On March 11, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new STEM Final Rule, with an effective date May 10, 2016. Detailed information for students and employers can also be found on the DHS Study in the States OPT STEM Hub.
What is the total duration of OPT for STEM graduates?
In addition to 12 months of standard OPT, qualifying students may apply for a 24-month extension. Standard OPT (1 year) plus the STEM Extension (2 years) can give qualifying students up to three (3) years of work experience while maintaining their F-1 student status.
How can a student qualify for the STEM Extension?
Students can apply for an OPT STEM Extension if they:
- have earned a STEM Degree from an accredited US institution STEM Definition and CIP Categories;
- are within 90 days of the end of a term of Standard OPT;
- work within their STEM field of study;
- work for an employer who participates in E-Verify;
- work with their supervisor to develop a training program Form I-983
- have not already used two separate STEM extensions
What responsibilities do I have while on the STEM Extension?
Once your STEM Extension has been approved, you must continue to report any change of situation (address, employer, etc.) to your international student advisor. You can update your home address and telephone number through your SEVP portal. Students on STEM OPT cannot update employer information through the portal. A new I-983 training plan and employer letter must be submitted to the Assistant Director of International Admissions and Immigration Services if your employer changes, along with the final evaluation (bottom section, page 5 of I-983 form) of employment that has ended.
In addition to the regular reporting requirements, graduates on the STEM Extension must also report to their International Student Advisor every 6 months to confirm their current address and employment. The timeframe for your reporting is 15 days before or 15 days after your reporting deadline. Failure to report every six months may result in the termination of your F-1 status and employment authorization.
How many days can I be unemployed?
You may be unemployed during your post-completion OPT period for a total of 90 days and an additional 60 days while on STEM OPT for a total of 150 days of unemployment.
| If you received… | You may be unemployed for… | For a total of… (during the OPT period) |
| Initial post-completion OPT only | Up to 90 days | 90 days |
24-month extension
| An additional 60 days | 150 days |
After earning a non-STEM degree and using Standard OPT, can I apply for a STEM Extension based on a previously earned STEM degree including certificates?
Yes. However, the final decision for whether you are granted the STEM Extension is made by USCIS.
The following situation is possible:
A student earns a STEM undergraduate B.S. degree, then begins a graduate M.A. degree. He can then apply for Standard OPT based on the M.A., then before the Standard OPT ends, he can apply for a STEM Extension based on the B.S. degree. However, during the 2-year extension he must work in a field that utilizes his STEM B.S. degree.
Can I continue to work while the request for STEM Extension is pending?
Yes. Since the application for the STEM Extension involves more data to verify, USCIS allows graduates who have submitted an extension request before their Standard OPT expires to continue working beyond the EAD expiration for up to 180 days while the extension is pending.
Read all information on this page carefully before beginning the STEM OPT online application.
Steps to Apply for the STEM OPT Extension
Submit the following information to the Assistant Director of Int'l Admissions and Immigration Services as PDF files only (do not send picture files, Word files or compressed files such as ZIP or RAR):
- The Training Program Form I-983 that you and your employer completed together. More information can be found at: Study in the States OPT STEM Hub
- Letter from employer on company letterhead including all the following:
- Job title
- A brief job description
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- E-Verify Number
Once the Assistant Director of International Admissions and Immigration Services has received the above information, you will be issued a new I-20 requesting your extension. Evaluation of the documents can take up to one week, so please plan ahead. You can pick up your I-20 in person, have a friend/family member pick it up or have it emailed to you.
As you move through the application you will be prompted about which documents you will need to upload. However, you should be ready to provide uploads and information from the following documents:
1. I-94 showing F/1 status
2. Passport photo page
3. Visa stamp page (unless you do not have a visa). It is OK if your visa has expired.
4. STEM OPT-endorsed I-20 (recommendation must be less than 60 days old) (again see sample above and check your I-20)
5. All prior I-20s that have OPT
6. New Color photos – exact instructions for the photos are also available within the form. Photos are accepted in jpeg, jpg or png format
7. Copy of your EAD card (front and back)
8. Copy of your STEM degree certificate or your transcript – you can request your transcripts here.
9. Your employer's name as listed in E-verify and your company's E-verify number
To file online you will need to set up a USCIS online account the follow the STEM OPT online filing guidelines.
These included STEM OPT online filing guidelines relate to the most confusing parts of the form, and are offered as a courtesy only. Please consult an immigration attorney if you are unsure about any aspects of the form.
NOTE: Your Application for the OPT STEM Extension must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the date when your I-20 was issued recommending you for the STEM extension AND no later than your post completion OPT end date.