Still More on Special 17-month OPT Extensions

Further to our earlier client announcements of April 8 and April 21, 2008, we are again providing more information to employers, regarding the new special 17-month OPT extensions for certain F-1 (student visa) status holders, in light of USCIS’ recently issued “Supplemental Questions and Answers.”

OPT and Special 17-month Extension – basic review

New rules allow F-1 students in certain fields to secure an additional seventeen (17) months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after the end of the initial twelve months’ “regular” OPT.  With the special extension, the maximum OPT period would thus be 29 months.  To be eligible, the F-1 student must be completing a degree program in a field of science, technology, engineering, or math (so-called “STEM” fields).  The student must also be able to demonstrate an offer of employment from a U.S. employer that is enrolled in and maintaining good standing in, USCIS’ E-Verify program, an Internet-based system for verifying the employment authorization of newly hired employees.