Category: STEM OPT rule

Spring 2019 Workshop

January 30th, 2019 in F-1 Students, ISSO Workshops, J-1 Students, OPT workshops, STEM OPT rule

International Students & Scholars Office Spring 2019 Workshop Schedule

The ISSO is pleased to announce our spring workshop schedule on topics including on-campus employment, applying for Optional Practical Training, and Interviewing in the U.S.

For complete workshop dates, locations and session descriptions, see our the ISSO event calendar as additional dates may be added during the semester.

Please note the location of the workshop you wish to attend. Workshops are offered across Charles River and Medical Campus to ensure space and access to interested students.

Space for our workshops is limited and a reservation is usually required to ensure your place. Please register at the corresponding link below for the workshops you plan to attend.

Featured Workshops with visiting attorneys:

Immigration Considerations for Medical Students

Rhonda Tietjen & Heidi Snyder – RSST Law Group

  • Starting a medical residency on OPT vs. H1-B vs. J-1 alien physician
  • Options for waivers of the 212e J-1 two year home country residence requirement
  • Long term planning for US permanent residence after completing residence training

       Wednesday February 20th, 5:30 pm [Register here]
       Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Room L110

Immigration Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Self-Employment

Elizabeth Goss – Goss Associates

  • Are you interested in starting a company or working for a start-up?
  • What entrepreneur activities require employer authorization?
  • Session will highlight nonimmigrant visas options to support these activities

Thursday, March 7th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Immigration Considerations for Artists and Performers

This workshop will feature attorney Donal Eoin Reilly from Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C.

This session will focus on employment options for artists and performers to gig during and after your program of study. It will also highlight a few immigration options for artists after Post Completion Optional Practical Training.

Thursday, April 11th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Student Employment Office:

You’re Hired! On-Campus Employment for International Students

Join staff from the ISSO and the Student Employment Office to discuss, tips for finding a job on campus, U.S. work permission, your rights and expectations as a U.S. worker, Social Security numbers, getting paid and taxes.

Monday, January 28th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Thursday, January 31st, 11:00 am [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Center for Career Development:

Interviewing in the USA: A Career Workshop

Join staff from the ISSO and the Center for Career Development (CCD) for a program designed to help international students understand the job search process in the U.S. Sharpen your interviewing techniques by bringing your strengths as an international student to the table. This workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the U.S. interview process while learning how to best assess your skills and international experience to answer “difficult” interview questions.

Wednesday, February 27th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Thursday, April 4th, 3:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Global Job and Internship Search for International Students

Learn how to find internships and/or full-time jobs both internationally and in the US. We will start with the mechanics of preparing for the search including knowing yourself and your targeted audience. We will review resources for searching both here and abroad and various strategies to enhance your search process including social media. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Wednesday, January 30th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

US resume versus International CV for International Students

Learn the difference between a resume and a CV in the US and begin to convert your international CV to a US resume format. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Tuesday, February 5th, 4:00 pm[Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Networking for International Students

Leverage your connections in the US and at home to enhance your global job or internship search. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Tuesday, February 26th, 4:00 pm[Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Summer Internships: CPT and pre-OPT

It’s not too early to begin planning for a summer internship. This workshop covers F-1 student employment authorization options for off-campus work and internships including: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), Employment through designated International Organizations.

Tuesday, February 12th, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Wednesday, February 20th, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

F-1 OPT: Application Basics

This workshop covers topics for students preparing to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), including eligibility factors and timing of application, considerations for travel and employment, and tips for preparing and mailing the OPT application.

Friday, February 1st, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Friday, February 1st, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Questrom Auditorium (HAR 105), 595 Commonwealth Avenue

Tuesday, February 12th, 5:00 pm[Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Wednesday, February 13th, 5:30 pm[Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Room L110

Thursday, February 21st, 11:00 am[Register here]
Thursday, February 21st, 1:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, March 1st, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Friday, March 1st, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Tuesday, March 5th, 4:00 [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Bakst Auditorium

Friday, April 5th, 11:00 am[Register here]
Friday, April 5th, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Wednesday, April 10th, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, May 3rd, 11:00 am[Register here]
Friday, May 3rd, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, June 7th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

F-1 OPT: Transitions (STEM OPT, Cap-Gap, H-1B and alternatives)

This workshop is designed for students who have already submitted an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and who may already be working on OPT. Covers advanced OPT topics including an overview of STEM OPT, allowing OPT extensions for certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, moving to H-1B employment-based immigration sponsorship, and “cap-gap” extensions of status and work permission.

Tuesday, March 5th, 5:00 [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Bakst Auditorium

Wednesday, April 10th, 5:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

J-1 Academic Training: Application Basics

This workshop is intended for Boston University-sponsored Exchange Visitors who wish to apply for employment or training permission either during or at the end of their academic program. The workshop will cover the application process for J-1 Academic Training (AT), including establishing eligibility and suitable training opportunities.

Thursday, March 21st, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

ISSO to host Town Hall Meetings on new STEM OPT Rule

March 22nd, 2016 in STEM OPT rule

The newly published STEM OPT rule will extend and expand training opportunities for F-1 students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) major fields, beginning in May 2016.

The ISSO will hold several Town Hall meetings to explain provisions of the new rule to students and administrators from affected departments and schools.

  • How do I qualify for STEM OPT?
  • Is my major on the list?
  • What does my employer need to do?
  • If I am approved for STEM OPT under the 17-Month program, can I extend for the additional seven months?

For answers to these questions and more, come to one of our STEM OPT Town Hall Meetings:

Tuesday, March 29, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
School of Education, 2 Silber Way, Room 130
Hosted by Questrom School of Business

Wednesday, March 30, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
School of Engineering, Photonics Building
8 St. Mary’s Street, Room 206

Thursday, April 7, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
International Students and Scholars Office
888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Thursday, April 14, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Boston University Medical Campus
72 East Concord Street, Room L110

See our event handout.

As a Boston University student or administrator, you are welcome to attend a Town Hall meetings at any of the above locations, at the time most convenient your schedule.

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

March 14th, 2016 in STEM OPT rule

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

Court grants 90-day extension of current STEM OPT rule while new STEM OPT rule is finalized

January 25th, 2016 in STEM OPT rule

We are pleased to report positive progress in the court case brought against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) related to STEM OPT.

On January 23, 2016, the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia granted a motion that had been requested by U.S. Department of Homeland Security to extend the vacatur on the STEM OPT program for an additional 90 days until May 10, 2016.

Although the STEM OPT program was in jeopardy of ending effective February 13, 2016, the court’s 90-day extension allows additional time for DHS to complete rulemaking on the new proposed STEM OPT rule that was published on October 19, 2015. Comments on the proposed rule are in the process of being reviewed by DHS in order for the new rule to be revised and published in final form.

Should you have specific questions about this news will impact your situation, please contact ISSO staff.

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BU ISSO and students await court decision on the STEM OPT program

January 22nd, 2016 in STEM OPT rule

Boston University continues to closely follow the court case brought against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech), which could eliminate or expand the STEM OPT program.

At the current time, no decision has been made on whether to grant a temporary extension of the STEM OPT program beyond the vacatur date of February 12, 2016. If the court does not grant DHS' motion to extend the stay of vacatur, the current 17-month STEM OPT rule would expire effective February 13, 2016.

For F-1 students currently approved for STEM OPT, please be aware that STEM OPT employment authorization might be terminated effective February 13, 2016, unless the court grants further relief to students already approved for STEM OPT.

For F-1 students with pending applications for STEM OPT extensions, DHS suggested that if the vacatur is not extended, it may have to consider options like returning any pending STEM OPT applications and requiring that applicants refile after the effective date of a final rule.

BU students with questions about their case, may contact the ISSO for further guidance. We will be updating student clients as soon as further decisions are made by the court on this important matter.

A summary of recent developments is as follows:

  • October 19, 2015 – DHS published the much-anticipated proposed STEM OPT rule, allowing a 30 day period for public comment.

  • November 18, 2015 – As the end of the 30-day public comment period, DHS had received over 50,000 comments to the proposed rule.

  • December 22, 2015 – DHS filed a motion to extend the stay on the court’s original vacatur order for the current STEM OPT rule, asking that the court allow the current 17-month STEM OPT rule to continue for an additional 90 days, until May 10, 2016. The additional time would be used to complete rulemaking and “train agency personnel and coordinate with the regulated community.”

  • January 11, 2016 – The Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) filed a response to DHS's December 22, 2015 motion, arguing that the District Court should not grant the extension until May 10, 2016 that DHS requested in its motion.

  • January 14, 2016 - DHS filed a response brief to WashTech's January 11, 2016 response, arguing that the district court does have jurisdiction to extend its stay of vacatur through May 10, 2016, and asking the court to reject WashTech's opposition brief.

    In addition, DHS made the following important request in its brief: "In the event the Court denies DHS's Rule 60(b)(6) motion, the agency respectfully requests that the Court clarify that its vacatur will not affect the legal status of F-1 students holding unexpired employment authorization documents ("EADs") granted under the 2008 STEM OPT Extension rule, and their dependents. Such an order of clarification is appropriate in light of the interests of many F-1 students, their schools, and their employers, and would help DHS ensure that it is in full compliance with the Court's order. Moreover, it will assist interested parties greatly as this case continues to move forward." DHS also asked the district court to issue a decision on its motion to extend the vacatur date "as expeditiously as possible.

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DHS publishes new proposed STEM OPT Rule

October 28th, 2015 in STEM OPT rule

On Monday, October 19, 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new proposed regulation on F-1 STEM OPT. This new proposed regulation addresses the recent court ruling to invalidate the current STEM OPT program.

DHS is currently accepting public comments on the new proposed rule for a 30-day period, after which time it will review comments and may make modifications to the rule before publishing final STEM OPT regulations.

The new proposed rule includes many provisions favorable to international students and indicates that DHS is actively taking steps to continue the STEM OPT benefit. However, it is not clear whether the rule-making process will be completed before the February 12, 2015, date on which the current STEM OPT program is scheduled to become invalidated.

International students in F-1 immigration status are generally eligible to apply for a 12-month period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for each higher level of education. According the interim STEM OPT rule of 2008, students completing degrees in certain major fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), are eligible to apply for a one-time 17-month extension of their OPT for employment directly related to their STEM major field with an eligible E-Verify employer.

See: Key Provisions of the Proposed STEM OPT Rule

Please note: The provisions of this new rule are proposed and not final.

DHS has indicated that unless the court makes a new ruling on the case, it will continue to adjudicate applications for STEM OPT extensions under the current 2008 interim regulations until the existing regulation is vacated on February 12, 2016.

In the event that a new final rule is not published before February 13, 2016, STEM OPT extensions may be suspended indefinitely until a new STEM OPT ruling is finalized.

Boston University ISSO will continue to actively monitor the status of the STEM OPT lawsuit and the progress of the STEM OPT rule and will update students as soon as information becomes available.

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Recent Court Ruling Puts F-1 STEM OPT Extensions in Jeopardy

September 3rd, 2015 in STEM OPT rule

On August 12, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled to invalidate the 17-month OPT extension available to students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors. This decision was made in response to a suit filed by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers, claiming that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in establishing the 17-month extension of OPT in 2008, did not follow the normal rule making process, including public notice and allowing a comment period.

In order to prevent an immediate impact to students on authorized STEM OPT and to U.S. employers, the District Court issued a temporary stay of the decision, pushing the effective date to February 12, 2016. This six-month period allows DHS time to appeal the Court’s decision, and to address some of the concerns brought by the suit, including the ability to follow normal rule making processing, public notice and comment.

At the current time, F-1 students employment under the STEM OPT extension do not need to take any action, and students eligible for STEM OPT can still continue to submit applications to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service for adjudication.

However, it is not clear what will happen to the 17-month STEM OPT extension benefit on and after February 12, 2016. If DHS proceeds with publishing the rule for “notice and comment,” and follows the appropriate rule-making steps, then STEM OPT may remain in effect after February of 2016. However, if a new rule is not implemented by DHS after proper notice and comment, then the Court decision to vacate STEM OPT may stand.

The ISSO continues to monitor the progress of this important rule, and will advise affected students and departments when there is further clarification about whether this Court decision will stand and about whether the STEM OPT benefit will change in the coming months.

General information about F-1 student eligibility for STEM OPT and about preparing a STEM OPT application can be found in the Employment section of the ISSO website. Questions can be addressed to your ISSO Student Advisor.

For BU hiring departments please refer to our Scholar Processing Section for instructions on how to hire or extend work permission for a recent U.S. gradate working under F-1 STEM OPT. Question on hiring and sponsorship strategy should be addressed to the Scholar Advising team.

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