The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its guidance effective immediately regarding when students who are in either F or M nonimmigrant visa classification may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) field.
The updated guidance, which is found in the USCIS Policy Manual, also provides clarification for F and M students concerning online study, school transfers, and grace periods.
Specifically, the policy manual provides the following:
- Clarifies that F and M students may count one (1) class or three (3) credits per academic session toward a full course of study if they take online classes or through distance learning not requiring physical attendance.
- Explains that F and M students may transfer between approved schools at the same educational level or file a petition with USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant status or adjust to an immigrant status.
- Explains that during the sixty (60) day grace period following authorized period of post-completion of OPT, F and M students may change their education level, transfer to another school, or file a petition to change their nonimmigrant status or adjust to an immigrant status.
- Clarifies that F and M students may be eligible for post-completion OPT after finishing an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program.
- Corrects the period during which F and M students may apply for STEM OPT extensions and makes other technical corrections.
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