The new Interim Final Rule that will extend the Post-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students will came into effect on April 8, 2008. The Department of Homeland Security has used this rule to make significant changes. The DHS is currently inviting comments from the public and interested readers may do so at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=09000064804b55f1. The [...]

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) by 17 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. That means the OPT period will now be 29 months instead of 12. Who are eligible for extension? The DHS interim rule makes this extension available to only F-1 students with a [...]