<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)">
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PostalCode"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="State"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="City"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="Street"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="address"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PlaceType"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PlaceName"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="place"/>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:Arial;
color:windowtext;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
</head>
<body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple>
<div class=Section1>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";font-weight:bold;font-style:
italic'>Subject:</span></font></u></i></b><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'> OPT extension and Cap
Gap for H1-B. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><u><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></span></font></u></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>As some of you have heard there has been a 17-month OPT
extension for students in some majors. Our office has only been provided
the information below and the rule will take effect on or after April 8, 2008.
<b><u><span style='font-weight:bold'>We have limited information on this new
rule as it has not become official, but we will be provided more details by
USCIS of the regulation on April 11, 2008.</span></u></b> Please be
patient as we work to discover the details of the changes. We will have
more information for you later this week and early next week. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><u><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";font-weight:bold;font-style:
italic'>Please read the information below thoroughly!</span></font></u></i></b><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
<b><i><u><span style='font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>These changes are
ONLY for students in the majors listed below, and the student’s employer
MUST be enrolled in the E-Verification employment verification program for
employers!</span></u></i></b> This is something that you will need to ask
your employer about. Our office will not be scheduling OPT appointments
for the extension until after the ruling has been published on or after April
8, 2008 and we have received the details of the extension. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>The U.S. Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) released today an interim final rule extending the
period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified
F-1 non-immigrant students. The extension will be available to students who are
employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program. E-Verify is a free
internet-based system operated by USCIS, in partnership with the Social
Security Administration, which determines a new employee’s eligibility to
work. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>General Provisions: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>• F-1
students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields and
granted initial post-completion OPT are now eligible to apply for a one-time
extension for 17 additional months, a maximum of 29 months.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>• STEM
students need to file form I-765. The form is being amended to capture
information needed to determine student eligibility.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>• F-1
students file timely (at least 90 days prior) for a STEM extension may continue
employment while the application is pending until a final decision from USCIS,
or 180 days, whichever comes first.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>• Approved
extensions allow for students to remain working for the STEM employer on the
new EAD. If denied, the student must make preparations to depart or transfer to
another school to continue studying. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>To be eligible for the 17-month OPT
extension, a student must have received a STEM degree in one of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Actuarial
Science.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Computer
Science Applications.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Engineering.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Engineering
Technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Life
Sciences.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Mathematics.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Military
Technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><b><i><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";
font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>• Physical
Sciences.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Cap Gap: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>• “Cap-gap”
occurs when an academic foreign student’s (F-1) status and work
authorization expire during the current fiscal year before the student can
start approved H-1B employment during the next fiscal year beginning on October
1.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>• This
new interim final rule provides a permanent solution to the H-1B
“cap-gap”. Previous cap-gap provisions extended only the stay but
not the employment authorization.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>• F-1 classified
nonimmigrant students whose employer has filed an H-1B petition on their behalf
and whose petition is selected, may now receive an extended/authorized stay for
employment.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>This information may be found on the USCIS website
at </span></font><a
href="http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1207334008610.shtm"
title="http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1207334008610.shtm">http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1207334008610.shtm</a><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>John Mark Jones, Director<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>International Student Services</span></font><font
face="Courier New"><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Texas</span></font></st1:PlaceName><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
<st1:PlaceName w:st="on">A&M</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">University-</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
Commerce</span></font><font face="Courier New"><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:address w:st="on"><st1:Street w:st="on"><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>PO
Box</span></font></st1:Street><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'> 3011</span></font></st1:address><font
face="Courier New"><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Commerce</span></font></st1:City><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>,
<st1:State w:st="on">TX</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">75429</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
face="Courier New"><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Phone: (903) 886-5097</span></font><font
face="Courier New"><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Fax: (903) 468-3200</span></font><font
face="Courier New"><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>