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DHS/USICE RIN: 1653-AA56 Publication ID: Spring 2008 
Title: ●Extending Period for Optional Practical Training for 17 Months for Qualified F-1 Students 
Abstract: Current regulations allow certain F-1 nonimmigrant students to be authorized a temporary employment benefit, referred to as optional practical training, while they are in the United States. The employment does not need to be a requirement of their degree or academic program, but must be directly related to the student’s field of study. This rule makes becoming an F-1 student in the United States much more attractive to talented and productive foreign nationals, while fortifying Department of Homeland Security capabilities to ensure continued national security and compliance with immigration law. The Department of Homeland Security, through this rulemaking, seeks to strengthen its regulations, close current vulnerabilities related to national security, and improve tracking and monitoring of F-1 students and school reporting during OPT. In addition, this regulation responds to requests from the business community and their representatives to improve current regulations by extending the current authorization limit of 12 months of OPT for F-1 students to a 29-month option. Recognizing the immediate need to eliminate potentially significant immigration enforcement and national security vulnerabilities, and acknowledging the expressed public interest, the Department of Homeland Security submits this rulemaking as interim final and exercises the Good Cause exemption of the Administrative Procedures Act in this rulemaking. Delaying implementation of this rule would not be in the interest of the United States. 
Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214   
Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103    8 USC 1182    8 USC 1184 to 1187    8 USC 1221    8 USC 1281 to 1282    8 USC 1301 to 1305   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Interim Final Rule  04/08/2008  73 FR 18944   
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End  06/09/2008    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.dhs.gov/sevis/  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Louis Farrell
Director, Student and Exchange Visitor Program
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Potomac Center North, 500 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20024-6121
Phone:703 603-3400