Cyrus Mehta, July 8, 2019 "DHS promulgated the F-1 STEM optional practical training (OPT) benefit, with the publication of the “24-month STEM OPT Rule” that became effective on May 10, 2016. See 81 FR 13039 . This rule has been the... Read More

NFAP, Mar. 5, 2019 "New research from a former Federal Reserve Bank economist finds no evidence that foreign students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) reduce job opportunities for U.S. workers, according to a new report released... Read More

USCIS, Aug. 17, 2018 - "USCIS is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of our website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must... Read More

This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 10/19/2015 - Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students with STEM Degrees and Cap-Gap Relief for All Eligible F-1 Students ICE Media Release, Oct... Read More

"Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, a vocal group of advocates insists that the United States does not face a shortage of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers. The advocates argue incorrectly that high-skilled... Read More

WashTech v. DHS, Jan. 23, 2016 - "DHS’s motion for limited relief will be GRANTED, and the Court’s August 12, 2015 stay of vacatur will be extended until May 10, 2016." Read More

Cyrus D. Mehta, Mar. 21, 2016 - "F-1 employers must attest that the F-1 employee is paid a salary commensurate with similarly situated workers and that: “(1) it has sufficient resources and trained personnel available to provide appropriate... Read More

This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 03/11/2016 - "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its F-1 nonimmigrant student visa regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain students with... Read More

"WashTec may have successfully been able to obtain a vacatur of the 2008 rule effective February 12, 2016, but theirs is only a Pyrrhic victory since the court has essentially endorsed the legality of both the 12 month practical training periods... Read More

SUBJECT: 17-Month Extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students Enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Degree Programs "The purpose of this policy memorandum (PM) is to clarify the... Read More

GAO, Mar. 28, 2016 - "Enclosed is our assessment of DHS’s compliance with the procedural steps required by section 801(a)(1)(B)(i) through (iv) of title 5 with respect to the rule. Our review of the procedural steps taken indicates that, with... Read More

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 48 / Friday, March 11, 2016 - "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its F–1 nonimmigrant student visa regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain students with degrees in science... Read More

ICEF, Feb. 5, 2016 - "What comes next, according to immigration attorney David Ware of the immigration law firm Ware Immigration, could be even more interesting. Mr Ware anticipates that the proposed regulatory changes may well lead to further litigation... Read More

Cora-Ann V. Pestaina, Apr. 27, 2016 - "In order to obtain this new 24-month STEM OPT, the employer must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and be enrolled in and using the E-Verify program at the STEM OPT worksite. The employment opportunity... Read More

ICE, Mar. 11, 2016 - "On Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published amended regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain international students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees from... Read More