International Student Services | What is STEM OPT Extension?

STEM OPT Extension - Overview

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. On May 10, 2016, this extension effectively replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension.

Am I eligible for OPT Extension?

You have a valid F-1 student visa
You are currently in a valid period of OPT
Have earned a STEM degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral)

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Working in a paid position for a participating E-verified employer.
You can start applying 90 days before your current OPT end date found on your EAD card.
You may not apply for STEM OPT during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

Unemployment

DHS allows STEM OPT students an additional 60 days of unemployment during the 24-month STEM OPT extension period. This is in addition to the 90-day maximum period of unemployment that students are allowed during the initial period of post-completion OPT. Students who obtain a 24-month STEM OPT extension are therefore allowed a maximum of 150 days of unemployment.

If a student completes one period of OPT (including a STEM OPT extension), and then pursues a second period of OPT on the basis of having earned a second degree at a higher educational level, the student will be able to benefit from the rule’s authorized 90-day and 150-day periods of unemployment (as appropriate) at both educational levels.

In other words, a student receives unemployment eligibility each time they participate in a period of post-completion practical training (including STEM OPT).

Employment Permitted under STEM OPT

Must be a paid position

Each position must be for 20 hours per week or more

Each employer must be registered with

Must be a position related to the listed under “Program of Study” on the I-20. You are responsible for drawing a connection between your position and the skills or knowledge learned in your STEM degree. If you applied for STEM OPT based on a previously earned degree, the employment on STEM OPT must be related to that degree’s major field of study.

You must be paid a salary, and be supervised, directly by your employer. You cannot be paid by a third party or staffing agency, or work at a location other than your employer’s place of business. For more information, please see “The Employer’s Training Obligation: Staffing and Temporary Agencies” on the .

In an academic environment, you cannot be paid through an external fellowship. For example, you cannot use STEM for a postdoctoral position where you are not paid directly by the host institution.

You must not begin work for any new employer without first submitting to ISGSS@LEWISU.EDU a new, completed for that employer

Allows a maximum of 150 days of unemployment over the combined periods of OPT and STEM OPT

Does not allow for self-employment

Cannot volunteer or work in an unpaid position

The International student and Global Scholar Services Office at 蘑菇视频 does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. Our office is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.