February 08, 2012
Posted by Norka M. Schell, Esq.
On April 4, 2008 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Optional Practical Training Interim Final Rule. Under that rule, the DHS extended the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The extension also became available to F-1 students with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who were employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program.
On February 2, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") proposed another administrative reform. At this time, it proposes to expand eligibility for 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) (12+17=29) for F-1 International Students to include a prior degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM).
Currently, F-1 students who graduate in programs of study classified as STEM can obtain a 17-month extension of OPT as part of their F-1 status if their degree is included on the DHS list of eligibility for extension of OPT.
If the proposal is approved, it will expand eligibility for extension of OPT by including students with a STEM degree that is not the most recent degree that the student has received. It will be good for the U.S. economy.
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