CIS Issues Guidance for Extension of OPT for Science Students

In furtherance of its earlier announcement that Optional Practical Training (OPT) would be extended for foreign students majoring in the "hard science", USCIS issued a Q & A that should prove valuable for the affected individuals. OPT is a program that permits foreign students to obtain work authorization in furtherance of their studies. Until recently, OPT was limited to a period of one year for all foreign students at the completion of the study. In April, USCIS announced that certain student will be eligible to receive a 17-month extension of OPT (resulting in a total of 29 months). To be eligible, a student must received a degree in one of the designated sciences including computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistic, physical sciences and science technologies, among others. For a complete copy of the CIS Q & A go to: www.zwaik.com/PDF/news_805_Q&A.pdf