DHS Issues Final Rule on OPT Extensions for F-1 Students in STEM Programs and Cap-Gap Coverage | Practical Law
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a Final Rule extending the optical practical training (OPT) period for certain students in F-1 status who have science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees from an accredited US institution of higher learning. The rule also extends cap-gap employment authorization coverage for foreign students whose status and employment authorization expires before an H-1B petition approved on the students' behalf can take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year.