Everything you need to know about the 24-month STEM OPT extension, from eligible degrees to employer requirements.
The STEM OPT extension gives F-1 students with qualifying STEM degrees an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the standard 12-month OPT period. This means up to 36 total months of work authorization after graduation. Understanding the requirements early is critical — both you and your employer must meet specific criteria before USCIS will approve the extension.
STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training available to F-1 students who earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM-designated field. The program is governed by the 2016 DHS final rule and requires participation from both the student and the employer. Combined with the initial 12-month OPT, STEM OPT provides up to 36 months of work authorization in the United States.
Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which includes fields such as:
The DHS STEM list is updated periodically. As of the most recent update, it contains over 400 CIP codes. Your degree's CIP code on your I-20 must match a code on this list.
Not every employer qualifies. To hire a STEM OPT worker, the employer must:
You must file your STEM OPT application (Form I-765) with USCIS up to 90 days before your current OPT expires and no later than the expiration date. Your DSO must first recommend the extension in SEVIS and issue a new I-20. Key steps include:
STEM OPT participants face a 150-day cumulative unemployment limit over the 24-month extension period. Self-employment is generally not permitted. You must report to your DSO every six months through a validation process, and your employer must complete annual evaluations on the I-983. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in loss of your F-1 status.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No. Your degree's CIP code as recorded on your I-20 must match a code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your degree has a STEM-eligible CIP code but was not recorded correctly, work with your DSO to correct it before applying.
If your application is denied, your work authorization ends. You typically have 60 days from the denial to depart the U.S. or change to another valid immigration status. Consult an immigration attorney immediately if you receive a denial.
Yes, but your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. You must complete a new I-983 Training Plan with the new employer and submit it to your DSO. You must report the change within 10 days.
Yes. If you earn a second qualifying STEM degree at a higher level, you can apply for a second 24-month STEM OPT extension based on that degree. Each degree level (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) can support one STEM OPT extension.