The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months of work authorization to F-1 students who hold degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Combined with the initial 12-month post-completion OPT, eligible students can work for up to 36 months total.
36 steps across 4 sections
1. Eligibility
- Must currently be on post-completion OPT with a valid EAD.
- Must hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a SEVP-certified institution in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- Must have a job offer or current employment with an E-Verify registered employer.
- Employment must be at least 20 hours per week (paid position).
- Must have a completed and signed Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) with the employer.
- The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify (with a valid E-Verify company ID or client company ID).
- Must not have accumulated more than 150 days of unemployment across the entire 36-month OPT period.
- Can apply for up to two STEM OPT extensions (if earning two qualifying STEM degrees at different education levels).
2. Steps Process
- Verify STEM eligibility: Confirm your degree CIP code is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- Verify employer E-Verify enrollment: The employer must provide their E-Verify company ID or client company ID number.
- Complete Form I-983 (Training Plan): Work with your employer to develop a training plan outlining learning objectives, mentorship, and how the position relates to your STEM degree.
- Submit Form I-983 to your DSO: The DSO reviews and endorses the training plan.
- DSO recommends STEM OPT extension on your I-20 in SEVIS.
- Receive updated I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation.
- File Form I-765 with USCIS:
- Must be filed before your current OPT EAD expires.
- Must be filed within 60 days of the DSO's STEM OPT recommendation on the I-20.
- Automatic 180-day extension: If your application is timely filed and your current EAD expires while the extension is pending, your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 d...
3. Documents Needed
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with category (c)(3)(C)
- Updated I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation
- Completed and signed Form I-983 (Training Plan)
- Copy of STEM degree transcript or diploma
- Copy of current OPT EAD (front and back)
- Copy of passport (biographical page)
- Copy of most recent I-94
- Two passport-style photographs
- Copy of all previously issued I-20s
- Employer's E-Verify company identification number
4. Timeline
- Can request I-20 recommendation Up to 90 days before current OPT EAD expiration.
- Must file I-765 before Current OPT EAD expiration date.
- Must file I-765 within 60 days of the DSO's I-20 recommendation.
- Automatic extension 180 days from EAD expiration if application is timely filed.
- Standard processing 90-150 days.
- Premium processing 15 business days.
- STEM OPT duration 24 months from the approved start date.
- Total OPT (regular + STEM) Up to 36 months.
Common Mistakes
- Filing the I-765 before receiving the STEM OPT I-20
- Filing after the current EAD expires
- Employer not enrolled in E-Verify
- Incomplete Form I-983
- Exceeding 150 days of unemployment
Pro Tips
- Start the process early
- Verify E-Verify enrollment independently
- The automatic 180-day extension
- Premium processing
- Form I-983 is a substantive document