» New Visa Rules To Study And Work In United States «

International students now have the opportunity to work for
three years after completing their education in United
States.
The United States federal government changed rules for
non-immigrant student visas on Friday, saying that
international students will now be eligible to stay for three
years after finishing their degrees for training potentially
leading to employment and later Green Card.
This makes United States one of the best countries to
study abroad when compared to other countries, like
United Kingdom, which does not offer employment
opportunities to International Students after completing
their degrees.
This opportunity will be available for students who will
complete their degrees in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The new rule is seven months longer than old 17 month
rule and will come in to effect on May 10, 2016. Extended
time period will provide a successful transition from being
an International Student to be an full-time American
worker.
International students will have opportunity to try different
jobs and discover how industry professionals across
different sectors launched their careers in United States.
Here are some important points:
Only students who earned a degree from a school
accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized
accrediting agency and certified by SEVP may apply for a
STEM OPT extension.
Participating students who receive an additional qualifying
degree from an accredited college or university can apply
for a second STEM OPT extension.
Participating students can use a previously-earned
qualifying degree to apply for a STEM OPT extension. The
prior degree must not have already formed the basis of a
STEM OPT extension and must be from a school that is
both accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-
recognized accrediting agency and certified by SEVP at the
time of the student’s STEM OPT application. The student’s
most recent degree must also be from an accredited and
SEVP-certified institution.
Employers participating in STEM OPT must incorporate a
formal training program that includes concrete learning
objectives with proper oversight.
Employers and students must report material changes in
their training program.
To guard against adverse effects on U.S. workers, terms
and conditions of a student’s training opportunity – such
as duties, hours, and compensation – must be on par with
U.S. workers in similar positions in the same geographic
area of employment. Additionally, the student must not
replace a full-time, part-time, temporary or permanent
U.S. worker.
Students must work a minimum of 20 hours per week per
employer to qualify.
Students are permitted a limited period of unemployment
during the initial period of post-completion OPT and the
STEM OPT extension.
All STEM OPT employers must participate in DHS’ E-Verify
program.
Three years is a long time and International Students will
learn more about the American job market and gain
valuable and practical tips on establishing a career in
United State.
Most students find full-time job with a year after
completing their degree and change their visa to H1-B, and
later apply to Green-Card, which allows them to become
American citizens.