International students on an F-1 visa in the U.S. who have completed their initial 12-month OPT may be eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension if they meet certain criteria.

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✅ What is the STEM OPT Extension?

The STEM OPT Extension allows F-1 students with a qualifying STEM degree to extend their work authorization by 24 months, giving them a total of 36 months of practical training in the U.S.

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🎓 Who is Eligible for the STEM OPT Extension?

To qualify, you must:

Requirement	Details
🎓 STEM Degree	Your most recent or prior degree must be in a DHS-approved STEM field (check the STEM Designated Degree Program List)
🧑‍💼 Employer Requirement	Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and offer structured training
🕐 Employment Type	Must be paid, and at least 20 hours/week
📄 Valid OPT	You must be in a valid period of Post-Completion OPT
📁 Training Plan	Submit a completed Form I-983 with your application
🏫 Accredited Institution	Your degree must be from a U.S. institution accredited by a recognized agency

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📌 Key Benefits

• 👩‍🔬 Up to 24 additional months of work authorization

• 👨‍💻 Can change employers, but new employer must also meet STEM OPT criteria

• 🧾 Eligible for Cap-Gap Extension if applying for H-1B

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📑 How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension

📆 When to Apply

• Earliest: 90 days before your current OPT ends

• Latest: Before your current OPT expires

• You must not have accrued more than 90 days of unemployment on Post-OPT

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📝 Application Steps

1. Prepare Form I-983

• Download Form I-983

• Fill it with your employer and get it signed

• Submit it to your DSO (Designated School Official)

2. Get Updated I-20

• Your DSO will review the I-983 and issue a new STEM OPT recommendation on your I-20

• This must be signed and dated within 60 days of your STEM OPT application submission

3. Submit Form I-765 to USCIS

Include:

• Completed Form I-765

• Filing Fee (~$470; confirm on USCIS site)

• Copy of STEM degree transcript or diploma

• Copy of I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation

• Copy of current EAD card

• Passport ID page, visa page, and most recent I-94

• 2 passport photos (U.S.-style)

Submit by:

• Online: USCIS MyAccount

• By Mail: Address depends on your location (check USCIS I-765 page)

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📌 After Submission

• USCIS will issue a Receipt Notice (I-797C) within a few weeks

• If filed before your OPT expires, you can continue working for 180 days while your STEM OPT is pending

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🗓️ STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

Once approved, you must:

Task	Deadline
Validate your SEVIS record	Every 6 months
Self-evaluation on I-983	12 months and 24 months
Report employer changes	Within 10 days
Address/employment updates	Within 10 days
Material changes to I-983	Submit a new I-983 immediately

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⚠️ Common STEM OPT Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Filing after OPT expires

• ❌ Employer not enrolled in E-Verify

• ❌ Submitting incomplete or unsigned I-983

• ❌ Working before EAD is issued (if OPT has expired)

• ❌ Exceeding unemployment limits (150 days total over OPT + STEM OPT)

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✅ Final Tips for Success

• Start early—file at least 60–90 days before OPT expires

• Stay in contact with your DSO

• Double-check that your employer is E-Verify registered

• Keep all documentation updated and easily accessible

• Create a USCIS online account to track your case