USCIS Updates Policy on STEM OPT for International Students

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its policy guidance on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students. These updates, effective immediately, clarify key areas such as online study, school transfers, the grace period after program completion, and eligibility for OPT extensions. This new guidance provides more flexibility and clarity for F-1 students pursuing practical training in the U.S.

Key Changes and Clarifications:

• Online and Distance Education: Students can now count one class or three credits of online or distance learning per term toward their full course of study requirement, provided the class does not require physical attendance for completion.
• School Transfers and Educational Levels: Students are allowed to transfer between SEVP-certified schools at the same educational level or move between different educational levels (e.g., from a bachelor’s to a master’s program).
• 60-Day Grace Period: After completing post-completion OPT, students have a 60-day grace period during which they can change their educational level, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or apply to change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
• STEM OPT Eligibility: Students who have completed an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM field may be eligible for post-completion OPT. Clarifications have been made regarding the application timelines for STEM OPT extensions and the necessary documentation for maintaining active status during study abroad programs.

Impact on International Students:

These updates provide much-needed clarity for international students navigating the complexities of maintaining their F-1 status while pursuing practical training opportunities. The ability to count online classes toward the full course of study is particularly beneficial, reflecting the evolving nature of education in a digital age. Additionally, the clear guidance on transferring schools and the grace period post-OPT offers students more flexibility in planning their academic and professional futures.

Conclusion:

USCIS’s recent updates to the STEM OPT policy are a welcome development for international students in the U.S. These changes ensure that students have the flexibility and clarity needed to successfully complete their practical training while staying in compliance with immigration regulations. Students currently on or considering OPT should review these updates carefully and consult with their school’s Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney to understand how these changes may affect them.

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My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the recent updates to the STEM OPT policy, which provide international students with more flexibility and clarity in pursuing their practical training in the U.S. If you have any further questions about how these changes might affect your F-1 status, or if you need guidance on your OPT or STEM OPT application, feel free to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.