OPT 17 Month Extension Despite Thesis Requirement Before Graduation

The USCIS released a policy memorandum which clarifies the situation where the applicant requests a 17 month STEM OPT extension prior to graduation where there is a thesis requirement to  be fulfilled. The October 6, 2013 memorandum allows F-1 students who are engaging in post- completion OPT to be eligible for a 17-month STEM extension even if they have not yet completed the thesis requirement or equivalent for their STEM degree.