The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on August 27th the update of the USCIS Policy Manual guidelines, further clarifying when non-immigrant students (international students) are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The updated guidelines specify under what circumstances non-immigrant students can count credits from online/distance learning courses towards their degree and qualify for OPT after completing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program.
The update also explains the options for students to transfer between certified schools and between different levels of education.
The new guidelines amend and clarify the specific timeframe for students to apply for the STEM OPT extension, as well as detailing the actions individuals can take within the 60-day grace period after completing OPT.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a work permit issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for recent graduates holding an F-1 student visa to work off-campus temporarily.
Against the backdrop of the increasing trend of online learning, the updated policy clearly outlines the specific conditions and standards for calculating credits from online/distance learning courses after completing a degree, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. This means that for students who have completed their degrees through online learning during and after the pandemic, the policy has become more clear and long-term.
The previous policy manual had limited guidance on students transferring schools or levels of education, while the updated policy explains in detail how to maintain or obtain OPT eligibility in these situations.
Students must apply for the STEM OPT extension within a specific timeframe before their OPT expires, and the new guidance specifies the exact application window to reduce potential confusion.
The updated guidance also details the options available to students within the 60-day grace period after completing OPT, including planning for future studies, employment, or other immigration pathways.
These changes aim to provide clearer and more consistent policy guidance to help students better understand and make use of the rules regarding OPT and its extension.