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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Current Status of OPT STEM
On December 22, 2015 DHS requested additional time from the District Court to review the 50,000+ comments on the proposed STEM OPT rule and ensure a sufficient time for a final rule to be published with required training of personnel. On January 23rd the District Court approved the stay DHS requested through May 10, 2016. DHS has advised they are anticipating submitting a final rule by March 11, 2016. USCIS has continued to process I-765 applications for STEM OPT as normal and issued EAD work permits with expirations based on the 17 month period available. When there is new information to share, the OIE will include it on the OIE STEM FAQ website. The OIE encourages students who want to seek legal council to vet the attorney carefully and consider using an attorney associated with AILA by searching the Find and Immigration Lawyer link and reading the FAQ to ensure you properly vet legal council.
