This bill seeks to formally establish the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program within the Immigration and Nationality Act, providing a statutory basis for F-1 nonimmigrant students to gain work experience related to their academic studies. It amends existing law to explicitly include practical training and employment authorization as part of an F-1 student's course of study. The legislation specifies that F-1 nonimmigrants may receive up to 24 months of practical training and employment authorization, provided the employment is directly related to their field of study. For those pursuing or completing a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field , this period is extended to 48 months . Furthermore, the bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take necessary actions to classify nursing as a STEM field , thereby making nursing students eligible for the extended 48-month practical training period. The Secretary is also authorized to establish specific terms and conditions for these practical training and employment authorization periods.