OISS sets workshops for international students, departments on new federal OPT STEM regulations

1:18 p.m., April 21, 2016--A new ruling on Optional Practical Training (OPT) by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will strengthen the program and provide more opportunities for the University of Delaware’s F-1 international students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.  

All international students on an F-1 visa are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training. This employment benefit gives international students a period of 12 months in which they may apply to stay in the United States and take on employment directly related to their major field of study. 

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The ruling, published on March 11, set forth new regulations in which, among other things, international students in STEM fields will be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT. Previous regulations allowed these students to apply for a 17-month extension.  

The new ruling will go into place on May 10. 

In order to help students, universities, and prospective employers better understand new STEM OPT regulations, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has launched an OPT STEM Hub.  Here, each can access resources which clarify their role in this new process.  

In addition, UD’s Office for International Student and Scholars has planned two OPT STEM ruling workshops, one for F-1 students who may be affected by the regulatory change, and another for UD departments interested in learning how their role in the process will change. 

Each of the workshops will cover eligibility, reporting requirements, and the transition from the 17-month to the 24-month plan.

UD international students on an F-1 visa studying in a STEM discipline should plan to mark their calendars and RSVP for the workshop on Monday, April 25, from 2-3 p.m. in Brown Lab 206.  

Representatives from campus departments are invited to register to attend the Wednesday, April 27, workshop, which takes place from 2-3 p.m. in Brown Lab 206.  

OISS has updated its website with relevant instructions, resources and forms to help international students better understand the new STEM OPT regulations and application procedures. 

Those with immediate questions should consult the OISS website or contact the Office for International Students and Scholars by phone at 302-831-2115 or by email at oiss@udel.edu. 

Article by Nikki Laws