H.R. 8683 — Introduced in House

I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8683 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 7, 2026Mrs. 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. 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)).