The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently sent its proposed regulation on the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The regulation is expected to:
1) Re-authorize the STEM OPT program, and
2) Provide additional benefits in line with the President’s executive action strategy released last Fall which may include a longer STEM OPT period and an expanded list of eligible degree programs.
The current STEM OPT program in place until February 12, 2016.
DHS has the ability to meet the federal court’s February 12, 2016 deadline. However, DHS also has the ability to request an extension of the February 12th date if needed.