To our dear international students,

Since last week, we have been receiving numerous e-mails and phone calls about the new proposed rule on the 17-month extension* for Optional Practical Training (OPT) applicable to certain categories of students. We have been reading up and educating ourselves on the implications of this new proposed ruling and have been figuring out the best way to handle all the inquiries we have been receiving from the student body.

We have decided NOT to make a formal announcement on this proposed new
rule just yet because it is still a proposal. As an Interim Rule, the proposed
changes will go through a 60-day comment period during which different parties may submit comments for or against the rule. Hence, a final ruling may not be reached until after a few months, the only time during which our office feels it appropriate to make a set announcement to the international student body.

We understand the excitement that surrounds the new ruling. We remain
optimistic that these proposed changes will bring about some positive changes in the regulations that apply to OPT, but we are also cautious about relaying its immediate impact to you, our students. At this is point, there is no certainty that it will remain intact (in its current form) or even be implemented.

Rest assured that our office is well aware of any and all developments relating to this proposed new ruling. We will keep you posted about the final rule as soon as it is officially implemented. Until then, we ask for your patience.

Sincerely,

Yvette M. Fontaine, M.Ed.
Director, Office of International Students and Scholars

*Please be informed that if this rule becomes final, the extension will only apply to graduates of the following fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.