What You Need to Know About OPT and STEM OPT Extensions

For international students seeking to gain valuable work experience in the U.S., Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the STEM OPT Extension offer significant opportunities. These programs allow eligible students to work in their field of study, gain practical experience, and potentially extend their stay in the U.S. This guide provides an in-depth look at OPT and STEM OPT extensions, including eligibility, application processes, and benefits.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their degree. OPT provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience related to their field of study.

How to qualify for OPT?

• Be on an F-1 Visa: OPT is available to students in valid F-1 status who have completed or are about to complete their degree program.
• Complete a Degree: You must have completed a degree from a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accredited institution.
• Be in Good Academic Standing: Maintain a valid F-1 status and be in good academic standing at your institution.

How to Apply for OPT?

1. Get a Recommendation from Your Designated School Official (DSO): Obtain a recommendation for OPT from your DSO and have them update your SEVIS record.
2. Submit Form I-765: File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Include required documents such as your passport, visa, I-94, and two passport-sized photos.
3. Receive Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Once approved, you will receive an EAD card, allowing you to start working.

What is STEM OPT Extension?

The STEM OPT Extension allows students who have completed a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field to extend their OPT period by an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months of work authorization.

To qualify for the STEM OPT Extension, you must:

1. Have a STEM Degree: Your degree must be in a field included on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
2. Be on Post-Completion OPT: You must currently be on a valid post-completion OPT and have a job offer from an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.
3. Meet Other Requirements: Comply with all requirements for maintaining F-1 status, including reporting your employment and updating your address with your DSO.

How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension?

1. Prepare Your Application: Complete Form I-765 for the STEM OPT Extension and gather necessary documentation such as your EAD card, diploma, transcripts, and a copy of your job offer letter.
2. Get Employer Verification: Your employer must complete Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, outlining your job duties, how they relate to your degree, and how your employer will provide training.
3. Submit Form I-765: File Form I-765 with USCIS before your initial OPT expires, including all supporting documents and the filing fee.
4. Receive STEM OPT EAD: Upon approval, you will receive a new EAD card reflecting the extension period.

Benefits of OPT and STEM OPT

• Work Experience: Gain practical experience related to your field of study.
• Extended Stay: STEM OPT provides an additional 24 months of work authorization.
• Career Development: Enhance your resume and career prospects through real-world experience.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: OPT and STEM OPT can serve as a stepping stone to finding employers willing to sponsor you for H-1B visas or other employment-based visas.

Unemployment Limits Under OPT

Initial 12-Month OPT Period:

• Unemployment Limit: You are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month OPT period.
• Tracking Unemployment: You must keep track of your employment status and report it to your Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will update your SEVIS record accordingly.

STEM OPT Extension:

• Unemployment Limit: If you are on the STEM OPT Extension (additional 24 months), you are allowed a maximum of 150 days of unemployment throughout the combined 36 months of OPT (initial 12 months plus the 24-month STEM extension).
• Tracking Unemployment: Similar to the initial OPT period, you need to report any periods of unemployment to your DSO and keep your SEVIS record updated.

Important Points to Consider

• Active Employment: To maintain your OPT status, you must be actively employed in a job related to your field of study. If you reach the unemployment limit, you must take action to either find a job or change your status to avoid falling out of legal status.
• Grace Period: There is a 60-day grace period at the end of your OPT period, including the STEM OPT Extension, during which you can remain in the U.S. without employment but must prepare for departure, change your status, or transfer to another educational program.

Reporting Employment

• Update SEVIS: You are required to report your employment details, including the name and address of your employer, your job title, and how your job is related to your field of study, to your DSO.
• Job Changes: Any changes in employment, including new jobs or periods of unemployment, should be reported to your DSO within 10 days.

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