The new rule regulating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), becomes effective on May 10, 2016.
The travel bans necessitated by the COVID pandemic have created much flux and uncertainty. Synthesizing the information now finally available from various US government sources, it is clearer now that many intending travelers can seek and obtain an exemption from the ban under a series of provisions for a National Interest Exception (NIE).
You should be able to apply for an NIE to overcome the ban on travel to the USA if you meet any one or more of the following categories:
This article was submitted to and published in The Economic Times.
Link to Rajiv's Author Page in The Economic Times.
The following settlement was reached in Li v. USCIS in favor of the OPT and STEM OPT applicant students suffering from delays and rejections:
Update 1- Feb 8, 2021
Can students on OPT CPT work remotely during the COVID times. ICE says yes. See from page 12 on of this FAQ released by the govt.
https://www.ice.gov/doclib/coronavirus/covid19faq.pdf
A careful review of these appropriate conditions leads to the inescapable conclusion that very little has really changed.
Students in the following fields will be able to obtain STEM OPT extensions for 24 months:
Source: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/COVID19_FAQs.pdf
Also useful: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub
For international students on an F-1 visa in the United States, the STEM OPT extension program provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience after graduation while extending their stay in the US for a chance of an H-1B lottery win.