On May 12, 2011 ICE announced that they are expanding the list of occupations included in the category of occupations where a graduating university student is permitted to extend their Optional Practical Training from 12 months to 29 months.  While this effects only nonimmigrants it does suggest that it is time to revisit the list of occupations pre-certified as shortage occupations known as Schedule A, Group I.  Occupations on this list do still require a labor certification, but the employer is not required to recruit for the position and the labor certification is adjudicated by the USCIS not the DOL.