USCIS Updates Guidance for F/M Nonimmigrant Student Classification

Josh’s summary:

USCIS has updated its guidance on Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for students in STEM fields. Key changes include:

Students can count one online class or three credits per academic session towards their full course load, even if the class is taken online.
Students can transfer between approved schools or change their education level.
During the 60-day grace period after OPT ends, students can change their education level, transfer to another approved school, or apply to change their immigration status.
Post-completion OPT is now available for students who complete associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.
The period for applying for STEM OPT extensions has been corrected, along with other technical updates.
Students studying abroad can stay in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System if the program is less than five months, but will need a new Form I-20 for programs lasting longer than five months.

Official Announcement:

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This guidance, found in Volume 2, Part F, of the Policy Manual, also provides clarifying guidance for F/M nonimmigrant students concerning online study, school transfers, the grace period, and study abroad.

The Policy Manual update:

Clarifies that students may count one class or three credits (or the equivalent) per academic session (or the equivalent) toward a full course of study if they take the class online or through distance learning not requiring physical attendance for any purpose integral to completion of the class.
Explains that students may transfer between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified, schools at the same educational level, or move between educational levels.
Explains that, during the 60-day grace period following an authorized period of post-completion of OPT, students may change their education level, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or file an application or petition with USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
Clarifies that students may be eligible for post-completion OPT after completion of an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program.
Corrects the period during which students may apply for STEM OPT extensions and makes other technical corrections.
Clarifies that a student enrolled in a SEVP-certified school during a study abroad program may remain active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System if the study abroad program lasts less than five months, but that the student will need a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, if the program lasts longer than five months.

This guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date.

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