What is STEM OPT Extension?

LiveRec EditorialUpdated

The STEM OPT extension adds 24 months of work authorisation for F-1 students with an eligible STEM degree, working for an E-Verify employer under a training plan (Form I-983). It follows a first OPT period, and your school's Designated School Official handles the Form I-20 side of the process.

Eligibility, per USCIS

  • You are in a valid period of post-completion OPT.
  • You hold a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a STEM field from a school that is accredited and SEVP-certified when you file.
  • Your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and gives you its E-Verify company ID, has a valid EIN and is in good standing.
  • Your employer signs Form I-983, which requires a real employer-employee relationship and a training plan tied to your degree.

Timing

File Form I-765 up to 90 days before your current OPT work authorization expires, and within 60 days of your DSO's recommendation in SEVIS. If you file on time and your OPT ends while the case is pending, work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days, until USCIS decides.

Rules to track

  • Unemployment. USCIS states a total of 150 days of unemployment across OPT and the extension (90 days on initial OPT plus 60 more).
  • Reporting. Report changes of name, address, email or employer to your DSO within 10 days and confirm your information every 6 months.
  • Employer duties. The employer reports material changes with a modified Form I-983 and tells the DSO about a departure within 5 business days.

Example

A student on OPT files before it expires to keep working, with an employer that already uses E-Verify and has signed the training plan.

Sources

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.