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To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.
Summary
- Codifies the Optional Practical Training program in the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing international students to work in the United States after completing their studies
- Authorizes F-1 student visa holders to engage in practical training and employment for up to 24 months if related to their field of study
- Extends the practical training period to 48 months for F-1 students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields
- Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to classify nursing as a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field for purposes of extended practical training eligibility
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.
Sponsor (1)
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![Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]](https://media.civicgate.org/people/d/politicians/F000477.thumb.jpg)
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. (D-NC) [#4]
Actions (2)
- May 7, 2026 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. · house
- May 7, 2026 Introduced in House
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Text versions (1)
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Full text
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 7, 2026
Mrs. Foushee introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. CODIFY OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
(a) Course of Study.—Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i)) is amended by inserting after “course of study” the second times it appears “, including practical training and employment authorization described under section 214(m)(3),”.
(b) Practical Training and Employment Authorization.—Section 214(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(m)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(3)(A) With respect to an alien who obtains the status of a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i), a full course of study may include practical training and employment authorization for a period of up to 24 months if such employment is related to the field of study undertaken by the nonimmigrant.
“(B) With respect to an alien who obtains the status of a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) and is pursuing or has completed a full course of study in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field, a full course of study may include practical training and employment authorization for a period of up to 48 months if such employment is related to the field of study undertaken by the nonimmigrant.
“(C) The Secretary of Homeland Security may establish terms and conditions necessary for the practical training and employment authorization period.”.
(c) Nursing.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions as may be necessary to make nursing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field for the purpose of section 214(m)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(m)(3)(B)). <all>
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