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ARTICLE · 18 AUGUST 2015

Federal Court Ruling Puts STEM OPT Extension In Jeopardy

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
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On April 8, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) in the Federal Register...

United StatesImmigration
William L. Coffman
William L. Coffman
Michele Frangella
Michele Frangella
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On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the US Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") did not follow required procedures when it promulgated regulations allowing for certain extensions of F-1 Optional Practical Training ("OPT") employment authorization. However, in a compromise move, the Court vacated the DHS regulation and all subsequent amendments ("vacatur"), but ordered that the vacatur be stayed for six months to February 12, 2016, to allow DHS time to submit the rule again with appropriate notice and comment. There is no immediate impact on STEM or "cap-gap" OPT extensions.

Background

On April 8, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) in the Federal Register titled, 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 (2008

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