Understanding the OPT Extension for International Stem Students on F1 Visa

The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program has been a crucial pathway for international students in STEM programs to gain practical experience in the United States. However, the specifics of the extension have evolved over time, leading to some confusion among students and educators. This article aims to clarify the current status of the 24-month OPT extension for international students in STEM fields on an F1 visa.

Default 12-Month OPT Period

It is important to first understand that by default, an international student on an F1 visa who completes a STEM program will receive an OPT period of 12 months. This OPT period allows the student to work in a related field to their academic studies for practical experience, enhancing their skills and job prospects.

The key point here is that the 12-month OPT period is based on the default setting. To extend this to 24 months, the student must actively apply for the extension.

Confirmed 24-Month Extension Proposal

While the 24-month extension was initially proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February 2016, it remains a subject for approval. If approved, the extension would follow the regular 12-month OPT period and provide an additional 24 months of work authorization in a related field. This would mean a total of 36 months (3 years) of OPT for international students in STEM programs after graduation.

It is worth noting that the proposal was initially scheduled to conclude on February 12, 2016, but due to insufficient time, the deadline was extended until May. The extension allows for more processing time and ensures a thorough review of the proposal.

No Change as of May 10, 2016

There has been some uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the 24-month extension, especially for those who have already completed their STEM degrees and are waiting to apply for the extension. As of the final deadline of May 10, 2016, the old rules still apply. Until this date, the OPT extension remains at 12 months, with the option to extend to 24 months if the proposal is approved and implemented.

According to the DHS, they requested an extension of three months. This request was granted on January 23, 2016, ensuring a more robust review process and more time for stakeholders to provide input and feedback.

Conclusion

While the 24-month OPT extension for international students in STEM programs on an F1 visa has been proposed and is pending approval, the current situation remains as follows:

The default OPT period is 12 months. Students can apply for an additional 24 months of OPT extension if the proposal is approved and implemented by the DHS. The deadline for the final decision on the proposal was extended until May 10, 2016, and the old rules still apply until then.

As immigration policies and regulations are constantly evolving, it is crucial for international students to stay informed and seek guidance from reliable sources such as the official DHS website or their school's international student office.

Keywords: F1 Visa, OPT Extension, STEM Program