Termination of Optional Practical Training Program; employment authorization to terminate after completion of course of studies

(a) In general Section 274A(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Prohibition of employment authorization for certain aliens who are no longer engaged in full-time study in the united states (A) Termination of optional practical training The Optional Practical Training Program authorized under section 214.2(f)(10)(ii) of title 8, Code of Federal Regulations, is terminated. (B) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien who is present in the United States as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) may not be provided employment authorization in the United States through the Optional Practical Training Program, or any successor program. Any employment authorization for a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) shall terminate upon the completion of the nonimmigrant’s course of studies and may not be extended beyond such date of completion.. (b) Transition rule Every application for Optional Practical Training by a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i)) that is pending on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be denied and any fees paid in conjunction with any such application shall be refunded.