United States | USCIS updates STEM OPT guidance for nonimmigrant students

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its Policy Manual guidance on when nonimmigrant students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions in STEM fields.

Key Points:

• The updated guidance clarified when nonimmigrant students may count credit for online/distance learning classes and their eligibility for post-completion OPT after finishing associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree programs.
• The update explained transfer options between Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified schools and education levels.
• The new guidance also corrected the period during which students may apply for STEM OPT extensions and explained options available to individuals during the 60-day grace period following completion of OPT.

Additional Information: Further details about this updated USCIS Policy Manual guidance are available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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