Advance Copy of Interim Final Rule Extending OPT

Total OPT Period Under OPT Extension Rule
The skeleton of the OPT policy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:


1) Non-STEM Student's OPT:
a) 12 months OPT +
b) Cap Gap Extension through October 1, provided that H-1B cap petition has been filed and pending.

2) STEM Student's OPT:
a) 12 months OPT +
b) Cap Gap Extension through October 1, provided that H-1B petition has been pending +
c) 17-month extension provided that employer uses e-verify system for employment authorization verification of new hires.