To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.
Sponsored By: Representative Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
Introduced
Summary
Codifies and expands Optional Practical Training for nonimmigrant students under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i). It would let practical training and employment authorization count as part of a full course of study and allow up to 24 months of work authorization or up to 48 months for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields, and it directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to treat nursing as a STEM field.
Show full summary
- Students: Nonimmigrant students under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) would be able to include practical training tied to their studies and receive up to 24 months of work authorization.
- STEM and nursing graduates: Students in STEM fields could get up to 48 months of employment authorization, and nursing is explicitly listed as a STEM field for that purpose.
- Department of Homeland Security and employers: The Secretary of Homeland Security may set terms and conditions for those training and work periods, which affects how employers hire and how the program is administered.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More work time for F-1 students
If enacted, this bill would codify Optional Practical Training (OPT) as part of an F-1 student's full course of study. It would let F-1 students work in jobs related to their field for up to 24 months. Students who pursue or have completed a STEM course of study would be able to work up to 48 months, and the bill directs DHS to treat nursing as STEM for this rule. The Secretary of Homeland Security would set any terms and conditions for these practical training work periods.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
NC • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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