In March 2016, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule changing the OPT extension for STEM students from 17 months to 24 months. Students on an F-1 visa and who are studying in the STEM areas of study can now potentially stay and legally work in the U.S.A for three years following graduation.

When did stem OPT start?

May 10, 2016
Eligible students could apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension starting on May 10, 2016. There also exists a post-completion Optional Practical Training option for students on M-1 visas, but it is significantly more restrictive than that for F-1 students.

Does stem OPT have to be full time?

Is part-time work acceptable? You may work less than full time, but you must work at least 20 hours per week during STEM OPT, except when you take leave under your employer’s standard leave policy.

How long can I stay out of US on stem OPT?

The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status. You must stop your employment when the end date on the EAD card is reached, but may remain in the US for a 60-day grace period. Some students may be eligible for an extension of OPT and F-1 status due to the Cap Gap Relief rules.

Can STEM OPT be denied?

Normally, if your OPT/STEM OPT Extension is rejected, you must file a completely new application with USCIS. If the application is rejected after your filing deadline (the end of the 60-day grace period for OPT; end of the OPT EAD for STEM OPT) refiling would normally be denied.

Can you get STEM OPT twice?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

Can we do 2 jobs on stem OPT?

Students participating in a 24-month science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT) extension may train with multiple employers as long as they maintain compliance with all STEM OPT regulations. Completing a Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Student,” for each employer.

What happens if STEM OPT is denied?

If your application for a STEM OPT extension is denied during the 180 days, you will receive a 60-day grace period to prepare to depart the U.S., apply for a graduate program, or apply for an adjustment of status to a different nonimmigrant visa.

Can I travel while STEM OPT is pending?

Travel While OPT STEM Extension Application is Pending If your post-completion OPT has not expired yet, you can travel as usual on your approved OPT. OPT EAD. I-797c Receipt Notice showing that USCIS is reviewing your STEM application. Evidence that you already have a job in the US or that you have a job offer.

What do you need to know about STEM OPT?

What is STEM OPT? STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) is an extension of the U.S. DHS’s non-immigrant F-1 student visa. The STEM OPT allows those with a science, technology, engineering and/or math degree to extend their stay in the U.S. for up to 24 months after the student’s initial post-degree-completion OPT, which is for 12 months.

Can a F-1 student apply for a STEM OPT extension?

Previously obtained STEM degrees: If you are an F-1 student participating in a 12-month period of post-completion OPT based on a non-STEM degree, you may be eligible to use a previous STEM degree from a U.S. institution of higher education to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

When does the USCIS STEM OPT extension expire?

Update required SEVIS student reporting as notified by student. The student can continue to work for 180 days after the original USCIS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires if: Student filed a Form I-765 for the STEM OPT extension. USCIS received the Form I-765 for the extension before the EAD for the original post-completion OPT expired.

When to report changes to DSO during STEM OPT extension?

General Reporting During the STEM OPT extension period, such as the initial 12 months of post-completion OPT, the student must: Students must report any changes to the DSO in the student’s legal name, address, employer, or employment status within 10 days of the change.