STEM OPT 24-Month Extension

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of your Post-Completion OPT. It’s for F-1 students who earned a degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math). It gives you up to 3 years of work authorization in total.

 KNOW THE STEM OPT EXTENSION BASICS

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of approved F-1 12-Month OPT.  Eligible students may apply for a 24-Month STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their current  OPT EAD.

You’re eligible for STEM OPT if:

  • You are currently on active Post-Completion OPT
  • Your most recent degree is on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List
  • Your employer is E-Verified
  • You work in a job that is directly related to your STEM major
  • You will work at least 20 hours per week
  • You and your employer complete Form I-983 (Training Plan)

You can only apply for STEM OPT twice in your lifetime.

You can apply:

  • Up to 90 days before your Post-OPT end date
  • USCIS must receive your application before your Post-Completion OPT expires

We recommend applying as early as possible to avoid gaps in employment.

See the Employment/Unemployment section below regarding what types of employment are allowed.

How to Apply for STEM OPT

  1. Pay for the OPT Maintenance Fee to ISO
  2. Submit your STEM OPT Request in iNorthTX
  3. Upload a completed Form I-983 signed by you and your employer
  4. Wait for your new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation
  5. Submit your application to USCIS (online or by mail)
  6. Pay the $470 USCIS filing fee
  7. Receive your receipt notice (I-797)

  • You must work in a paid, full-time (20+ hours/week) position
  • The job must be directly related to your STEM degree
  • Your employer must be E-Verified
  • Your employer must provide formal training and supervision
  • You must not be self-employed or work for a staffing agency without a direct employer-employee relationship

This is a required form you and your employer must complete. It includes:

  • Your learning goals
  • How your employer will train you
  • How your work relates to your degree
  • How your employer will evaluate your progress

Both you and your employer must sign it before you submit your STEM OPT request.

You’re required to:

  • Report to ISO within 10 days of any change in:
    • Employer name, address, or contact info
    • Job title or responsibilities
    • Your address or contact info
  • Submit:
    • Validation reports every 6 months (even if nothing has changed)
    • Two self-evaluations on your Form I-983:
      • At the 12-month mark
      • At the end of your STEM OPT
    • A new I-983 if you change jobs

Failing to report can result in termination of your F-1 status.

You are allowed:

  • A total of 150 days of unemployment over your entire OPT period (including Post-Completion + STEM OPT)
  • Keep track of your employment and report it to avoid falling out of status.

You can travel outside the U.S. while on STEM OPT if you carry:

  • A valid passport and F-1 visa
  • Your STEM OPT-endorsed I-20 (signed within the last 6 months)
  • Your EAD card
  • A job offer letter or proof of employment

  • If you already have an SSN from Post-Completion OPT, you’ll keep using it
  • You must pay federal and state income taxes

You’ll have a 60-day grace period after your STEM OPT ends to:

  • Leave the U.S.
  • Transfer to a new school
  • Start another program at UNT Health
  • Change your immigration status

If your employer files an H-1B petition and it’s selected:

  • You may qualify for a Cap Gap extension to continue working while waiting for the H-1B to start
  • Submit proof of filing to ISO to update your I-20