Study in America OPT Guidelines: US Citizenship and Immigration Services has made changes to the Optional Practical Training policy for international students studying STEM. The new guidelines provide clarity on online and distance learning. Understand what has changed and what does it mean?
US Study Optional Training Rules for International Students: There is good news for Indian students studying in America. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has made some changes in its rules. These changes are especially for those students who are studying any of the STEM subjects i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Earlier, foreign students in the US used to get a chance to work for only one year after completing their studies. But students with STEM subjects will now get two years of extra time. That is, now they will get a chance to work in America for a total of three years. This will be available under Optional Practical Training i.e. OPT. 6 more important things have also been mentioned in the new rules.
OPT USA: What will be the rules for online and distance learning?
The new rules clarify that students with F1 visa can include one class or maximum 3 online credits in their curriculum in every semester. That is, if they do any class online or through distance learning, it will also be recognized for their course. This will allow them to get benefits within a fixed limit without violating the terms of their F1 visa. (Photo- Freepik)
OPT has the advantage over associate degree.
USCIS has clearly stated that international students may be eligible for post-completion OPT after completing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program. An associate degree is an educational degree between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree that is usually two years long.
Transfer between educational institutions
The new rules also clarify that students with F1 visa can transfer from one school to another. The condition is that both schools should be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This rule will also apply to other courses like stream change for Bachelor, Masters program. (Photo- Pixabay)
OPT Rules USA: 60 days concession
USCIS has stated that after completion of OPT, students get a grace time of 60 days. During this time, they can change their education level, transfer to another SEVP certified school, or appeal to USCIS for a change in another non-immigrant or immigrant status.
Note- The company in which the student has completed his OPT can sponsor the F1 visa holder for an H-1B visa. But for this, one has to go through the lottery system. It is not necessary that all students get a work visa (US Work Visa) through this route.
Application time for Study in USA OPT
The new rules also fix the deadline to apply for STEM OPT extensions. Some other technical corrections have been made. F1 students must submit their Form I-765 (for Employment Authorization – EAD) no later than 90 days before their current EAD expires.
Study Abroad Program
USCIS has also clarified that a student enrolled in a SEVP certified school during a study abroad program can remain active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Provided his course is less than 5 months long. If the duration of the course is more than 5 months, then the student will have to obtain a new Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status).
