NEW DELHI: The new optional practical training (OPT) rules for students on F-1 visas in the US, which came into effect since April 2008, are now proving a big advantage for Indian students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) streams. These students can avail themselves of an extended OPT of 29 months. OPT is limited to 12 months after the completion of their degree for students of non-STEM streams.
All international students on F-1 visa in the US can participate in OPT after their studies are over. The US work experience complements their academic work and leads to greater career opportunities.
In the context of the global economic slowdown and the subsequent recovery, the OPT option has become very important for Indian students in the US, feel immigration experts. About 10% of the total international student population in the US took advantage of the OPT opportunity during the 2008-2009 academic year.
“The OPT facility is career-related and gives students the opportunity to gain experience and additional skills related to their area of studies. This flexible option is helping many Indian students, especially from the STEM disciplines, to acquire valuable work experience in the US, related to their area of studies,” James W Herman, minister, counsellor for consular affairs at the US Embassy, told ET.
He added that since the F-1 visas were not capped and not issued on any points-based criterion, they were easily available for students from India with the relevant qualifications.
In a significant development, the number of F-1 student visas issued in India in FY09, came down 25% to 25,860, compared to the previous year.
However, according to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors 2009 report, the total number of Indian students in US colleges and universities was at an all-time high during the 2008-2009 academic year — reaching a total of 103,260 students, a 9% increase over the previous year.
Meanwhile, Mr Herman also allayed fears among a section of IT industry about a growing number of cases of H1-B visas being cancelled at the port of entry in the US. “The H1-B petitions are scanned very carefully, but once they are issued, it is very difficult to cancel them. In fact, H1-Bs will only be cancelled if some fraud is detected or if the holder of the visa has moved to a new employer and no new petition filed,” he said.
(Courtesy: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/travel/visa-power/Optional-training-for-students-on-F-1-visa-in-US-extended-to-29-mths/articleshow/5635270.cms )
