The 'STEM' bud is now showing...

Update on the STEM Extension

As discussed in our most recent post, there was concern that the deadline for the vacatur of the 17-month STEM OPT extension program would arrive without a new federal regulation to take its place.  [See our Blog of January 8, 2016]  The court's initial deadline was February 12, 2016.

Students concerned that they would have to relinquish their employment on that date can breathe a little easier.  The U.S. District Court for the District of Colombia recognized that the enormous volume of comments to the new proposed rule received by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would require additional time for the Homeland Security to review the new proposed regulation.  Consequently, the Court set May 10, 2016 as the new deadline for vacating the previous regulation granting STEM students 17 months in OPT status.

Let's hope that a new regulation - basically providing the same benefits - is grafted into place by May 10, 2016.