- February 14, 2021
- Posted by: Joseph
- Category: Education, International
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has announced temporary flexibility on the OPT post-study work system for students affected by delays in authorisation processing, following pressure from international educators and a student-led lawsuit.
USCIS has experienced delays in issuing notices for Form I-765 – the Application for Employment Authorisation required for international students to take employment in the optional practical training (OPT) scheme.
Generally, F-1 international students may participate in up to 12 months of OPT in a field related to their course of study, which must be completed within 14 months from the end of the programme. Graduates from STEM programmes are also eligible for a 24-month extension to OPT.
Because delays may have shortened work eligibility, USCIS has said it will allow the 14-months counting period to apply from the date of approval of Form I-765, rather than the end of the course. These concessions apply to applications received on or after October 1st, 2020 through to May 1st 2021.