OPT and STEM OPT for Indian students

LiveRec EditorialUpdated

US federal rules as of 31 October 2026. Sources re-checked against official pages on 30 October 2026. Where a figure could not be confirmed, this page links the official source instead of stating it.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets an F-1 student work in the US in a field related to the degree. STEM OPT adds a 24-month extension for eligible science, technology, engineering and math degrees. Indian students use OPT as the bridge between a US degree and an employer who may later file an H-1B.

How does OPT work?

  • Your school's designated school official (DSO) recommends OPT in the SEVIS system. You then file Form I-765 with USCIS. You may not start work until you hold the employment authorization document and the start date has arrived.
  • Initial post-completion OPT is up to 12 months. The general rules are on the OPT and STEM OPT guide; see CPT vs OPT if you are working during studies.

What does STEM OPT require?

USCIS and the DHS Study in the States STEM OPT Hub list these conditions:

  1. You hold a valid period of post-completion OPT and a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in an eligible STEM field from an accredited, SEVP-certified school.
  2. Your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. See E-Verify employers.
  3. You and the employer complete a Form I-983 training plan, and you work at least 20 hours a week.
  4. USCIS must receive Form I-765 in the 90-day window before your OPT ends, and within 60 days after the DSO enters the recommendation.

The extension is 24 months. Students on STEM OPT are limited to 150 days of unemployment, and a student may not receive more than two STEM OPT extensions in a lifetime. The eligible field is defined by the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so check your degree's CIP code with your DSO.

What matters to students coming from India?

  • Choose the degree and employer with the H-1B in mind. The employer must be willing to register you in March. See lottery odds.
  • Cap-gap rules can extend OPT and F-1 status while an H-1B change of status is pending. Read F-1 to H-1B.
  • Keep your SEVIS record, I-20 and DSO contacts current. Unemployment days count.
  • Use the school and USCIS, not an agent, for OPT paperwork.

Scam warning

Some "OPT consultancies" promise guaranteed jobs for a fee. See avoiding immigration scams and job scam safety for India.

Next step

Find US roles and ask the employer about sponsorship.

What are the timing rules?

USCIS lists these windows on its OPT and STEM OPT pages:

RequestWhen to file Form I-765
Initial post-completion OPTAfter the DSO enters the recommendation in SEVIS; within 30 days of that entry; up to 90 days before you complete your degree and no later than 60 days after
STEM OPT extensionAfter the DSO enters the recommendation; within 60 days of it; up to 90 days before your current OPT expires
Pre-completion OPTUp to 90 days before you complete a full academic year, but you may not start before you complete it

You may not begin OPT until USCIS approves the form and you receive your EAD. If you file the STEM extension on time and your OPT ends while it is pending, USCIS says it automatically extends your employment authorization for 180 days, until USCIS decides the case.

What goes in the STEM OPT application?

USCIS says you file Form I-765 with the correct fee, your employer's name as listed in E-Verify and its E-Verify company ID, a Form I-20 endorsed by your DSO within the last 60 days, and a copy of your STEM degree. Employers must have a formal training program, report termination or departure to the DSO within 5 business days, and offer training commensurate with similarly situated US workers in duties, hours and compensation.

What must I report on STEM OPT?

Report changes to your legal name, address, email address, employer name and employer address to your DSO within 10 days. Confirm the information with your DSO every 6 months even if nothing changed.

How many days can I be unemployed?

Up to 90 days on initial post-completion OPT, and an additional 60 days with the STEM extension, for a total of 150 (USCIS). See OPT unemployment rules.

What changes could affect Indian students now?

On October 7, 2026 the DHS Study in the States site said that on October 8, 2026 DHS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing new fees for F students seeking OPT: $70,000 per student for initial OPT and $30,000 for the second year of practical training. The comment period ran from October 8 to November 9, 2026. This is a proposal, not a final rule, and DHS said it may revise it after comments. Check the DHS notice and your DSO before you plan your costs.

Common mistakes

  • Filing late. The 30-day and 60-day windows after the DSO recommendation are strict.
  • Joining an employer that is not enrolled in E-Verify and then needing the STEM extension.
  • Forgetting the six-month check-in on STEM OPT.
  • Relying on an agent instead of your DSO for the recommendation.

FAQ

Can I start work when I file the application? No. USCIS says you may not begin OPT until it approves your Form I-765 and you receive your EAD. The one exception for existing OPT is the 180-day automatic extension on a timely STEM filing.

Can I get a STEM extension on an older STEM degree? USCIS says in some cases yes, if both degrees came from currently accredited, SEVP-certified US institutions. Ask your DSO.

Is a second STEM extension possible? USCIS says a higher-level qualifying STEM degree may allow one additional 24-month extension.

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.