Important Information for Employers and Students on Implementation of the New 24-Month STEM OPT Regulation
Beginning May 10, 2016, USCIS will adjudicate all STEM OPT applications under the standards of the new final rule. The final rule lengthens the STEM OPT extension from the current 17 months to 24 months. Additionally, the final rule includes the following enhancements and protections: Transition from 17-Month to 24-Month STEM EAD. The final rule states that students who currently possess a 17-month STEM EAD card can apply for the additional 7 months in certain circumstances. The I-765 application must