24 months of OPT Extension for foreign students
Currently, foreign students are receiving 12 months OPT period (work permit) after their degree and then 17 months of extension for STEM related majors.With the new rule the 17 month OPT extension period will become 24 months making the total OPT period of foreign student with a degree to 3 full years. It means that MS, BS and Phd students have the work permit with same duration as that of H1B Visa holders. This would eliminates cap-gap issues.
OPT extension beyond 29 months and new OPT majors with Obama's Executive action?
6 years of total OPT period
For each degree they receive from a US University, foreign students get 3 years of OPT. For example, if a student completes Masters degree he would get 3 years of OPT(12 months + 24 months under new proposal) and then upon completion of Phd student would get additional of 3 years.According to this new proposal student can have maximum of 6 years of OPT in his career.
DHL is also planning to add more majors to include in the stem extension list.
How is it useful to MS Students?
This wouldn't change the probability of getting H1B. MS students have 3 chances to apply for H1B visa (lottery) with both 29 months OPT (current) and 36 month OPT (new).But if one didn't get the H1B even in the 3rd attempt it would lessen the time one spend in the school to maintain their status with CPT until they get H1B.
Obviously this is a win-win situation for employers and OPT students and they both pay less tax because of OPT status.
USCIS is planning for rule making process in December 2015. This may be implemented for Spring 2016 Graduates.
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