US immigration plans to phase in premium processing for international students seeking OPT and STEM OPT extensions, two weeks after introducing new measures that allow F-1 visa applications to be lodged further in advance.
The US Court of Appeals upheld a ruling by the district court granting the administration the legal authority for OPT to be allowed for F-1 international students.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has said that F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training can file the Form I-765 online.
Concerned international students in the US worry that OPT processing delays in Arizona and Texas could result in them having to leave the country because they won't receive the correct employment authorisation before their current visa status expires.
US authorities have threatened to "terminate" designated school officials who they claim are engaged in "wilful ignorance or a level of negligence" when placing students in OPT programs, as they announced 15 arrests as a result of work permit fraud.
21 members of Congress have penned urging support for OPT program to ensure the US can continue to engage with the "best and brightest students".
Sector stakeholders have condemned the latest attempt to undermine the Optional Practical Training program, highlighting evidence that shows OPT creates – rather than takes away – employment for US citizens.
Recent changes in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement regulations mean that designated school officials are now required to carry out an increased range of responsibilities, proving and recording that students are undertaking OPT workplace-based training in a relevant field to their studies.
