Overview of STEM OPT Extension
For F-1 students in the United States with a degree in a STEM field, the Option Practical Training (OPT) can be extended by 24 months, for a total of up to 36 months. This extension is available only to students who have already completed a period of post-completion OPT and meet the specific eligibility criteria.
Eligibility and Employer Requirements
To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, you must have received a degree in a field that appears on the current STEM Designated Degree Program List. The extension applies to degrees at the bachelor’s level or higher. You must have completed the degree within the past 10 years, and be in a valid period of post-completion OPT at the time you apply.
The extension requires that you have a job offer from an employer that is enrolled in the E-Verify program. The employer must provide a formal training plan, which includes the goals and objectives of the employment, how the training will be structured, and the oversight and evaluation of the student’s performance. The employer is also required to agree to notify the school’s DSO (Designated School Official) within a specified period if the student is terminated or leaves the employment, and to undergo an on-site visit if deemed necessary by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Application Timeline and Common Mistakes
The application for a STEM OPT extension should be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the current post-completion OPT expires. The recommended filing window is from 90 days before to 60 days after the date the DSO recommends the extension in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Filing too late, or after the OPT ends, can result in a denial and loss of F-1 status.
Common errors that lead to problems include missing the filing deadline, failing to have a valid E-Verify employer, submitting an incomplete training plan, or not updating the SEVIS record with the employer information before filing. Also, the extension cannot be used for self-employment or for working for an employer not in E-Verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers during the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days, and the new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and provide a new training plan.
What happens if I don’t get the extension approved before my current OPT expires?
If your STEM OPT extension is still pending when your OPT expires, your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days. However, you must have filed the extension application before the OPT end date.
Is the STEM OPT extension available to all STEM degree holders?
The extension is only for degrees at the bachelor’s level or higher that appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees such as associate’s or certificate are not eligible.