A student may not be authorized for more than two lifetime STEM OPT extensions. The period cannot be “split” into two periods. The employment start date on the new EAD card will be the day immediately ...

The 24-month extension of Post-Completion OPT is for students who have completed a degree listed in the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Students who have completed a previous degree in a STEM ...

Following post-completion OPT, some F-1 students are eligible for a two-year STEM OPT extension. In order to apply for and receive the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must: F-1 students must have ...

Many different types of employment are allowed while on the OPT STEM extension but there may be some types of employment that do not meet the USCIS guidelines. Unpaid or volunteer work is not allowed ...

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), requires schools to maintain certain information in SEVIS for all students currently on approved OPT and STEM OPT. As an F-1 student on STEM OPT, you ...

International students on OPT and STEM OPT can change employers, but strict rules apply. Regular OPT allows flexibility with reporting and unemployment limits. STEM OPT demands E-Verify enrollment and ...

OPT in 2025 faced intense scrutiny as fraud crackdowns, AI audits, and site visits reshaped post-graduation work. Over ...

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a federal program 72% of international students use to remain in the U.S. after they graduate. American companies seeking highly educated talent can use OPT to ...

The Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field.