STEM OPT Extension is an invaluable opportunity for international students who are pursuing their STEM degrees in the USA to enhance their expertise in the U.S. job market.
Did you know that you can pursue Optional Practical Training(OPT) for any degree that you study in USA? Yes, OPT is a chance to gain practical experience in your field to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry application allowing students to enhance their skills and contribute to the US economy. Typically, OPT lasts for 12 months.
Now, if you are someone who is pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields in the USA, there’s an added advantage. You can extend your STEM OPT for an additional 24 months beyond the standard 12-month period, providing you with a total of 36 months to gain work experience in the USA.
With this blog, we unravel what STEM OPT is, the difference between OPT and STEM OPT, who is eligible, the requirements, how to apply, the processing time and tips on how to have a successful STEM OPT experience. Let’s start, shall we?
Table of Content
1What is STEM OPT Extension2Difference between OPT and STEM OPT3Who is eligible for STEM OPT Extension4STEM OPT Extension Requirements5How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension6STEM OPT Extension Processing Time7Tips for a Successful STEM OPT Extension Experience8Conclusion9Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEM OPT Extension
Students who have completed their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree can apply for an additional 2-year extension after they complete their Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Normally, students after they have completed their STEM degree can work in the field for 12 months, which is known as OPT.
So, think of it like this: With this OPT extension, if you have completed your STEM degrees you can get optional practical training for 3 years to develop your skills, gain deeper knowledge and more experience in your field, work on research projects, and increase your chances of getting long-term employment in the country and advance your career opportunities after the training period.
Difference between OPT and STEM OPT
Here are the differences between OPT and STEM OPT:
| Aspect | OPT | STEM OPT |
|---|---|---|
| Field of Study | Any field of study, including non-STEM fields | Limited to STEM fields |
| Eligibility | Open to all international students with F-1 status | Only available to students who have completed a degree in STEM fields |
| Extension | No extension beyond 12 months | Can extend the 12-month OPT for an additional 24 months |
| Application Timing | Can be applied before or after completing a degree | Can only be applied after completing a degree in STEM |
| Work Type | Can work in any job related to the field of study | Must work in a job directly related to the student’s STEM degree |
| Employer Requirements | No specific employer requirements | Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify |
| Supervision Requirements | No specific requirements | Requires periodic reporting and validation with the university (e.g., I-983 form) |
| Duration | 12 months of OPT | Additional 24 months after the initial 12-month OPT |
| Application Process | File Form I-765, and wait for approval before starting employment | File Form I-765 for STEM extension after the first 12 months of OPT |
| Travel During OPT | Allowed, but may need to provide evidence of employment upon return | Allowed, with proper documentation, and may need to prove STEM OPT employment |
Who is Eligible for STEM OPT Extension
Here are the eligibility Criteria you need to meet to be eligible for STEM OPT Extension.
- You must have completed your OPT and be in valid status.
- Must have a qualifying STEM degree from an accredited U.S. institution certified by SEVP(Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
- You can use a previous STEM degree for STEM OPT if it’s from an accredited institution and is related to your current employment.
- You have to work for an employer who meets all STEM OPT Employer requirements.
- If you receive a 24-month STEM OPT extension based on a qualifying bachelor’s degree and later earn a qualifying master’s degree in a STEM field, you can apply for an additional 24-month extension based on your master’s degree which allows up to a total of 48 months of STEM OPT.
- Submit Form I-765 for the Extension program up to 90 days before your OPT expires and within 60 days of the date your Designated School Official (DSO) enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information) record.
STEM OPT Extension Requirements
- A copy of your STEM Degree
- Form I-20, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status, endorsed by your Designated School Official(DSO) within the last 60 days of your STEM OPT.
- Form I-765 (c)(3)(C)
- Application fees
- Your employer’s name should be listed in the E-Verify
- Your employer’s name E-Verify Company Identification or E-Verify Client Company Identification Number
How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension
Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply:
1. Ensure your Eligibility
You must have a degree in a qualifying STEM field from an accredited U.S. institution. You should be in your valid period of post-completion of your OPT. Also, make sure that you apply 90 days before your current OPT expires to avoid a gap in employment authorization.
2. Obtain Your Employer’s E-Verify Number
Your employer must be listed in the E-Verify program. Make sure to obtain their E-Verify Employer Identification Number (EIN) before you start your application.
3. Fill out Form I-765
Fill out the Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) online or on paper. Select the correct category (c)(3)(C) for STEM OPT Extension.
4. Gather the Required Documents
Collect all the necessary documents to support your application.
- A copy of your current OPT EAD(Employment Authorization Document) Card
- Form I-20 signed by your Designated School Official(DSO)
- A copy of your STEM degree
- Transcripts
- Passport-size photos
5. Get Form I-20 Signed by Your DSO
Make sure that your Designated School Official(DSO) update your Form I-20 with the Extension of STEM OPT recommendation. Your DSO will also need to provide a signature on page 2 of your Form I-20.
6. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the required fee for Form I-765. You can pay this fee online through the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) portal.
7. Submit Your Application
Submit your Form I-765 application with the supporting documents to USCIS. You can either apply online or by mail depending on your choice.
8. Receive Receipt Notice
After submission, you will receive a Receipt Notice from USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) confirming that your application has been received. Save this for later for your records.
9. Wait for Approval
The Extension of STEM OPT processing time typically takes 2 to 5 months. By using the receipt number you can check the status of your application online.
10. Receive Your New EAD Extension Card
You will receive a new EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card that will allow you to work for an additional 24 months. You just have to make sure that you follow all the reporting requirements while doing your STEM OPT Extension.
STEM OPT Extension Processing Time
STEM OPT Extension approval takes 4-5 months. Your OPT and F-1 student benefits are automatically extended for 180 days while your application is still in processing. You can download a copy of your STEM OPT Application receipt from the official website and you will receive a hard copy of the I-797 Notice of Receipt via mail.
If your STEM OPT application isn’t approved after 5 months, contact your HIO (Harvard International Office) Advisor for further guidance.
Tips for a Successful STEM OPT Extension Experience
Here are 10 tips for a successful STEM OPT experience:
Stay Proactive with your Employer
Make sure to understand the requirements, especially for forms like the I-983, to avoid issues later.
Keep Track of your SEVIS Records
Regularly check your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to make sure all the updates are reflected correctly, especially for employment and recommendations.
Maintain Regular Communication with your DSO
Stay in touch with your DSO to ensure they are up-to-date on your STEM OPT status and provide timely updates or corrections if deemed necessary.
Document all Communications
Keep a record of all the emails and communications with your DSO and employer regarding your STEM OPT to protect yourself in case any problem arises.
Follow the 24-month reporting Requirement
Stay on top of reporting requirements like validating your employment and making updates when necessary.
Know your Rights and Responsibilities
Do familiarize yourself with the rules, such as the types of work you can do and how to report employment changes.
Maintain Full-time Employment
Make sure you are working in a job directly related to your STEM field, as it’s a key requirement of STEM OPT Extension.
Avoid gaps in Employment
Suppose you lose your job, make sure to find a new one within the allotted time to avoid falling out of status.
Regularly review your I-983
Make sure that your I-983 Training Plan remains accurate, especially if there are any changes in your job duties or employer.
Prepare for the end of STEM OPT
Start planning for your next step, like applying for H-1B or transitioning back to your home country before your STEM OPT ends.
Conclusion
STEM courses remain a popular choice for International students. This is largely because of the OPT extension. According to Business Standard, in 2023-24, around 42.9 per cent of Indian students were pursuing mathematics or computer science, while 24.5 per cent were enrolled in engineering programmes.
If you are keen on pursuing a degree in any of the STEM Courses in USA, contact Canapprove at the earliest to start your study abroad journey.
