Many of our clients employ international students in a status known as "F-1/OPT," which is "Optional Practical Training," a program similar to an internship that allows international students to get practical work experience during or at the end of their university studies. Many of these students have degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, known as "STEM" degrees. As of May 10, 2016, the U.S. Government is implementing new rules that allow these students to work for longer periods of time, but wi th additional requirements on the companies that employ them as explained below.

Summary of the New Rule -

Previously, international students with a STEM degree were permitted to receive an extension of 17 months beyond the standard year of OPT work authorization. All an employer was required to do to assist students in receiving this extension was write a brief letter certifying that the type of work the student was doing relates to the student's STEM field, that the employer is enrolled in and using the E-Verify system, and that the employer will immediately notify the appropriate officials if the employment opportunity ends before the student's OPT authorization expires.