The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance regarding the eligibility criteria for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for international students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The updated guidelines, now included in the USCIS Policy Manual, also provide clarity on online study, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programs for F and M nonimmigrant students.
These revisions, effective immediately, apply to all pending and future OPT extension requests and address several important areas:
Online Study Allowances: Under the new guidelines, international students can count one class or up to three credits per academic session towards a full course of study if the class is taken online or through distance learning that does not require physical attendance.
School Transfers and Changes in Educational Levels: The updated rules allow students to transfer between schools certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the same educational level. Students are also permitted to switch between different educational levels within SEVP-certified schools.
Clarification on STEM OPT Extension Application Period: The updated guidance specifies the correct period during which students can apply for STEM OPT extensions and includes several technical adjustments to ensure clarity and compliance.
Study Abroad Program Guidelines: For students participating in study abroad programs, the guidelines state that those enrolled in SEVP-certified schools can maintain their active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) if their program duration is less than five months. For programs exceeding five months, students will be required to obtain a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
These changes aim to streamline the OPT extension process and provide clearer rules for international students pursuing STEM education in the United States.
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