OPT Interim Rule Updates

Please stay tuned to this page for updates regarding the 29 month OPT rule, which will be posted as they become available.

Wednesday, June 4: IES sent an email to all students on OPT. The email informed students about the unemployment rule and steps for requesting an updated I-20 for the 'cap-gap'. View the email summary

Thursday, May 15: IES posted questions asked during the OPT Town Hall Meeting

Friday, April 25: IES updated website to include: OPT- Extension Application Procedures

Thursday, April 24: IES will hold a Town Hall Meeting, Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30, for students with questions about the 17 month extension

Tuesday, April 15: Frequently Asked Questions for OPT Interim Rule

Wednesday, April 9:

At this time, IES does not have an extension process in place. As soon as one is established, priority will be given to those students whose OPT end date will be expiring soon. IES will send out an email and update the website as soon as possible.

Tuesday, April 8: Klasko Client Alert Update

Monday, April 7: NAFSA site with full law

Friday, April 4: IESNEWS Email Sent: SEVIS NOTICE - Interim Final Rule of the Extension of OPT

IES has just been informed of the following information regarding extension of OPT. We will keep you informed of this legislation as more information becomes available. At this time we do not yet know what the implementation time-line will be.


SEVIS NOTICE - April 4, 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released today an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The extension will be available to students who are employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program. E-Verify is a free internet-based system operated by USCIS, in partnership with the Social Security Administration, which determines a new
employees eligibility to work.

General Provisions:
" F-1 students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields and granted initial post-completion OPT are now eligible to apply for a one-time extension for 17 additional months, a maximum of 29 months.
" STEM students need to file form I-765. The form is being amended to capture information needed to determine student eligibility.
" F-1 students file timely (at least 90 days prior) for a STEM extension may continue employment while the application is pending until a final decision from USCIS, or 180 days,whichever comes first.
" Approved extensions allow for students to remain working for the STEM employer on the new EAD. If denied, the student must make preparations to depart or transfer to another school to continue studying.

To be eligible for the 17-month OPT extension, a student must have received a STEM degree in one of the following:
" Actuarial Science.
" Computer Science Applications.
" Engineering.
" Engineering Technologies.
" Life Sciences.
" Mathematics.
" Military Technologies.
" Physical Sciences.

The interim final rule and additional information on the H-1B program is available at www.dhs.gov. SEVP will release additional, detailed operational guidelines on its website at www.ice.gov/sevis as Frequently Asked Questions the week of April 11, 2008.