17-Month F-1 Opt Stem Extension Clarification

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted an Interim Memo for Comment (Policy Memo or PM-602-0090) on October 21, 2013, to clarify the availability of the 17-month STEM Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) to students who have completed all course requirements, excluding a thesis requirement or equivalent.

During the effective period of the Interim Policy Memo, the 17-month STEM extension is available to foreign students who complete all course requirements in a listed Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field and who will engage in optional practical training directly related to the major area of study for an employer enrolled in E-Verify. The current STEM Designated Degree Program List can be viewed at http://www.ice.gov/sevis. Completion of a required thesis or equivalent is not necessary for an F-1 student to secure the 17 month STEM OPT extension.

Policy guidance was apparently needed due to inconsistency in how the STEM extension provision has been interpreted by adjudicating officers. In clarifying the availability of the 17-month STEM extension, USCIS looked to its existing Regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(3) , the country's current policy of "attracting and retaining the world's best and brightest individuals" to work in the U.S., and previous U.S. Immigration and Customs...