STEM OPT Extension: Eligibility, Application, Benefits

Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Indian students on a F1 visa can extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by 24 months with a STEM degree. You can apply for STEM OPT extension after completing the initial period of regular post-completion OPT (typically lasts 12 months). The OPT extension will help you to gain industry experience and build a strong professional network.

You must complete a degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs to be eligible for OPT extension. The application for STEM OPT extension cannot be submitted during the 60-day grace period after the initial post-completion OPT.

Table of Contents

Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension
Steps to Apply for STEM OPT Extension
STEM OPT Responsibilities
Unemployment Limits During OPT
STEM OPT Employer Requirements
Benefits of STEM OPT Extension
FAQs

Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension

Indian students need to satisfy the following to be eligible for the 24 months STEM OPT extension:

Requirement	Details
Current OPT Status	You must be on a valid 12-month post-completion OPT
STEM Degree in USA	You should complete a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution recognized by U.S. Department of Education-recognized and certified by SEVP
Previous STEM Degree	Students on OPT for a non-STEM degree can use a previously obtained STEM degree not used for extension (Both degrees should be from accredited institutions)
New STEM Degree in Future	Eligible for another 24-month extension if a new STEM degree is earned at a higher level
Application Timing	Apply for up to 90 days before the current OPT expires and within 60 days of the Designated School Official (DSO) recommendation in SEVIS

A graphical representation of the eligibility criteria for STEM OPT extension is provided below:

Eligibility Criteria for STEM OPT Extension

Steps to Apply for STEM OPT Extension

The documents required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for STEM OPT extension are as follows:

Step 1: Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
Step 2: Application Fee: Pay the required fee of 470 USD (39,265 INR).
Step 3: Employer Information:
- Employer’s name as listed in E-Verify.
- E-Verify Company Identification Number or E-Verify Client Company Identification Number.
Step 4: Form I-20: It works as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status in the USA. It should be endorsed by DSO within the last 60 days.
Step 5: Copy of STEM Degree: A copy of the degree Proof of the qualifying STEM degree.

The employment authorization is automatically extended for 180 days if the application is filed on time and the OPT period expires.

STEM OPT Responsibilities

Students should adhere to the specific reporting and employment conditions once enrolled on STEM OPT extension. You need to regularly report to the DSO office for the following instances:

Report Changes: Inform the DSO within 10 days of any changes to:
- Legal name.
- Residential or mailing address.
- Email address.
- Employer’s name and address.
Six-Month Reporting: Confirm the above information every six months, even if there are no changes.

Also Check: How to Find Jobs While on OPT

Unemployment Limits During OPT

There are 2 types of allowable unemployment during OPT based on its type. Exceeding the following OPT limits can affect your status:

OPT Type	Unemployment Limit	Total Allowable Unemployment
Initial 12-Month OPT	90 days	90 days
24-Month STEM Extension	Additional 60 days	150 days

STEM OPT Employer Requirements

Your employer must meet these following requirements for the STEM OPT extension process:

The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify with a good standing.
The employer should have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes.
They should provide a detailed training plan for the job duties included in your STEM degree through Form I-983.
The employer must notify the DSO within 5 business days of any material changes or termination of employment.

Read More: How to Convert OPT to H-1B

Your employers must ensure the following to complete the STEM OPT processing:

Maintain a genuine relationship with the student. Direct supervision and mentoring of the student should be done by the employer.
The employer must have adequate resources and personnel to provide structured training aligned with your career goals.
You must not be replacing any full-time or part-time US workers at the place of your employment.

DHS may conduct site visits to ensure that the training is as described in Form I-983, hence, the employer must keep all documentation and training plans up to date.

Benefits of STEM OPT Extension

Extended U.S. Work Authorization: The 24-month extension will give you more time to gain valuable work experience in USA.
Career Advancement: Increased chances to secure H-1B sponsorship or permanent employment.
Enhanced Skill Development: Opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Also Check: How to Appeal a Denied OPT

For Indian students in the U.S., the STEM OPT extension is a golden opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success. Understanding and adhering to the requirements, both as a student and an employer, can help in maximizing this valuable extension period. With careful planning and compliance, students can make the most out of their U.S. education and work experience.

FAQs

Ques. Can I apply for a STEM OPT extension with a previous STEM degree?

Ans. Yes, if you are currently on OPT for a non-STEM degree but have a prior STEM degree, you can apply. The previous degree must be from an accredited, SEVP-certified U.S. institution.

Ques. What happens if I change employers during the STEM OPT period?

Ans. You must submit a new Form I-983, signed by your new employer, to your DSO. The new employer must meet all STEM OPT requirements.

Ques. Is there a limit to how many times I can apply for a STEM OPT extension?

Ans. Yes, you can apply for a STEM OPT extension twice, based on two different STEM degrees obtained at different education levels.