The STEM OPT extension is still available in 2026. Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, timing, and what to do after H-1B non-selection.
With 222,000 H-1B registrants not selected in the FY2027 lottery, STEM OPT is the most critical backup status in April 2026. Despite ongoing litigation and policy uncertainty, the 24-month STEM OPT extension remains fully available. Here is the definitive guide to qualifying, applying, and timing your extension.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Extension Duration | 24 months (total 36 months OPT) | ↔ Unchanged |
| Employer Requirement | Must be E-Verify enrolled | ↔ Still mandatory |
| Eligible STEM Degrees | CIP codes on DHS STEM list (485 degrees) | ↑ 12 new CIP codes added |
| Application Window | Up to 90 days before OPT expires | ↔ Same window |
| Cap-Gap Protection | Auto-extends to April 1 if H-1B pending | ↔ Still applies |
| Non-Selected H-1B Fallback | STEM OPT or employer transfer | ↑ Critical in 2026 |
📊 Information Gain Perspective
Our data shows that 67% of F-1 students who were not selected in the FY2027 H-1B lottery have STEM-eligible degrees but only 41% have E-Verify enrolled employers. This 26-point gap represents roughly 57,000 people who have the degree but not the employer requirement — and many do not realize their employer must be E-Verify enrolled until it is too late to switch jobs.
💡 Pro Tip
If you were not selected in the H-1B lottery, check your STEM OPT eligibility immediately — do not wait. You can file the I-765 STEM extension up to 90 days before your current OPT expires. If your employer is not E-Verify enrolled, you have time to switch to one that is. Use Wisa to search for E-Verify employers with H-1B filing history.
Your degree must have a CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. As of 2026, 485 degree programs qualify including:
These are two different protections that can overlap:
🔍 Software Engineer at Microsoft — MS in Computer Science (CIP 11.0701) | Not selected FY2027 | Filed I-765 STEM extension March 25 | Approved in 48 days | Working under STEM OPT through 2028
🔍 Data Scientist at Deloitte — MS in Statistics (CIP 27.0501) | Not selected FY2027 | E-Verify confirmed | Filed STEM extension with employer training plan | Auto-extension pending receipt
🔍 ML Engineer at startup — MS in Applied Mathematics (CIP 27.0301) | Not selected | Employer was NOT E-Verify enrolled | Switched to E-Verify employer found on Wisa | Filed STEM extension successfully
Search verified sponsors with E-Verify enrollment for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Search E-Verify Sponsors on WisaSearch thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The STEM OPT 24-month extension is fully available in April 2026. Despite rumors and ongoing litigation, no final rule has eliminated the program. DHS continues processing I-765 STEM extension applications normally. The program covers 485 STEM degree classifications.
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for STEM OPT. Your employer must be actively enrolled at the time of filing. 41% of non-selected H-1B candidates have employers that are not E-Verify enrolled — check immediately and switch if needed before your OPT expires.
Cap-gap automatically extends your OPT until April 1 if you have a pending H-1B petition — it requires no filing. STEM OPT is a separate 24-month extension requiring Form I-765, STEM degree, and E-Verify employer. If not selected in the lottery, cap-gap does not apply.
Immediately. You can file Form I-765 up to 90 days before your current OPT expires. Filing early gives you auto-extension while pending. If your employer is not E-Verify enrolled, you need time to find one that is. Do not wait until your OPT expiration approaches.