Indian students under F-1 visa can now work for three years in US

With the new guidelines in place, students enrolled under F-1 visa for accredited educational institutions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields are now allowed, to work for as long as three years under the Optional Practical Training (OPT). The new guidelines came in effect from May 10 this year.

The Department of Homeland Security has already released its final rule in this matter, and lies published in Federal Register.
According to Punita Vadhera, educational consultant and director, counselling and admissions with an international educational firm, "this is welcome news and will benefit our Indian students as majority of our students going to US prefer STEM programs. Also, by giving authority to only creditworthy universities, they will be able to manage the growth of unscrupulous agents who send the students to fake universities just to make easy money. It's an welcome step, which will not only boost education but also check immoral elements in the field of education."

STEM students who are availing themselves of their extension of 17 months under OPT are now eligible to file to extend their OPT by further seven months.
However, for students who are not in STEM tracks of study, the OPT remains the same at 12 months.

"Increasing OPT work authorization from 29 months to 36 months will give F-1 visa STEM OPT holders more chances at being selected for an H-1B visa number in the annual H-1B lottery. USA has always remained favourite for serious students. Both economies benefit by nurturing the best brains," says another overseas education firm - Eucalyptus Consultants Managing Director - Reena Sharma.

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