According to new regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Students with STEM degrees can stay in US for a total of six years under  (Optional Practical Training ) –  3 years after finishing an undergraduate program, and then if need be, another three years after a graduate program. This would give them as much work time in the US as under the H1-B program.

The OPT system, as you might know, allows international students pursuing undergrad and graduate degrees in the U.S. to stay back after completing their courses without needing an H1B work visa. The duration of the OPT depends on whether you’ve graduated from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) where you get 24 months or non-STEM course where the OPT duration is limited to 12 months. STEM students could get an extension of 17 months after the first term was over.

Now, this proposal would allow F-1 STEM students with 12 months of OPT to extend by 24 months (STEM OPT extension). This 24-month extension would effectively replace the 17-month current STEM OPT extension. would allow F-1 STEM students with 12 months of OPT to extend by 24 months (STEM OPT extension). This 24-month extension would effectively replace the 17-month current STEM OPT extension. Also, for students graduating with non-STEM U.S. degree programs, but who have an earlier STEM degree under the belt, the work period will be good for three years.

On the face of it, the proposed new rules bode well for international students who strive hard to make it to the US. It gives them a better chance and more time to find a job and get permanent residency.