US issues new guidelines on OPT eligibility, grace periods, and study abroad for international STEM students

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual, providing new guidance for F and M nonimmigrant students concerning eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The revisions also clarify rules related to online study, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programs. These updates are effective immediately and apply to all pending and future requests.

Students can count one class or up to three credits (or the equivalent) per academic session toward a full course of study if the class is taken online or through distance learning that does not require physical attendance as part of course completion.

Students are allowed to transfer between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-certified Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) schools at the same educational level or switch between different educational levels.

During the 60-day grace period after completing an authorized period of post-completion OPT, students may change their educational level, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or apply to change to a different nonimmigrant or immigrant status.

Students who have completed associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs are eligible for post-completion OPT.

The updated manual corrects the period during which students can apply for STEM OPT extensions and includes other technical adjustments.

Students enrolled in SEVP-certified schools during study abroad programs can maintain active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System if the program duration is less than five months. For programs exceeding five months, students will need a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/us-issues-new-guidelines-for-opt-eligibility-grace-periods-and-study-abroad-for-international-stem-students/articleshow/112902776.cms