The Department of Homeland Security is issuing a final rule that will allow certain foreign students with science, technology, math, or engineering (STEM) degrees to extend their optional practical training or "OPT" period by 2 years, on top of the 1 year already allowed for graduates in all fields. The rule is scheduled to go [...]
DHS released the final version of the revised STEM optional practical training (OPT) rule today. It will go into effect on May 10th. The final rule will allow F-1 STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months, replacing the current rule that allows for only 17-month extensions. The rule also includes the “Cap-Gap” relief for [...]
On May 29, 2014, SEVP removed all Principal Designated School Officials and Designated School Officials (P/DSOs) from the following schools: Micropower Career Institute in New York, New York Micropower Computer Institute in Linden, New Jersey The Institute for Health Education in Jersey City, New Jersey and International School of Health, Beauty [...]
If an H-1B petition filed on your behalf did not make the 'Random Selection Process', you have certain options. If you are currently in F-1 status with an OPT, students in STEM programs could immediately apply for a 17-months extension of Optional Practical Training. A. Eligibility for STEM extension: The student must have a bachelor's, [...]
A Memo from ICE confirming SEVP's guidance on unpaid employment and noting some OPT STEM extension applications were erroneously denied by USCIS because applicants had or intended to work in volunteer or unpaid intern positions is attached. The ICE Memo confirms: A student may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, where this practice does [...]
If you were previously in ACTIVE F-1 nonimmigrant status at University of Northern Virginia, school code WAS214F01186000, please be aware that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has withdrawn the school's approval for attendance of nonimmigrant students as of October 1, 2013. If you failed to transfer or depart the United States by November [...]
ICE press release announcing that the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has accepted the University of Northern Virginia's application for new Designated School Officials. Nonimmigrant students who require action may now contact the school directly with requests. http://www.ice.gov/sevis/alerts/unva.htm
DHS announced an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) designated-degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. This announcement builds on a series of administrative reforms designed to further the Department's commitment to attracting international students. Under the OPT program, international students who graduate [...]
USCIS Q&As, updated 3/29/12, on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) and F-1 status under cap-gap regulations that permit the automatic extension of F-1 student status for certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions. Extension of OPT and Cap-Gap regulations
What to do if your school is no longer SEVP certified If you attend an SEVP certified school that has been automatically withdrawn from SEVIS certification as a result of SEVP’s ongoing recertification process please: Don’t panic! Contact your designated school official about options Finish the current semester term at your school If your designated [...]