America remains the top destination for international students to pursue education. Working in America after completing studies is possible as US graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is a temporary employment opportunity related to their major area of study.

The good news is that the USCIS has revised its Policy Manual to clarify eligibility for optional practical training in STEM fields, online study, school transfers, grace period, and study abroad.

Now, students may count a limited number of online or distance education classes or credits per academic session toward the full course of study requirement. Subject to certain restrictions, students may also transfer between schools and study abroad in the course of their studies. Following the conclusion of their studies and any authorized employment, students have a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure or transfer.

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is the most popular field among international students studying in US universities. The US is experiencing a surge in interest in STEM courses due to increased scholarships, indicating a growing demand for skilled technology professionals.

Among other types of PT, F-1 students may engage in OPT at the pre-completion and post-completion stages. F-1 students may be further eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if they meet certain qualifications, including applying within a certain time frame and having a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a field determined by the Secretary, or their designee, to qualify within a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field.

USCIS Updated Policy Guidance

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 the completion of the class.

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.

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.

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.

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 the student will need a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status if the program lasts longer than five months.