; extended validity of petition Section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1154 ) is amended in subsection (j)— (1) in the heading for such subsection, by striking applicants for and inserting applicants seeking ; (2) by striking subsection (a)(1)(D) and inserting subsection (a)(1)(F) ; (3) by redesignating the text of such subsection as paragraph (1); and (4) by adding at the end the following: (2) Changes in employers; eligibility for employment authorization (A) Petition to remain valid for change in jobs A petition under subsection (a)(1)(F) that has been approved for 180 days or more shall remain valid with respect to a new job if the individual changes jobs or employers if the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job for which the petition was filed. (B) eligibility for employment authorization An individual who has a petition under subsection (a)(1)(F) that has been approved for 180 days or more shall be eligible to apply for travel authorization and employment authorization in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job for which the petition was filed until such time as the application under section 245 has been filed. . (d) Conforming amendments Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1184 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by striking (other than a nonimmigrant and inserting (other than a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii), other than a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(F) if the alien is qualified to pursue a full course of study at an institution of higher education, other than a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1), other than a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(O)(i), other than a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(P), other than an alien admitted under subsection (e) of this section, other than a nonimmigrant