Latest News and Events

Latest News & Events

New Optional Practical Training (OPT) Rules for F-1 Students updated to reflect the interim final rule that was published on April 8, 2008.

On April 3, 2008, The Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of an Interim Final Rule that makes significant changes to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students.

This rule took effect upon publication of the rule in the U.S. Government’s Federal Register of April 8, 2008.

Highlights of the New Rule:

The current 12-month limit on OPT will be extended by 17 months, for a total of 29 months for certain STEM degree holders (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) ONLY And E-Verify participating employers

The H-1B "Cap Gap" is eliminated by extending OPT employment and status for those who are beneficiaries of an H-1B petition with an October 1 start date (available to ALL OPT participants)

The filing deadline for initial OPT applications is changed (applies to all OPT participants). Under the new rule, a student will be able to file the OPT application up to 90 daysbefore the degree completion date, and up to 60 days after the degree completion date.

There are new reporting requirements for students and employers (applies to all OPT participants)

Post-Completion OPT will now be dependent on employment. Only limited periods of unemployment will be permitted (applies to all OPT participants)

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Fall 2009-10 Semester Waiver Requests are open until 9/15/09.
See our Health Insurance link for more information.

Registration issues after 09/15/09 should be directed to

Health-eU Technology at (877) 766-2512.

Immigration Tips & Reminders:

If you are planning to travel outside the U.S., make sure your travel documents are properly prepared and endorsed (i.e., your passport, visa, and SEVIS I-20 ID (or SEVIS DS-2019)

If you are employed through CPT or OPT and plan to continue employment through the Fall term, make sure that your practical training authorization appears on page 3 of your SEVIS I-20 ID, or for OPT, your EAD includes the Fall months.

Review your "completion date." For F-1's, your I-20 ID section 5; for J-1's, your DS2019 section 3, others, check your I-94. For our F-1 and J-1 students, if you will need more time or you are completing earlier, NOTIFY US ABOUT THIS EVENT.

Register full time each academic term (For a definition of full-time according to immigration, read "Maintaining Legal Status" section.

Complete your studies by the completion date on your I-20 or DS2019.

If you complete earlier than your current completion date, also notify us.

Always and immediately keep my office appraised of any CHANGE with your local and home country addresses. Such changes must be reported to OIS within 10 days.

Let us know when you change your degree program.

Do not work off-campus without authorization & Do not work on-campus more than 20 hours per week during classes in session

Please do not hesitate to use the above information or my office’s services to help to make your time at Fordham University as rewarding and enjoyable as possible.

**Please check back frequently for updates**