The STEM OPT extension gives eligible F-1 graduates an additional 24 months of work authorization — up to 36 months total OPT. This is the longest OPT period available and serves as the primary bridge to H-1B sponsorship for STEM graduates.
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training available to F-1 students who hold degrees in designated STEM fields and work for E-Verify employers. Combined with the initial 12 months of OPT, this provides up to 36 months of work authorization — giving STEM graduates up to three chances at the H-1B lottery. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility requirements, the I-983 training plan, employer obligations, and strategies for maximizing your STEM OPT period.
Quick Answer: STEM OPT gives you 24 additional months of work authorization (36 months total) if you: (1) hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in a STEM-designated field (CIP code on DHS STEM list), (2) work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify, (3) complete an I-983 Training Plan with your employer, and (4) file Form I-765 with USCIS before your initial OPT expires. You can use STEM OPT twice if you earn two qualifying STEM degrees.
| Company | Total H-1B Filings |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 |
| Microsoft | 34,626 |
| 33,416 | |
| Infosys | 32,840 |
| Tata | 28,950 |
| Cognizant | 26,700 |
| Deloitte | 18,200 |
| Apple | 15,800 |
| Meta | 14,900 |
| JPMorgan | 12,400 |
The STEM OPT extension is governed by strict rules that both students and employers must follow. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify — this is non-negotiable. Startups and small companies that are not E-Verify enrolled cannot hire STEM OPT workers, which limits your options primarily to established companies. Verify your employer's E-Verify status before accepting an offer.
The I-983 Training Plan is the cornerstone document of STEM OPT. It must describe how your employment is directly related to your STEM degree, outline learning objectives, and explain the employer's mentoring and training plan. USCIS and ICE take this document seriously — it is not a formality. Your DSO (Designated School Official) must review and endorse the I-983, and it must be updated annually and upon any material change (job change, employer change, etc.).
Compensation rules: You must be compensated at a level commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers. Unlike H-1B, there is no formal prevailing wage requirement, but significant underpayment can raise compliance concerns during site visits. ICE conducts random site visits to STEM OPT employers, and compliance violations can result in the employer losing E-Verify privileges and the student losing OPT authorization.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Your degree must have a CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. This includes obvious fields like Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics, but also less obvious ones like Economics (some CIP codes), Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and certain Business Analytics programs. Check your I-20 for your CIP code and verify it against the DHS list.
No. E-Verify enrollment is a mandatory requirement for STEM OPT employers. If your current employer is not enrolled, they must enroll before you can file for STEM OPT extension — or you need to find a different E-Verify employer. Most large companies and government contractors are E-Verify enrolled. Many startups are not. Check at e-verify.gov.
The I-983 is a formal training plan signed by you, your employer, and your DSO. It documents how your job relates to your STEM degree, your learning objectives, and your employer's supervision plan. ICE can request this document during site visits, and failure to maintain an accurate, current I-983 can result in termination of your STEM OPT. Update it annually and whenever you change roles or employers.
Yes. If you earn a second qualifying STEM degree at a higher level (e.g., MS after BS, or PhD after MS), you can apply for a second 24-month STEM OPT extension. This means you could potentially have up to 60 months of OPT (12 initial + 24 first STEM + 12 initial on new degree + 24 second STEM), though the practical path is typically 12 + 24 + 24 = 60 months with proper planning.