STEM OPT Extension: Guide for F-1 Students

For international students with STEM degrees, work authorization often ends just as your career gains momentum. The STEM OPT extension offers a solution: an additional 24 months of work authorization that can make the difference between leaving the United States and establishing your professional foundation.

STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training available to F-1 students with degrees in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. Combined with initial 12-month OPT, this provides up to three years of total work authorization. According to the Institute of International Education, over 223,000 international students participated in OPT programs in recent years, with STEM extensions becoming increasingly vital for graduates in technical fields as employers seek to retain specialized talent.

This guide covers who qualifies for the STEM OPT extension, the step-by-step application process, employer obligations, compliance requirements, and what happens after your extension ends.

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT available to F-1 visa holders with degrees in designated STEM fields. Combined with the initial 12-month OPT, this provides up to 36 months of total employment authorization. The extension allows graduates to gain training experience while employers retain skilled talent.

Standard OPT grants 12 months of employment authorization to all F-1 students who complete a degree program. The STEM OPT extension adds 24 months for those with qualifying degrees working for E-Verify employers, effectively tripling the work authorization period available to STEM graduates. Key differences between standard OPT and the STEM extension include mandatory E-Verify enrollment for all employers, formal training documentation through Form I-983 with structured learning objectives, six-month validation reporting through the SEVP portal by both student and employer, employer attestations regarding compensation and working conditions, possible DHS site visits to verify compliance with training plan requirements, and new EAD card issuance with updated expiration dates. While standard OPT offers flexibility with minimal reporting obligations, the STEM extension operates more like a structured training program with ongoing oversight and documentation requirements.

Multiple agencies oversee STEM OPT. USCIS processes applications and issues EAD cards. SEVP maintains SEVIS and sets program rules. Your school's Designated School Official handles recommendations and monitors compliance.

Before you can apply for this extension, you need to confirm that both you and your prospective employer meet specific criteria.

Who qualifies for STEM OPT

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, you must meet requirements in two categories: your academic credentials and your employment arrangement. Both you and your employer play essential roles in the application, with specific obligations that begin before you file and continue throughout the 24-month extension period. Verifying these requirements early prevents delays and ensures you can maintain continuous work authorization.

Degree requirements

Your degree must come from a STEM designated degree program at an SEVP-certified school. Qualifying programs are identified by CIP codes, found on your I-20 or through your school official.

You must be on valid post-completion OPT and maintaining F-1 status when you apply. Your current OPT EAD cannot have expired. If you've previously completed a STEM extension, you can apply again only if you earn a new degree at a higher educational level.

Employer requirements

Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, the electronic verification system operated by the Department of Homeland Security. You must have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with a U.S. employer who controls your work activities. The employer must agree to Form I-983 requirements, including evaluations and cooperation with potential site visits.

Once you've confirmed these criteria are met, you're ready to begin the multi-step application process.

The STEM OPT application process

The STEM OPT application requires coordination between you, your employer, your school official, and USCIS. Each party has distinct responsibilities and deadlines that must align for successful approval. Missing any requirement can delay or prevent approval, and because you must file before your current EAD expires, timing errors can create gaps in your work authorization that interrupt your employment.

Step 1: Verify qualification and prepare

Start by confirming your degree qualifies. Check your CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If using a previously obtained degree, confirm with your school that it meets requirements.

Verify your employer's E-Verify enrollment and obtain their company identification number. Plan your timeline: applications are accepted up to 90 days before your current EAD expires, and you must file before the expiration date.

Step 2: Complete Form I-983

This form documents your training plan. You provide details about your degree, its relationship to your field of study, and your learning objectives. Your employer describes the training structure, identifies your supervisor, employer information, and outlines evaluation methods. The employer must attest to maintaining the bona fide relationship and providing training experience comparable to what U.S. workers receive. Both parties sign and date the form.

Step 3: Get school recommendation

Submit your completed I-983 to your school official, who reviews it and enters a recommendation into SEVIS. Your school issues a new I-20 with the extension noted. Review the I-20 for accuracy, sign and date it, then include a copy with your application.

Step 4: File Form I-765

Submit the application to USCIS with completed Form I-765, your STEM OPT I-20 with recommendation, your previously issued EAD, completed I-983, two passport-style photographs, evidence of your degree, and fee payment. Premium processing is not available.

Knowing the timeline for each step helps you avoid gaps in authorization.

STEM OPT timeline and processing time

Timing is critical for applications. You may file up to 90 days before your current EAD end date and must file no later than that date. Most applicants file 60 to 90 days before expiration. If you file within this window and your application is received before your current authorization expires, you may continue working for up to 180 days while pending.

Processing times vary based on workload. After receiving your application, you'll get a receipt notice. For those selected in the H-1B visa lottery, cap-gap provisions may extend authorization until October 1 when H-1B employment begins.

After approval, maintaining compliance with reporting and employment rules becomes your primary responsibility.

STEM OPT requirements and compliance

The STEM OPT extension comes with continuing obligations throughout the entire 24-month period. Unlike standard OPT, which has minimal reporting requirements, the extension demands regular validation reporting, formal evaluations, and strict employment documentation. Missing these requirements can result in termination of your work authorization and may affect your ability to remain in the United States or pursue future immigration benefits.

Reporting requirements

You must report material changes within 10 business days, including changes to employer name, employer address, job title, or supervisor. Validation reporting occurs through the SEVP portal every six months. Both you and your employer confirm training is proceeding according to your approved plan.

Employment rules

You may accumulate no more than 150 days of unemployment during the combined initial OPT and extension periods (per DHS regulations). Employment must be full-time, defined as at least 20 hours per week. Self-employment is typically not permitted unless you can demonstrate a proper employer-employee relationship with appropriate supervision.

Training plan obligations

You must complete a self-evaluation every six months documenting your progress. Your employer must complete a formal evaluation at 12 months and a final evaluation at the conclusion of your 24-month extension period. If substantial changes occur, you and your employer must submit an updated I-983. Schools may coordinate with DHS to conduct site visits verifying compliance.

These compliance obligations affect what you can do during your extension period.

Working on STEM OPT

Once you have your EAD card, present it to your employer for I-9 verification. The extension has no maximum hour limit beyond the 20-hour weekly minimum, so you can work more than 40 hours per week if needed.

Changing employers requires completing a new I-983 with your new employer and reporting the change within 10 business days. Your new employer must be an E-Verify employer. You can begin working once you've reported changes and your school has updated your SEVIS record.

Beyond work rules, you'll also need to budget for application costs.

What it costs

The primary cost is the filing fee paid to USCIS. Check the current fee schedule on the USCIS.gov website before filing, as amounts change periodically. Premium processing is not available for this category.

Additional costs may include passport photos, document copying and certified mailing, and attorney fees if you choose professional assistance. Unlike employer-sponsored visas, expenses fall on the student, though some employers voluntarily reimburse.

After STEM OPT ends

When your authorization expires, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you may remain in the United States but cannot work. Use this time to arrange travel or finalize a status change.

Many students transition to H-1B status through employer sponsorship, with the lottery each spring for October 1 start dates. If you're from Canada or Mexico, the TN visa provides another option.

Other options include the O-1A visa for extraordinary ability, the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers, employment-based green cards through EB-2 or EB-3, the E-2 treaty investor visa, or the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Planning transitions early gives you the best chance of maintaining continuous authorization.

Get your STEM OPT extension approved faster

The STEM OPT extension provides up to 36 months of total work authorization, but success depends on meeting strict eligibility requirements, coordinating multiple parties, and maintaining ongoing compliance throughout the 24-month period. From verifying your CIP code to completing Form I-983 training plans and submitting validation reports every six months, each step requires precision and attention to detail.

Lighthouse streamlines the STEM OPT process by handling eligibility verification, document preparation, and compliance tracking through our immigration-focused platform. Our team ensures your Form I-765 application, training plan, and school recommendations meet USCIS standards while coordinating timelines to prevent gaps in your work authorization. For students planning transitions to H-1B or other visa categories after STEM OPT, we provide guidance through that process as well.

Ready to secure your extension without the stress? Start your STEM OPT evaluation today and get expert support from application through approval.

Frequently asked questions

What does STEM OPT mean?

STEM OPT stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training. It's a 24-month STEM OPT extension of post-completion OPT available to STEM OPT students who have earned degrees in qualifying STEM fields and are working for E-Verify enrolled STEM OPT employers. The extension allows students to gain practical training under a structured plan.

Do STEM students get 3 years OPT?

Yes, STEM students can receive up to 36 months of total authorization: the initial 12-month post-completion OPT plus the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This applies only to students whose degrees appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and who work for enrolled employers. If you previously used the extension, you can apply again after earning a new degree at a higher educational level.

Who is eligible for F-1 STEM OPT?

You must hold a degree from an SEVP-certified school with a qualifying code, be on valid post-completion OPT while maintaining F-1 status, and have a job offer from an enrolled employer. Your code must appear on the designated program list, and your employment must directly relate to your STEM field.

Can I work more than 40 hours on STEM OPT?

Yes, there's no maximum hour limit. The only requirement is a minimum of 20 hours per week to maintain your status. You may work as many hours as your position requires, provided employment remains consistent with your approved plan.

How long can I stay in the US after STEM OPT?

After your authorization expires, you receive a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure or change status. If you have a pending H-1B petition with cap-gap, your stay may extend automatically until October 1. Otherwise, you must depart within 60 days unless you've changed to another valid immigration status.

Who is eligible for STEM?

STEM eligible individuals must graduate from a designated program at an SEVP-certified institution, with their code appearing on the DHS list. You must also be on valid post-completion OPT and have a job offer from an enrolled employer. Check with your school or review your I-20 to confirm your code qualifies.

What are STEM OPT requirements?

You must maintain valid F-1 status, work for an enrolled employer in a position related to your degree, and complete documentation. You must report changes within 10 business days, complete self-evaluations every six months, and limit unemployment to 150 total days across your combined OPT period.

How do I check my CIP code?

Your code appears on your I-20 in the field listing your major. You can also ask your school to confirm. DHS maintains the official list on the Study in the States website.