F-1 students with STEM degrees in fields listed on the ICE STEM Designated Degree Program List may be eligible for the OPT STEM Extension. F-1 students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ...

We collaborate with the world's leading lawyers to deliver news tailored for you. Sign Up for any (or all) of our 25+ Newsletters. Some states have laws and ethical rules regarding solicitation and ...

Many different types of employment are allowed while on the OPT STEM extension but there may be some types of employment that do not meet the USCIS guidelines. Unpaid or volunteer work is not allowed ...

On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added eight new qualifying fields of study to the STEM Designated Degree Program List. F-1 nonimmigrant students who complete certain ...

A US immigration lawyer says many students miss OPT options, including self-employment, leading to avoidable loss of work ...

On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the category of Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204) as a qualifying field of study to the DHS STEM Designated ...

Students with a 24-month STEM OPT Extension authorization cannot be unemployed for more than 150 days during their total OPT period; this includes the initial 12 months of post completion OPT and the ...

Please note: Leaving and reentering the U.S. after graduation while an OPT or STEM OPT application is pending with the USCIS, or if you are unemployed, should be undertaken with caution. If you are in ...

Under a newDepartment of Homeland Securityrule, some international students at the University may be eligible to work and remain in the United States for a longer time post-graduation. With the new ...

If you are currently a student or just graduated and are applying within your grace period, you cannot apply directly for the STEM OPT Extension: only those currently in their 12-month OPT ...