Your guide to continuing work in the U.S. after missing the H-1B lottery.
If you were not selected in the FY2027 H-1B lottery, don't despair. For F-1 OPT students, the STEM OPT Extension offers a valuable pathway to continue working in the U.S. This guide outlines the process and eligibility requirements for pursuing a STEM OPT Extension.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| FY2027 Lottery Registrations | ~343,981 | ↓ 27% |
| Overall Selection Odds (FY2027) | 35.3% | ↑ 5.3% |
| PERM Processing Time (Avg) | 503 days | ↑ 30 days |
| PWD Processing Time (Avg) | 3-4 months | Stable |
| Premium Processing Fee | $2,965 | Stable |
| New Form I-129 Mandatory | April 2026 | New |
Our analysis of DOL data indicates that employers who are E-Verify participants and offer STEM-designated roles are crucial for F-1 students seeking OPT extensions. Identifying these employers proactively is key, as the STEM OPT Extension requires a formal training plan (Form I-983).
Ensure your prospective employer is enrolled in E-Verify. This is a non-negotiable requirement for the STEM OPT Extension. Use Get Wisa to identify companies with a history of sponsoring H-1B visas, as they are often E-Verify participants and may offer STEM roles.
For F-1 students not selected in the H-1B lottery, the STEM OPT Extension provides a critical opportunity to extend their work authorization in the U.S. This 24-month extension is available to students who have earned a degree in a STEM field from an accredited U.S. institution.
Key requirements include having a STEM degree, securing employment with an E-Verify employer, and the employer agreeing to a formal training plan (Form I-983). The application process involves submitting Form I-765 to USCIS, along with supporting documentation. While the H-1B lottery odds were 35.3% for FY2027, focusing on STEM OPT is a viable alternative for continued U.S. employment.
Companies that sponsor H-1B visas are often strong candidates for offering STEM OPT Extension opportunities, as they are accustomed to navigating U.S. immigration processes. For example, Amazon (55,150 H-1B filings), Microsoft (34,626), and Google (33,416) are major employers with extensive STEM roles and E-Verify participation.
Other large sponsors like Infosys (32,840) and Tata (28,950) also frequently hire individuals in STEM fields. While these numbers reflect H-1B sponsorship, they indicate a company's capacity and willingness to employ international talent in technical roles, making them potential employers for STEM OPT candidates.
Q: What is the STEM OPT Extension after H-1B lottery denial?
A: It's a 24-month work authorization extension for F-1 students with STEM degrees, allowing them to continue working in the U.S. after their initial OPT ends.
Q: What are the main requirements for the STEM OPT Extension?
A: You need a STEM degree, a job offer from an E-Verify employer, and a completed Form I-983 training plan. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify.
Q: Can I apply for STEM OPT if my employer doesn't sponsor H-1B?
A: Yes, H-1B sponsorship is not required for STEM OPT. However, the employer must be E-Verify enrolled and offer a qualifying STEM role with a training plan.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for STEM OPT?
A: USCIS processing times vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. It's crucial to file well before your current OPT EAD expires.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →It's a 24-month work authorization extension for F-1 students with STEM degrees, allowing them to continue working in the U.S. after their initial OPT ends.
You need a STEM degree, a job offer from an E-Verify employer, and a completed Form I-983 training plan. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify.
Yes, H-1B sponsorship is not required for STEM OPT. However, the employer must be E-Verify enrolled and offer a qualifying STEM role with a training plan.
USCIS processing times vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. It's crucial to file well before your current OPT EAD expires.