NAFSA Comments on 17 Month OPT Extension Interim Final Rule

On May 23, 2008, NAFSA submitted a comment letter regarding the April 8 interim final rule, “Extending Period of Optional Practical Training by 17 Months for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and Expanding Cap-Gap Relief for All F-1 Students With Pending H-1B Petitions.” NAFSA members are encouraged to submit individualized comments on the interim final rule, using the posted comment letter as guidance.

Suggested Topics to Cover in Your Comment Letter

• Expanding the list of STEM degrees.
• Eliminating the E-verify requirement.
• Urge DHS to better utilize its own database instead of putting more responsibilities on the schools.
• Urge DHS to eliminate the new requirement that schools report the international students’ employer information by instead requiring the employer or the student to report it.
• Explain that the rule is a case study in the day-to-day impact of a lack of an international education policy for the United States. An important public policy change –expanding the ability of students to work in the United States after graduation – is not the place to tack on new restrictions that negatively impact international education.