New STEM OPT Rule Extends and Expands Training Opportunities for F-1 Students

in STEM OPT rule
March 14th, 2016

After months of watching the progress on the new STEM OPT Rule, F-1 students received welcome news on Friday, March 11, 2016, when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a Final Rule extending and expanding the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) for certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors.

This new STEM OPT Rule will go into effect on May 10, 2016 and features the following significant changes:

  • Extends STEM OPT to 24-Months: The STEM OPT program will be extended from 17-months to 24-months for eligible applicants applying on or after May 10, 2016.

  • Introduces the I-983 Training Plan: The new STEM OPT rule will require employers to complete a Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, as well as annual and final evaluations on the goals outlined in the Training Plan.

  • Requires E-Verify Employer: In order to qualify for STEM OPT, students must be employed in a paid job related to their major and for an E-Verify employer.

  • Expands the CIP List of STEM OPT-Eligible Majors: The new STEM OPT rule expands the list of Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) major field codes that qualify for STEM OPT, and creates a process by which new majors can be added to the list in the future.

  • Allows additional periods of STEM OPT: The new rule allows students to apply for STEM OPT based on a previously-earned STEM degree, and allows for a 2nd lifetime STEM OPT extension after earning a higher degree in a STEM major field.

  • Allows for transition from 17-Month to 24-Month STEM OPT: The STEM OPT rule outlines a transition plan for students with pending applications for STEM OPT on May 10, 2016, and for students with approved 17-month STEM OPT who wish to extend to the 24-month program.

  • Adds new reporting requirements: The STEM OPT rule adds several significant new reporting requirements for students, employers and Designated School Officials (DSOs).

  • Continues “Cap-Gap” Protection: The rule extends “cap-gap” protection for students on F-1 OPT whose employer has filed a timely petition for H-1B sponsorship on their behalf.

Boston University ISSO will be holding a series of town hall meetings over the coming weeks to inform students and departments about the provisions of the new rule, including a transition plan for current STEM students.

If you are a student eligible to apply for OPT under the new 24-month rule, you may make an appointment with your ISSO advisor beginning on May 2, 2016, to prepare your applications to submit on or after May 10, 2016.  Appointments can be made by calling the main number of the ISSO at 617-353-3565.

The ISSO will continue to update this news section with further information on applying for STEM OPT under the new rules.

For further information see:

  1. New STEM Rule Overview
  2. Eligibility for 24-Month STEM OPT
  3. STEM OPT Reporting Requirements for Students
  4. Transition Plan from 17-month STEM OPT to 24-month STEM OPT
  5. Overview of Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
  6. Frequently Asked Questions about STEM OPT