A written training plan is among the new employer requirements that went into effect May 10 for companies employing eligible foreign graduates of U.S. colleges and universities via the government’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
The biggest change: replacement of the 17-month STEM OPT extension—on top of the 12 months of OPT available for all F-1 visa students—with a 24-month extension. The regulations also contain employer attestations, reporting requirements and the authority for new site visits to be conducted by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, an arm of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
