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Original Date Announced
September 27, 2019Guidance states that foreign students are responsible for describing how their practical training opportunity relates to their major area of study, which the Designated School Official (DSO) must review and retain. DSO must determine whether there is a direct relationship between the job and the major area of study on a case-by-case basis. [ID #771]
SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training- Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student's Major Area of StudyEffective Date
September 27, 2019Biden Administration Action: Modified
August 27, 20242024.08.27 USCIS Policy Update STEM OPT
USCIS is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for optional practical training (OPT) for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The policy guidance clarifies that students may be eligible for post-competition OPT after completion of an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program.
View DocumentCurrent Status
Fully in EffectMost Recent Action
August 27, 2024 Action: Modified 2024.08.27 USCIS Policy Update STEM OPTAugust 27, 2024Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: StudentPre Trump-Era Policies