“To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section codifies the optional practical training program for F-1 nonimmigrant students by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act. It expands the definition of a full course of study under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) to expressly include practical training and employment authorization. It further adds new section 214(m)(3), which authorizes (A) up to 24 months of practical training and employment authorization for any F-1 student when the employment is related to the student’s field of study and (B) up to 48 months for students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields. The Secretary of Homeland Security may establish implementing terms and conditions. The section also directs the Secretary to designate nursing as a STEM field for purposes of the 48-month authorization.