Optional Practical Training (OPT) / STEM

Hiring international students can be an excellent way to leverage some of the world’s best and most diverse talents for your organization. In this blog, we will be discussing the options for employment authorization that are available for international students studying in the US.
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There are many visa categories for United States universities and colleges to employ faculty from across the globe. Therefore, in this article, the immigration and nationality lawyers at the NPZ Law Group explain these nonimmigrant (temporary) visa categories.
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Pursuant to a court order, USCIS extended the flexibilities for certain foreign students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. These flexibilities have been extended to include applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 31, 2021, inclusive. Applicants can file Form I-765 up to 120 days before the program end date if the application is received by Oct. 31, 2021.
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The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will extend the guidance originally issued in March 2020 for the 2021-22 academic year. This guidance enables schools and students to engage in distance learning in excess of regulatory limits due to the continuing public health concerns created by COVID-19.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that certain foreign students can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online.

F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) directly related to their major area of study are eligible to apply for employment authorization online if they are filing under one of these categories:
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As the 2021 academic school year progresses, DHS hope you are adjusting well to changes in your school environment, whether it’s online, in-person, or a hybrid model. Given the impacts of COVID-19 on the international student life cycle this year,
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USCIS today announced flexibilities for certain foreign students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. These flexibilities apply only to applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive.
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USCIS continues to experience delays at certain lockboxes in issuing receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on eligibility categories described in 8 C.F.R. 274a.12(c)(3), relating to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. While USCIS have made progress in addressing the delays, USCIS would like to provide additional clarifications and reminders:
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As exceeding unemployment limits can result in a loss of status, we are reminding F-1 aliens participating in post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and their designated school officials (DSOs), that they must update the employer information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including unemployment data. Federal regulations require F-1 aliens to notify their DSO within 10 days of any changes to their personal or employment information. In turn, DSOs must update SEVIS with the alien’s information within 21 days. This reminder helps ensure F-1 aliens and DSOs properly comply with existing requirements.
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For F-1 students and employers participating in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT) program, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may visit employer locations. 

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USCIS is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of their website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must report material changes to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the earliest opportunity by submitting a modified Form I-983.
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