Working in the United States after finishing a degree is a goal for many international students. And the standard Optional Practical Training (OPT) is usually the stepping stone for students to start gaining professional work experience in the U.S. However, OPT provides graduates with only one year to work jobs related to their field, while students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM OPT) have a much longer runway. The STEM OPT extension allows graduates to add an extra 24 months to their stay, bringing their total work authorization to three years.
This extension is more than just extra time for it offers graduates a chance to build a professional foundation and explore different long-term residency options. For instance, by staying longer, you can enter several rounds of H-1B lottery or other visa options. Furthermore, by utilizing these additional years, you can turn a temporary student status into a durable professional success story, and planning ahead and knowing the rules is the best way to make the most of this opportunity. In this guide, we cover how to qualify for STEM OPT, how to apply for it, and how it helps your career.
What is the STEM OPT Extension?
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of work authorization available to F-1 students who have completed a degree in an approved STEM field. This benefit is added to the initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. Instead of having only one year to find a footing in the job market in the U.S., eligible students get a total of 36 months to work in the country.
The program was created to help the U.S. keep talented graduates who have studied in fields that drive innovation. Unlike standard OPT, which has very few employer requirements, the extension is more regulated. The government wants to see that you are receiving actual training in your field, which is why there are reporting rules and employer mandates that do not exist during your first year of work.
Getting this extension is a two-step process. Firstly, you are expected to finish your initial 12 months of OPT, and only then you may apply for the 24-month addition before your current card expires. This enables you to resume working without interruption as you move into your second and third years of professional life.
Who is Eligible for STEM OPT?
To qualify for this extension, you must meet criteria related to your degree, current status, and employer. It is not enough to simply have a degree in a “science” field. Your major must be on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the government.
The main eligibility rules include:
- Valid F-1 Status: You must be in your initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT.
- Approved Degree: Your degree must be in a field that the government classifies as STEM. Even if your degree was earned years ago, it might still qualify you if you are currently on a different OPT.
- Employment Status: You must have a job or a job offer from an employer that is registered with E-Verify.
- Paid Employment: Unlike standard OPT, which allows for volunteer work, STEM OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week in a paid position.
You must also work with your school’s Designated School Official (DSO), who is a university employee responsible with managing international student records and authorizing immigration benefits, to get a new I-20 that recommends the extension. Without this recommendation, your application will not be accepted by the immigration authorities.
Read also: Employment Opportunities for F-1 Students
STEM OPT vs. Standard OPT: Key Differences
While both programs allow you to work on an F-1 visa, the rules and regulations change once you transition from standard OPT to the STEM OPT. The government is much more involved in the second phase to make sure the work remains related to your studies.
The primary differences are as follows:
- Duration: Standard OPT is limited to 12 months, while the STEM OPT is 36 months.
- Employer Requirements: You can work for almost any employer in your field with OPT. However, STEM OPT mandates the employer to be enrolled in E-Verify.
- Type of Work: Volunteer or unpaid work is permitted during standard OPT, but it is prohibited during the STEM extension.
- Oversight: The extension is accepted with a formal I-983 training plan and regular 6-month reporting, which is not required during the first year.
| Feature | Standard Post-Completion OPT | STEM OPT Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months | 24 Months (Additional) |
| Employer Mandate | Any employer in your field | Must be E-Verify registered |
| Volunteer Work | Allowed | Not allowed (Must be paid) |
| Training Plan | Not required | Form I-983 required |
| Unemployment Limit | 90 Days total | 150 Days total (combined) |
| Reporting Rules | Change of address/employer | Validation reports every 6 months |
Comparison of Standard OPT and STEM OPT Extension
How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension
The application process for the extension is time-sensitive as you can file your application as early as 90 days before your current OPT expires, but no later than the day it ends. Most students apply online through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for faster processing.
The process overall follows three critical steps:
- Complete Form I-983: Employee and employer both must fill out a formal training plan. This document explains how the job helps employee learn and what their goals are.
- Get a New I-20: Sending the I-983 to the school’s DSO. They will review it and issue a new I-20 with a STEM OPT recommendation on the second page.
- File Form I-765: Submitting the application to USCIS with the filing fee. Employees will need their new I-20, copies of their degree, and their E-Verify employer’s information.
Once the application is filed on time, your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while you wait for the new card. This protects you from having to stop working if the government is slow to process the request.
Employer Requirements and the E-Verify Mandate
One of the biggest challenges for students is finding an employer that meets the government’s rules. Not every company is allowed to hire students on STEM OPT. The most important rule is that the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, a system that confirms the legal work status of employees.
Beyond E-Verify, the employer must also agree to:
- Create a Training Plan: They must work with you to complete Form I-983 and provide you with supervision.
- Report Changes: If you are fired or you quit, the employer must notify your school within five business days.
- Site Visits: The government has the right to visit the office to make sure the training plan is actually being followed.
- Fair Pay: Your salary must be comparable to what an American worker would earn in a similar position.
Because of these rules, some small companies or startups may be hesitant to hire STEM OPT students. Henceforth, finding an employer that is already set up for this process is the best way to make your transition smooth.
STEM OPT and the H-1B Visa: How to Transition
For many students, the 24-month extension is a bridge to the H-1B work status. Because the H-1B is governed with a lottery-based system, OPT gives the graduates a single chance to be selected in the lottery. On the other hand, willing applicants can register for the lottery a total of three times, therefore significantly increasing their likelihood of obtaining the esteemed H-1B status.
If your H-1B petition is filed while your STEM OPT is still active, you may qualify for the “Cap-Gap” extension. This allows you to keep working even after your OPT card expires, provided you are waiting for an H-1B that starts on October 1st. This creates a seamless transition from student status to professional work status.
What Happens If Your STEM OPT Application Is Denied?
If your application is denied, it is usually because of a missing signature, a late filing, or an employer that is not properly registered with E-Verify. If the denial happens after your initial OPT has already expired, you may lose your legal status immediately.
However, if you are still within your 60-day grace period, you may have a few options:
- Refiling: If you have time left, you can fix the errors and file again.
- Changing Status: You might be able to apply for a different status or start a new degree program.
- Departure: You may need to leave the country and seek a different way to return later.
Working with an expert to review your documents before you file is the best way to prevent these outcomes as even seemingly minor mistakes in the I-983 or the I-765 can lead to a denial that might be very hard to rectify.
STEM OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STEM OPT extension and how long does it last?
It is a 24-month addition to your standard OPT, giving you a total of 36 months to work in your field.
Which degrees qualify as STEM for OPT extension purposes?
Degrees in engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and many computer-related fields qualify. You should check your CIP code on the official government list.
Does my employer need to be E-Verify registered for STEM OPT?
Yes. You cannot get the extension if your employer is not a participant in the E-Verify program.
Can I change employers while on STEM OPT?
Yes, but the new employer must also be in E-Verify, and you must submit a new I-983 training plan to your DSO within 10 days.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my H-1B is not selected in the lottery?
You can continue working on your OPT until the card expires. You can try the lottery again the following year if you still have time left.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while on STEM OPT?
Yes, provided you have a valid F-1 visa, your STEM OPT I-20 with a recent travel signature, and your EAD card. It is also wise to carry a letter from your employer.
How many times can I get a STEM OPT extension?
Twice, but only if the second extension is for a higher degree level. For example, you can get it once after a Bachelor’s and once after a Master’s.
Is there a minimum salary for STEM OPT?
There is no set dollar amount, but your pay must be comparable to what U.S. workers in similar roles earn in that geographic area.
To sum up, keeping up with the regulations for your visa helps you stay in good standing while you focus on your career, and understanding these requirements is key to streamlining your transition to a professional life in the U.S.
The Grape Law team is here to help you manage the paperwork and the strategy for your long-term stay. If you have questions about your eligibility or how to transition to an H-1B, we are ready to assist. For more information, reach out to us at info@grapelaw.com.
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