http://peerallylaw.com

1. New OPT 24 MonthsNew OPT 24 Months

The new OPT 24 month is now available for
certain STEM OPT students. For those who
already have a 17 months OPT, this slide
will actually quickly guide them how to
transition.

2. Do Students on 17 Months OPTDo Students on 17 Months OPT
have to transition to 24Month OPT?have to transition to 24Month OPT?

The answer is no. Those who still have a
valid 17month OPT, they can actually
continue using the 17 month OPT until the
EAD is expired. However for those who
want to transition to the new 24 months
OPT, they have to meet the requirements
and follow the guidelines.

3. Who can transition?Who can transition?

Students who have less than 150 days
remaining on their 17-month STEM OPT
extension EADs as of the date they file their
STEM OPT extension are not covered
under the transition plan. The plan also
does not cover students who are in their 60-
day grace period.

4. What happens to those who do notWhat happens to those who do not
have 150 days?have 150 days?

These students are ineligible to benefit from
the 24-month STEM extension for purposes
of practical training associated with their
most current degree and are therefore not
covered under the transition plan.

To become eligible for the 24-month STEM
extension, students who are not covered
under the transition plan would need to earn
another qualifying STEM degree at a higher
educational level.

5. Those who are on 60 days graceThose who are on 60 days grace
periodperiod

If a student anticipates that he or she will enter the 60-
day grace period before May 10, 2016, the student
should not wait to apply for STEM OPT.

Under both the 17-month STEM OPT regulations and
the 24-month STEM OPT regulations, students may
not apply for a STEM OPT extension after they have
entered the 60-day grace period following the
expiration of their period of post-completion OPT.
Students interested in obtaining a STEM OPT
extension should, therefore, apply for the 17-month
STEM OPT extension before their initial period of
post-completion OPT expires and follow the
respective transition plan that applies to them.

6. How to Transition or Apply?How to Transition or Apply?

To receive the additional training, 17-month STEM OPT
participants must follow these steps prior to August 8,
2016:

Work with your employer to complete the Form I-983,
“Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”

Return the completed and signed Form I-983 to your
designated school official (DSO).

Receive a recommendation from your DSO in the Student
and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for the
additional seven months of OPT.

Continue>>

7. How to Transition?- ContinuedHow to Transition?- Continued

Receive a newly endorsed Form I-20, “Certificate of
Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” from
your DSO.

Submit your application to USCIS in accordance with
USCIS instructions and include the Form I-765,
“Application for Employment Authorization,” within 60
days of your DSO’s recommendation in SEVIS, the
applicable filing fee and the newly endorsed Form I-
20.

Respond to any additional requests for evidence
from USCIS.

8. ImportantImportant

Information provided on the slides and videos
or podcasts are purely educational. You
should not act or refrain to act solely on the
information provided. You should contact and
attorney if you have any questions.

Feel free to call our law firm at (510) 742 5887
or visit www.PeerallyLaw.com

9. ImportantImportant

Information provided on the slides and videos
or podcasts are purely educational. You
should not act or refrain to act solely on the
information provided. You should contact and
attorney if you have any questions.

Feel free to call our law firm at (510) 742 5887
or visit www.PeerallyLaw.com