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For Indian students studying in the US There is good news. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has made some changes in its rules. These changes are especially for those students who are studying any of the STEM subjects i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Earlier, foreign students in America were allowed to work for only one year after completing their studies. But now students with STEM subjects will get an additional two years. This means that now they will get a chance to work in America for a total of three years. This will be available under Optional Practical Training i.e. OPT. 6 more important things have also been mentioned in the new rules.
OPT USA: What will be the rules for online and distance learning?
The new rules clarify that students with F1 visa can include one class or a maximum of 3 online credits in their curriculum every semester. That is, if they take any class through online or distance learning, it will also be recognized for their course. This will allow them to get benefits within a fixed limit without violating the terms of their F1 visa. (Photo- Freepik)
OPT has more benefits than an Associate degree.
USCIS has clearly stated that international students may be eligible for post-completion OPT after completing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program. An associate degree is an academic degree between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree that is typically two years long.
Transfer between educational institutions
The new rules also clarify that students with F1 visa can transfer from one school to another. The condition is that both schools should be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This rule will also apply to other courses like stream change for Bachelor, Masters programs. (Photo- Pixabay)
OPT Rules USA: 60 days grace period
USCIS has said that students get a grace period of 60 days after completion of OPT. During this time, they can change their level of education, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or appeal to USCIS for a change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
Note- The company in which the student has completed his OPT can sponsor the F1 visa holder for H-1B visa. But for this, one has to go through a lottery system. It is not necessary that all students get a work visa (US Work Visa) through this route.
Application Time to Study in USA OPT
The new rules also fix the last date to apply for STEM OPT extension. Some other technical corrections have also been made. F1 students must submit their Form I-765 (for Employment Authorization – EAD) 90 days before the expiration of their current EAD.
Study Abroad Programs
USCIS has also clarified that a student enrolled in a SEVP certified school during a study abroad program can remain active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System provided the course is less than 5 months long. If the course duration is more than 5 months, the student must obtain a new Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
