Optional Practical Training for Certain Nonimmigrant Students

SIFMA provides comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on an interim final rule, “Extending Period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) by 17 Months for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and Expanding Cap-Gap Relief for All F-1 Students With Pending H-1B Petitions.” SIFMA supports the expansion of H-1B cap-gap relief for F-1 students, but shares concerns about the limitations placed on eligibility for a 17-month extension of OPT. SIFMA argues that the OPT expansion should include fields of study beyond STEM that are crucial to US competitiveness. Finally, SIFMA argues that companies hiring OPT workers should not be required to use the E-Verify program which is not yet capable of handling a large volume of employers.