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HR8013119th CongressWALLET

Keep Innovators in America Act

Sponsored By: Representative Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]

Introduced

Summary

Would allow F‑1 students to include practical training and DHS‑authorized work tied to their field, including after graduation. It would also let an F‑1 student maintain student status while they are the beneficiary of a pending or approved petition filed under section 204(a)(1), provided an enrolled student's course of study meets the requirements of section 214(m).

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  • Students: F‑1 students would be able to count practical training and employment authorization as part of their course of study when the work is related to their field, including after completing degree requirements, under terms set by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
  • Employers: Employers could retain international graduates for work directly related to their degrees more easily, since those graduates could have post‑degree employment authorization tied to their studies.
  • Colleges and schools: Educational institutions could have students who remain in F‑1 status while a petition under section 204(a)(1) is pending or approved, but enrolled coursework must align with section 214(m).

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More work rights for international students

If enacted, the bill would allow an F nonimmigrant student's "course of study" to include practical training and employment authorization under terms set by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Employment would have to be related to the student's field of study. Employment authorization could continue after the student finishes degree requirements if allowed under those terms. An F student would be allowed to keep student status while the beneficiary of a pending or approved petition filed under Section 204(a)(1) only if the student's course of study remains consistent with Section 214(m).

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

  • Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

  • Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

  • Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

  • Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

  • Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

  • Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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