OPT Extension for STEM Graduates

Certain STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree holders on OPT are eligible to extend their 12-month work authorization by 17 months, for a total of 29 months. To find out whether you qualify, look for the numeric code for your degree program on the third page of your I-20. General STEM fields include:

• Actuarial science.
• Computer science applications.
• Engineering.
• Engineering technologies.
• Biological and biomedical sciences.
• Mathematics and statistics.
• Military technologies.
• Physical sciences.
• Science technologies.
• Medical scientist (MS, PhD).

Besides being a STEM graduate, students will face other requirements in order to be eligible for OPT extension:

• Must be currently on OPT working in a job directly related to their majors.
• Must be working for (or have a job offer from) an employer registered with the E-Verify employment verification system. For more information, see the USCIS E-Verify website.
• Students may not have previously received a 17-month OPT extension.
• Students must apply to USCIS with a new I-20 issued by the International Center. An I-765, along with the fee and other required documents (see OPT extension checklist) must be sent to the USCIS Service Center that has jurisdiction over the student’s current place of residence.
• Applications for OPT extension must be received by USCIS before the expiration of the current OPT authorization, and students who file such petitions may continue employment while the application is pending.
• Students’ employers must agree to report any changes in a student's employment (termination or departure) to the International Center by e-mailing an international student adviser.

H-1B cap-gap relief

F-1 status and work authorization are automatically extended for students on OPT who have an H-1B petition with an Oct. 1 start date pending.  This extension is valid until the H-1B petition is rejected or if the petition is approved Oct. 1.  This automatic extension is available to all OPT participants, not just those with STEM degrees.  To see this extension reflected on your I-20, contact an International Student Adviser to reprint your document.

Reporting requirements

Students with a 17-month OPT extension must report the following to the International Center within 10 days of any change:

• Any change of name or personal address.
• Name and address of employer.
• Any interruption in employment.

Such students must also make a validation report to the International Center every six months during the OPT extension period to confirm that current information in the International Center database is correct. Also, the employers of these students must agree to report any changes in employment (termination or departure) to the International Center.