under STEM OPT.
12. The Employers(or Hiring Companies) are required to attest that they will not lay-off or terminate a Temporary or Permanent US worker as a resulting of hiring a STEM OPT student. This is to address the previous judgement on Lawsuit by Washington Alliance Of Technology Workers.

Stay tuned for future updates on the STEM OPT Extension as we move through the RuleMaking Process.

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October 15, 2015

OMB Approved The Proposed STEM OPT Extension Rule

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The OMB(Office Of Management And Budget) has approved the proposed rule by DHS yesterday(14-OCT-2015) to bring back the STEM OPT Extension. This is definitely a good news for the International Students in US working under OPT and also for the ones working under cap gap awaiting H-1B decision, who were left in chaos as they would not be able to continue the employment after 12-FEB-2016.

But be informed that the proposal being approved by OMB does not conclude the RuleMaking Process.

As all you aware the OPT STEM Extension was invalidated by Federal Court in action against the Lawsuit filed by Washington Alliance Of Technology Workers. As per the court decision, the OPT STEM rule will be ineffective from 12-FEB-2016. This is a big problem for the US to retain the existing and future qualified workers without STEM OPT extension as the H-1B cap is limited and would not serve the required workforce.

There were two options for DHS to address this issue, either to contest the court ruling or to propose a new rule with improvements to the old rule. Hence DHS compiled a new rule with enhancements to the previous OPT STEM rule and presented to The Department of Management and Budget(OMB) with the title "Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students with STEM degrees and expanding Cap-Gap Relief for All F-1 Students With Pending H-1B Petitions"

The RuleMaking Process involves multiple steps:

1. The new rule will be presented to OMB by respective Agency(DHS in this case) of US.

2. The OMB reviews the proposal and gives a decision.

3. If the proposed rule is approved by OMB, it will be published as a PROPOSED RULE in the Federal Register with a 30 day comment period.

4. The Authorized Agency(DHS) may make changes to the proposal after reviewing public comments and publish a final rule to Federal Register.

5. All this process will be monitored and need to be approved by the Federal Judge.

Stay tuned for future updates on the STEM OPT Extension Rulemaking.

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July 22, 2015

Final Guidance from USCIS published on H1-B Amendment

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The USCIS has published a Final guidance on when to file an Amendment or New H1-B Petition After the matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC.

The Memorandum brings out some good news and Increased the harbor period to file the Amendment as below:

If you moved to a new place of employment after the matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC (April 9, 2015) but before August 19, 2015, you must file the H1-B amendment petition. USCIS has no where specified that it is mandatory to file Amendment if you have moved before April 9, 2015.
It is clearly mentioned Even if the petitioner does not file the amended or new petition by this deadline, USCIS will generally not pursue new revocations or denials based upon failure to file an amended or new petition. This is one great news.
The deadline has increased to January 16, 2016, for those must file an H1-B Amendment.
Although the H1-B Amendment is denied but the Original Petition is still valid, the H1-B employee may return to the place of employment covered by the original petition(In this case, it's your actual employer, not the clients) as long as the H-1B employee is able to maintain valid non-immigrant status at the original place of employment. This has brought down the risk of losing the employment.
It is not required to file an H1-B Petition for a short term placement upto 60 days without obtaining a New LCA provided there are no material changes in the terms and conditions of the H-1B worker’s employment.
If the change of employment happens On or After August 19, 2015, the petitioner must file an Amended or New Petition before an H-1B employee starts working at a new place of employment not covered by an existing, approved H-1B petition.
The employees intended to travel outside US after they moving to a new place of employment must file for Amendment, which is an existing policy.

Please find the complete Policy Memorandum from USCIS here:

USCIS H1-B Amendment Final Guidance Memorandum

Let all your friends know about these changes by sharing this post.

Disclaimer: All these pointers were inferred by our understanding(Not Immigration Attorneys) from the Policy Memorandum Published by USCIS. This post is for informational purpose only, few reasonings could be wrong. Please check with your Immigration Attorney while making your Immigration decisions.

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May 05, 2015

SAT and ACT

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SAT

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught in secondary school classrooms. Most colleges utilize the SAT to make admission decisions.

Taking the SAT is the initial step in finding the right university for you — the place where you can further create your skills and seek your passions. At the same time SAT scores are only one of numerous variables that schools consider when they make choices. According to the universities, the blend of secondary school scores and SAT scores is the best predictor of your academic success in college.

Every SAT incorporates the accompanying three scored areas - components that are viewed as essential for success in university:

The SAT is taken 6 times a year in India, in October, November, December, January, May and June.To register, please visit www.collegeboard.org

Sections	Mathematics Section	Critical Reading Section	Writing Section
Time	70 Minutes	70 Minutes	60 Minutes
Section	Two 25-min sections One 20-min sections	Two 25-min section One 20-min section	One 25-min MCQ section One 10-min MCQ section One 25-min Essay section
Content	Number and Operations Algebra and Functions Geometry Statistics Probability Data Analysis	Short and long reading passages Sentence Completion	Essay Grammar, usage and word choice
Total Marks	800	800	800

ACT

The ACT test is made up of four individual test, each of which is designed to measure academic achievement in a major area: English, Math, Reading and Natural Science.ACT has pulled ahead for the first time in USA: 1,666,017 students took the ACT in 2012; 1,664,479 took the SAT.

The ACT is taken 6 times a year in India, in September, October, December, February, April and June. To register, please visit www.actstudent.org

Sections	English	Math	Reading	Science Reasoning
Time	45 Minutes , 75 Questions	60 Minutes , 60 Questions	35 Minutes , 40 Questions	35 Minutes , 40 Questions
Content	Punctuation Basic Grammar and usage Sentence Structure Strategy Organization Style	Pre-Algebra Elementary Algebra Intermediate Algebra Coordinate Geometry Plane Geometry Trigonometry	Pose Fiction Humanities Social Studies Natural Science	Data Representation Research Summaries Conflicting Viewpoints

SAT Vs ACT

SAT is designed as an aptitude test whereas the ACT is an academic achievement test, which is meant to test what you have learnt in school. The following table shows the difference between SAT and ACT.

	ACT	SAT
	Test Structure and Format
Length	3 hours, 25 min (with optional Writing Test)	3 hours 45 minutes
Structure	4 Sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an optional Writing Test	3 hours 45 minutes
	Scoring
Score	Composite of 1-36 based on average scores from the 4 test sections Optional Writing Test score of 0-12 (not included in overall score) plus an optional Writing Test	Total score range of 600-2400 based on adding scores from 3 subjects Score of 0-12 for the Essay
Wrong Answer Penalty	No penalty for wrong answers	Wrong answer penalty
	Content
Reading	Reading Comprehension	Reading Comprehension Sentence Completion
Vocabulary	Less Intensive	Very Intensive
Writing Test	Optional	Required
Math	Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Algebra II Basic Trigonometry	Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Algebra II
Science Reasoning Section	Extremely Basic Level(Secondary School)	Not Applicable

References: edukraft.in

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March 06, 2015

7 Tips for a Great Credit Score

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We all knew, keeping a good credit score is not easy task especially for the one new hires or students in U.S. The main reason behind this is we are not able to understand how the credit score system works. But not anymore. I have articulated below tips which worked very well from my own practice. If you follow these instructions, it will work for you too.

1. Credit Unions: Pick the credit cards which will have lowest interest rates in case you are in real need. The Credit Unions are always known for their lowest interest rates. Their normal interest rates(APR) range anywhere between 7% to 12%. Examples: DCU, Michigan Credit Union etc.

2. Rewards, We love it: Keep a credit card which will give great reward for using their card on spending. For example, Amex Delta SkyMiles card. Every dollar you spend with this card will earn two Delta miles and when accumulated enough, can be used to get free Delta air ticket. This covers your annual holiday airfare to Miami Beach or Los Angeles or New York City.

3. Learn To Control Credit Score: It is important to make sure you have a credit limit of at least 5 fold to your monthly spending. For example, my monthly expenditure is $1000, hence I should have at least 5X1000 = $5000 worth credit limit. This will ensure your credit utilization is not more than 20% and will help keep a great credit score.

4. Never lose money on Interest: Yes, you heard it right. Be smart and learn how you can have zero dollar interest incurred on your spending. The key is to pay your statement balance in full before the due date. For example, as of today 01-MAR-2015 my Amex Delta Card statement balance is $2000 and the due date for a minimum payment of $50 is 07-MAR-2015.

If I only pay the minimum balance of $50 or any less than the statement balance of $2000, I will be incurred an interest of ~$32(17% APR of $2000) for this month.

Let's say I paid my full statement balance of $2000 before the due date of 07-MAR-2015, the credit card company will not charge you any interest. This is a reward for making timely payments in full and pretty much all credit companies reward it.

5. Scrap Store Cards:: Keep DO NOT apply for store credit cards. They suck. They always have ridiculously high interest rates and no rewards. This will also ensure not to have too many credit checks on record. Be advised that each hard credit check bring down up to 25 points from your credit score.

6. Do not let memberships tap your money: This is a very genuine case again where we all lose money. The reason is just our negligence, not just paying attention to our credit statements.

If you have enrolled for a company membership or club like gym, yoga center, golf club etc with your credit card, make sure to remove your card out of their system when you relocate or no longer using their services.

Beware of signing any contracts with these companies, as they will continue to charge your card until the agreement tenure. Even if you file a dispute on these transactions, no wonder you will lose on them due to the paperwork you signed.

7. NEVER miss a minimum payment: This could be your worst nightmare if you fail to make a minimum payment before due date. This is an intolerable behavior for credit companies, in other words you simply lost their trust. Those missed payments record will be carried up to seven years on your credit history and there after it's not easy anymore to get approved for a new loan or card. You need to start all over again.

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February 24, 2015

BIG NEWS: EAD for H4

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The wait is over. The DHS bill to extend employment to eligible H4 spouses. The USCIS director León Rodríguez announced the new rule will be effective May 26, 2015.

Eligibility Criteria: The applicant's H-1B holder should meet ANY ONE of the below eligibility criteria.

1. H-1B holder should have an approved I-140.
2. H-1B holder currently on extended H-1B beyond six year limit.
3. H-1B holder currently on extended H-1B beyond six year limit as per PERM labor application pending for at least 365 days or one calendar year.

How To Apply:

1. The applicant is required to file a form I-765(Application for Employment Authorization)
2. The marriage certificate copy has to be attached to I-765 as an evidence
3. Enclose $380 check payable to USCIS

Once you are approved, you will receive a I-766 or EAD card. You may begin working once you receive the EAD.

When To Apply:

USCIS will begin accepting applications from May 26, 2015.

In the time of limited H-1B quota, and going through USCIS H-1B lottery process, the long waited H4 for EAD rule came like an invaluable gift to alien workers and their families in U.S.

This is definitely a big day for immigrants in U.S. We are delighted to share this joyful moment with our readers.

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February 05, 2015

Health Coverage A Mandatory. Federal Law!

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Did you take your health insurance for this year. If not hurry up as the deadlines for coverage will expire shortly. If you do not have health coverage, you would be required to pay hefty fine and its Federal Law. Find the fee structure below if you do not have health coverage as per healthcare.gov site.

The fee for not having health coverage is calculated in one of 2 ways. If you or your dependents don’t have insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage you'll pay either a percentage of your household income or a flat fee, whichever is higher.

The fee in 2015

If you don’t have coverage in 2015, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts:

2% of your yearly household income. (Only the amount of income above the tax filing threshold, about $10,000 for an individual, is used to calculate the penalty) The maximum penalty is the national average premium for a bronze plan.
$325 per person for the year ($162.50 per child under 18). The maximum penalty per family using this method is $975.

The fee for not having coverage in 2014

If you didn’t have coverage in 2014, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts when you file your 2014 federal tax return:

1% of your yearly household income. (Only the amount of income above the tax filing threshold, about $10,000 for an individual, is used to calculate the penalty.) The maximum penalty is the national average premium for a bronze plan.
$95 per person for the year ($47.50 per child under 18). The maximum penalty per family using this method is $285.

The fee after 2015
The penalty increases every year. In 2016 it’s 2.5% of income or $695 per person. After that it's adjusted for inflation.

How you pay the fee
You’ll pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file for the year you don’t have coverage. Most people will file their 2014 returns in early 2015 and their 2015 returns in early 2016.

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January 14, 2015

99 Online Tools For Every Student and Professional.

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TheMuse has compiled a list of 99 Online Tools For Every Student and Professional. My best advice, BOOKMARK this link. These tools will certainly make life easy.

1. Trello

Trello helps you manage all your ideas and due dates and keeps track of what you're in the process of completing. Plus, it looks nice—it's like the Pinterest of to-do lists.

2. Hackpad

Think Google Docs—only better for collaboration. Invite as many people as you want to contribute to your docs, or set them to private so they're just yours.

3. Coffitivity

What is it about a coffee shop that gives you such laser focus? Coffitivity streams the background noises of a coffee shop so you can get your creativity A-game on.

4. FaxZero

FaxZero lets you send and receive faxes through your email—because nobody likes the fax machine.

5. RescueTime

RescueTime lets you monitor how you spend your time on your computer and mobile devices. (The truth is sometimes ugly, but necessary.)

6. Unroll.me

You know all those email newsletters that you accidentally opted into, but don't really read? Use this site to clear out your inbox.

7. Remember the Milk

A to-do list manager with several key bonuses: You can sync it with your all your devices, share tasks with others, and get email or text reminders of things you need to get done.

8. Springpad

Springpad lets you organize all of your notes, favorite websites, and online inspiration into different folders. It gets bonus points for looking nice, too.

9. HabitForge

Forming a new habit isn't easy, so HabitForge keeps track of how well you're doing with simple reminders and check-ins.

10. Evernote

Evernote helps you remember everything using text, photo or audio notes, and clippings of websites.

11. Hemingway

How does that email (or any of your writing!) come off to readers? Plug it into this ingenious app to get the breakdown.

Streamline Your Life

12. Feedly

The greatest RSS reader on the market right now, Feedly is the place to keep up with all the latest from your favorite blogs and publications.

13. Pocket

Don't have time to read that great post your friend just put on Twitter? Send it to Pocket where you'll be able to read it later—even offline on your phone while you're commuting home!

14. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit helps you open up time in your schedule by making it easy to outsource any task you really don't want to do, from running errands to planning the details of your next vacay.

15. IFTTT

Standing for "if this then that," IFTTT helps different apps, online programs, and services work together to make your life way easier. Think getting the weather texted to you every morning or having your photos automatically save to Dropbox.

16. Lifehacker

Lifehacker is always coming up with solutions to problems you didn't even know you had. From how to handle tech woes to the most pro productivity tips, you're sure to find it here.

17. ZocDoc

Scheduling doctor's appointments is one of those things that seems to never quite get done. ZocDoc makes it simple to stay healthy by allowing you to schedule and manage your appointments online.

18. Handybook

Need some help around the house? Handybook makes it easy for you to book cleaners, plumbers, movers, and the like—all online.

19. Seamless

Whether you're stuck late at the office or just don't feel like cooking when you get home, Seamless is there for you with super-streamlined online takeout ordering.

Learn New Skills

20. CreativeLive

Whether you're trying to pick up a new creative hobby or boost your creative career, this site broadcasts live classes by accomplished professionals in each field.

21. Duolingo

This Apple "App of the Year" will help you learn a new language—for free. If you're super-busy (and we know you are), this is a great one for your commute, a few minutes on your lunch break, or between commercials on your lazy day.

22. Eventbrite

We talk a lot about the importance of networking and professional development, and Eventbrite is one of our go-to places to find out about upcoming conferences and events.

23. Conference Bites

You know those one-liners that you hear at a conference that get you seriously inspired? Conference Bites rounds those up for you.

24. Skillcrush

Skillcrush is dead-on with its philosophy that digital skills will help you no matter what you do. The site's free email bootcamp is a great way to polish your tech skills.

25. Skillshare

Skillshare has classes on everything from fashion design to HTML to branding. The classes are a project-based format with accomplished teachers, so we're sure you'll never be bored.

26. Codecademy

Codeacademy breaks down learning to code into small, manageable lessons, so you don't need hours to get started. Even better news? It's free.

27. Coursera

With courses from Yale, Stanford, and more, you know Coursera gives you access to top-notch learning. Classes are several weeks long, and free.

28. MasterStreet

Think of it as a professional development search engine, helping you find both online and in-person classes and conferences.

29. Udemy

Udemy has a mix of free and paid online classes with a huge range of subjects. Though the paid classes can be pricey, there's a solid rating system so you can be sure you're getting your money's worth.

30. Mediabistro

Media professionals (or those looking to break into the field) will find Mediabistro to be an awesome resource on everything from event planning to travel writing to grammar.

31. Muse University

At Muse University, we help you find out what you want to do with your life, and then be awesome at it. Our free classes for professionals at every stage are delivered straight to your inbox so you can check out the lessons at the time that works for you.

Expand Your Brain

32. Upworthy

The place to go to learn about the social issues that matter most. Chock-full of viral videos and images, you'll be entertained and growing your brain.

33. TED

Need to get majorly inspired? Head over to TED to hear inspiring talks from people doing big things in the world—the perfect spark to keep working on whatever it is you're passionate about.

34. Sporcle

Sporcle is still the best place on the internet for testing your knowledge. You can take quizzes on any topic imaginable, which is a pretty fun way to learn new things (and also to challenge your co-workers to see who knows more about obscure TV references or countries of the world).

35. Lumosity

Lumosity is like a gym for your brain. Using the site's fun games, you'll be able to keep your brain sharp and even improve certain functions, like memory, problem solving, and thinking on your feet.

36. Quora

When you have a question and your Google abilities don't seem to be getting you any closer to the answer? Quora is the place to go. You can crowdsource answers to any question or browse other people's questions to learn a thing or two.

37. Mental Floss

Every day, Mental Floss publishes articles with the most interesting facts and information about things you didn't even know you wanted to know. From pop culture and geeky information to science and history, you're sure to find something that piques your interest.

38. FACTSlides

FACTSlides allows you to click through a variety of random facts that not only feed your curiosity, but are also perfect fodder for the break room. For example, did you know that UPS delivery trucks save 10 million gallons of gas every year by making no left turns?

39. GOOD

GOOD is a community of people trying to live well and do good. Follow different change-makers for a steady stream of ideas for things to read and activities to do to make your life even better.

40. Change.org

Make your mark on the world by starting or signing petitions in support of issues you care about. It's so easy, you can take action during your coffee break.

41. 99U

Head over to 99U for great strategies for turning your ideas into action. From a daily stream of articles to videos of talks from the site's annual conference, you'll leave ready to make your ideas happen.

42. Medium

Medium is like an online think tank where people can share their best stories and workshop their biggest ideas. Reading a few articles on here is a great way to get yourself thinking.

43. Goodreads

Goodreads is the social network for the bibliophiles of the world. You can save books you want to read, rate and comment on books you've finished, and even keep up with what your friends are reading when you're looking for a recommendation.

Foster Your Creativity

44. Squarespace

When Squarespace says it's "giving voice to ideas," it's not kidding. Having your own personal site is awesome for your career, and Squarespace makes it easy.

45. Creative Market

Your go-to place if you need to download anything from fonts to WordPress themes for your personal website. Or, if you need to add a creative boost to your day.

46. Visual.ly

Create your own infographic to deliver visual news, or expand your brain with info from the gallery of those already on the site.

47. Behance

Showcase your own design work, or discover what some seriously creative people are making out there.

48. Pinterest

Don't count Pinterest out if you're not planning your wedding—there are endless creative possibilities to browse and discover. Get inspired by anything from tech and gadgets to travel destinations.

49. Bubbl.us

The best way to gather your thoughts? Using a mind map on Bubbl.us. Save it for later to continue the thought process, or print or email it to help you stay organized.

50. The Creativity Post

Want to expand your creative mind? The Creativity Post has high-quality articles on innovation, creativity, and imagination.

51. Inspiration Grid

Updated daily, Inspiration Grid fulfills your daily need to look at something beautiful and awesome—including architecture, art, design, and more.

52. Flickr

Need a photo for a design project? Check out Flickr's Creative Commons archives to find beautiful photos you can use (or just get wanderlust browsing amazingly beautiful destinations).

Manage Your Career

53. Huntsy

On the serious job hunt, and applying to more positions than you can count? Huntsy streamlines the process by keeping your applications in order and your to-dos on track.

54. Newsle

When anyone in your network makes the news, Newsle makes sure you know. In other words, it's a networker's best friend.

55. LinkedIn

Um, enough said.

56. Sumry

The coolest, easiest way to transform your resume from a piece of paper to an interactive work of art.

57. About.me

The absolute easiest way to get a personal website up and running in minutes.

58. PayScale

Whether you're negotiating a salary or asking for a raise, PayScale is the best source of data out there to find out what positions pay in different areas.

59. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Do you know your MBTI type? If not, find out now: It can provide clues into everything from how you work to what kinds of positions will make you happy.

60. Simplewash

The internet never forgets, which becomes a problem when you're looking for a new gig and those photos from Cabo are splattered all over your social media profiles. Luckily, Simplewash makes it easy to clean 'em right up.

61. MyPermissions

Similarly, MyPermissions makes it easy to scan what apps have access to your email and social media profiles, so you can better control what you're putting out for the world to see.

62. The Muse

OK, we know you know our publication, The Daily Muse. But did you know that you can find amazing places to work, save and apply to jobs, and even explore career paths, too?

Manage Your Money

63. DailyWorth

A daily publication targeting ambitious women, DailyWorth offers tips for everyone on saving, spending, advancing, earning, and entrepreneurship.

64. LearnVest

Go for the smart, savvy financial advice, stay for the awesome and (very) reasonably priced personal financial planning services.

65. Larky

Keeping track of all the perks and discounts from your various credit cards, professional organizations, and memberships can be tough, but Larky's online dashboard makes it easy.

66. Mint

Link your credit cards, bank accounts, and loans to the site (yes, it's safe), and you'll have a total online system that tracks your spending, saving, and financial health.

67. SigFig

Want to get started with investing? SigFig makes the process simple, fun, and personalized to your risk tolerance.

68. FutureAdvisor

Self-described as "premium investment management for everyone," FutureAdvisor not only helps you set up your portfolio, it reviews and rebalances your investments to help you achieve your goals.

69. Wise Bread

If you're looking to cut your costs, head to Wise Bread for tons of tips on how to "live large on a small budget."

70. She Negotiates

Sure, the name says "she," but we think anyone in the world can benefit from the negotiation advice, worksheets, and research-backed advice offered here by negotiation gurus Victoria Pynchon and Lisa Gates.

71. CNNMoney

The most complete site for everything money-related on the web, from markets and investing to your personal spending.

Achieve Work-Life Balance

72. Greatist

Greatist is the go-to source for all things health and happiness. The advice site is all about having a healthy body and mind and gives great tips for the worker who needs a little break.

73. Third Metric

One of Arianna Huffington's personal projects, Third Metric is a great source to help you redefine career success beyond just money and power.

74. Time Out

Time Out has one mission: Help you make the most of your city. With suggestions on where to eat, drink, and play, you'll always have something on your weekend to-do list with Time Out.

75. Tasting Table

Tasting Table is a dangerous rabbit hole for food lovers. Aside from all the food porn, it has an extensive list of restaurants and recipes you need to try, now.

76. TripAdvisor

Go! Get out of the office and take a trip. And use TripAdvisor to research locations, plan where you'll stay and eat, and do pretty much all the legwork for your vacation.

77. Hipmunk

Then head to Hipmunk, where you can find deals on flights and hotels. Not sure where you want to go? The site will send you notifications on deals from your city.

78. Blue Apron

Do you want more cooking in your life? Blue Apron makes it easy by sending you all the ingredients and recipes you need to whip up amazing meals in your kitchen.

79. Apartment Therapy

Make your living space a place where you love coming home to relax and unwind. Browse beautiful apartments and tips to beautify your own space.

Get Your News

80. Fast Company

Think of it as the Virgin America of business news: the coolest, most creative corporate reporting around.

81. NPR

Not just a radio program: Today's NPR offers everything from up-to-the-minute news coverage to smart podcasts for your commute

82. Mashable

The "leading source for news, information, and resources for the Connected Generation," Mashable reports on our digital lives. Which is, increasingly, our lives.

83. Inc.

The first place we head on the web for productivity tips, management advice, and secrets of the world's most successful people.

84. Harvard Business Review

HBR is where the world's leaders head for tips on everything from corporate strategy to managing people, but we think careerists at any stage can find great advice.

85. Bloomberg BusinessWeek

Smart, in-depth reporting about the biggest business, financial, and stock market issues of our time.

86. theSkimm

Don't have time to read the news? theSkimm distills the day's top headlines into one awesome, fun-to-read newsletter, making staying up on current events a piece of cake.

87. Good Noows

Consider this your personal news stream—all the stories and topics you care about compiled into a personal online newspaper.

Get Distracted

88. Thought Catalog

Thought Catalog describes itself as a magazine that represents the worldviews and rhetorical styles of as many people as possible. We think it's just a great place to read amazing, personal, and interesting writing

89. The Onion

We'll warn you now: Please, pretty please do not end up on this list after reading The Onion.

90. Had One Job

The most facepalm-inducing site on the web.

91. The Nicest Place on the Internet

Need a little love and a virtual hug? This is the place for you.

92. Buzzfeed

Lists on lists on lists. You won't spend less than 900 hours here after you click through.

93. The Oatmeal

Amazingly funny comics that pretty much nail life. Think the bizzaro version of Family Circus.

94. 22 Words

22 Words is the perfect blend of all the greatest things from the internet. Guaranteed to make you feel every emotion within a half hour of reading.

95. StumbleUpon

Get lost online—in a good way. You tell Stumble your preferences, and it offers up great reads. Every time you Stumble, you get a new read.

96. Longreads

The best storytelling on the web. As the name implies, perfect for a long read, when you're tired of the 40th animal picture list from Buzzfeed.

97. So Bad So Good

Everything you need to stay up-to-date on pop culture.

98. xkcd

The smartest, funniest comics you'll ever read. And totally addicting.

99. Deadspin

Not quite sports news, but probably everything you need to know about what's happening in the sports world.

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March 11, 2016

October 16, 2015

October 15, 2015

The RuleMaking Process involves multiple steps:

July 22, 2015

The Memorandum brings out some good news and Increased the harbor period to file the Amendment as below:

May 05, 2015

SAT

ACT

March 06, 2015

February 24, 2015

Eligibility Criteria: The applicant's H-1B holder should meet ANY ONE of the below eligibility criteria.

How To Apply:

When To Apply:

February 05, 2015

The fee for not having health coverage is calculated in one of 2 ways. If you or your dependents don’t have insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage you'll pay either a percentage of your household income or a flat fee, whichever is higher.

The fee in 2015

If you don’t have coverage in 2015, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts:

If you didn’t have coverage in 2014, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts when you file your 2014 federal tax return:

The fee after 2015 The penalty increases every year. In 2016 it’s 2.5% of income or $695 per person. After that it's adjusted for inflation.

How you pay the fee You’ll pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file for the year you don’t have coverage. Most people will file their 2014 returns in early 2015 and their 2015 returns in early 2016.

January 14, 2015

TheMuse has compiled a list of 99 Online Tools For Every Student and Professional. My best advice, BOOKMARK this link. These tools will certainly make life easy.

1. Trello

Trello helps you manage all your ideas and due dates and keeps track of what you're in the process of completing. Plus, it looks nice—it's like the Pinterest of to-do lists.

2. Hackpad

Think Google Docs—only better for collaboration. Invite as many people as you want to contribute to your docs, or set them to private so they're just yours.

3. Coffitivity

What is it about a coffee shop that gives you such laser focus? Coffitivity streams the background noises of a coffee shop so you can get your creativity A-game on.

4. FaxZero

FaxZero lets you send and receive faxes through your email—because nobody likes the fax machine.

5. RescueTime

RescueTime lets you monitor how you spend your time on your computer and mobile devices. (The truth is sometimes ugly, but necessary.)

6. Unroll.me

You know all those email newsletters that you accidentally opted into, but don't really read? Use this site to clear out your inbox.

7. Remember the Milk

A to-do list manager with several key bonuses: You can sync it with your all your devices, share tasks with others, and get email or text reminders of things you need to get done.

8. Springpad

Springpad lets you organize all of your notes, favorite websites, and online inspiration into different folders. It gets bonus points for looking nice, too.

9. HabitForge

Forming a new habit isn't easy, so HabitForge keeps track of how well you're doing with simple reminders and check-ins.

10. Evernote

Evernote helps you remember everything using text, photo or audio notes, and clippings of websites.

11. Hemingway

How does that email (or any of your writing!) come off to readers? Plug it into this ingenious app to get the breakdown.

Streamline Your Life

12. Feedly

The greatest RSS reader on the market right now, Feedly is the place to keep up with all the latest from your favorite blogs and publications.

13. Pocket

Don't have time to read that great post your friend just put on Twitter? Send it to Pocket where you'll be able to read it later—even offline on your phone while you're commuting home!

14. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit helps you open up time in your schedule by making it easy to outsource any task you really don't want to do, from running errands to planning the details of your next vacay.

15. IFTTT

Standing for "if this then that," IFTTT helps different apps, online programs, and services work together to make your life way easier. Think getting the weather texted to you every morning or having your photos automatically save to Dropbox.

16. Lifehacker

Lifehacker is always coming up with solutions to problems you didn't even know you had. From how to handle tech woes to the most pro productivity tips, you're sure to find it here.

17. ZocDoc

Scheduling doctor's appointments is one of those things that seems to never quite get done. ZocDoc makes it simple to stay healthy by allowing you to schedule and manage your appointments online.

18. Handybook

Need some help around the house? Handybook makes it easy for you to book cleaners, plumbers, movers, and the like—all online.

19. Seamless

Whether you're stuck late at the office or just don't feel like cooking when you get home, Seamless is there for you with super-streamlined online takeout ordering.

Learn New Skills

20. CreativeLive

Whether you're trying to pick up a new creative hobby or boost your creative career, this site broadcasts live classes by accomplished professionals in each field.

21. Duolingo

This Apple "App of the Year" will help you learn a new language—for free. If you're super-busy (and we know you are), this is a great one for your commute, a few minutes on your lunch break, or between commercials on your lazy day.

22. Eventbrite

We talk a lot about the importance of networking and professional development, and Eventbrite is one of our go-to places to find out about upcoming conferences and events.

23. Conference Bites

You know those one-liners that you hear at a conference that get you seriously inspired? Conference Bites rounds those up for you.

24. Skillcrush

Skillcrush is dead-on with its philosophy that digital skills will help you no matter what you do. The site's free email bootcamp is a great way to polish your tech skills.

25. Skillshare

Skillshare has classes on everything from fashion design to HTML to branding. The classes are a project-based format with accomplished teachers, so we're sure you'll never be bored.

The fee after 2015
The penalty increases every year. In 2016 it’s 2.5% of income or $695 per person. After that it's adjusted for inflation.

How you pay the fee
You’ll pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file for the year you don’t have coverage. Most people will file their 2014 returns in early 2015 and their 2015 returns in early 2016.