24 Month STEM Optional Practical Training Extension

F-1 students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) that is approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the 24-month extension and is currently engaged in Post-Completion OPT, may apply for the 24 Month STEM OPT extension if he or she has a job or job offer from an E-Verify employer. An E-Verify employer is an employer registered and in good standing with the USCIS E-Verify program. You may file the Form I-765 within 90 of the expiration date of the current OPT.

24 Month STEM OPT at a Glance

  1. Before Post-Completion OPT End Date
    • Student may file Form I-765 with USCIS to request 24 month OPT extension no more than 90 days before the current OPT expiration date
  2. Post-Completion OPT End Date
    • Last date for student to file Form I-765 with USCIS for 24 month extension of OPT
  3. Day after Post-Completion OPT End Date
    • First date of work permission for 24 month OPT extension, if USCIS received Form I-765 before OPT End Date, even if the Form I-765 is still pending with USCIS
    • Form I-765 received on this date, or later, will be denied

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for 24 Month STEM OPT, you must meet the following criteria.

  • Must have been granted OPT and currently be in a valid period of post-completion OPT.
  • Have earned a bachelors, masters or doctoral degree in a STEM field.
  • Be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of application.
  • Work for an employer who meets all the employer requirements (see employer section below)
  • Must submit your application in a timely fashion (see next section).

Applying for STEM OPT

Eligible students apply for STEM OPT directly through USCIS. This can be done via mail or online. Before applying, students must obtain a STEM OPT I-20. Request this in the portal under 24 Month STEM OPT Application Request. After receiving the STEM OPT I-20, our office is able to review the application materials. Follow the instructions below to request the review.

Visit the ISS Student Portal to apply for OPT.

  • Log in and toggle to the OIIS Requests Page
  • Select 24 Month STEM OPT Application Material Review
  • Before submitting any documents, read the instructions and download the STEM OPT guide. This will help you to ensure all the materials that you have provided are correct.

Reporting Requirements

Students must begin submitting validation reports 6 months from the start date of their STEM OPT (as listed on their EAD card). Students must report no less than 10 days from their required due date.

To report, log into the ISS student portal and select STEM OPT Reporting.

  • If an F-1 student on STEM OPT terminates or leaves their employment before the end of their OPT period, employers must report this to the student’s DSO.
  • STEM OPT students must report to their DSO every six months. In this reporting, they must confirm their identity. This is done through providing the following information:
    • Legal name
    • Address
    • Employer name and address
    • Status of current employment/practical training

Termination of Practical Training

Your STEM OPT will automatically be terminated if you transfer to another school or begin study at another educational level. Your STEM OPT will automatically be terminated if you change your non-immigrant status to another category (such as H-1B). Notify the Office of International & Immigration services if you end your STEM OPT prior to your authorized end date.