24-Month STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
Summary
Recipients of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in a field listed among the U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List who are currently on post-completion F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension for a total of 36-months of OPT.
- Students are eligible for a maximum of two STEM OPT extensions per lifetime upon completing two qualifying STEM degrees at different educational levels.
- The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List is organized based on CIP Codes. F-1 students can find their current program CIP code in the Program Information section on page 1 of the Form I-20.
- Applications for the 24-month STEM OPT extension must be received before the expiration of the current OPT EAD. USCIS will accept applications as early as 90 days before the expiration of the current EAD.
- USCIS issued a Policy Memorandum in October 2013 indicating that F-1 graduate students engaging in Post-Completion OPT are eligible for the STEM OPT extension even if they have not yet completed the thesis requirement or equivalent for their STEM degree. Please note, however, you must continue to make progress towards your degree while on STEM OPT, completing all degree requirements no later than the end of your STEM OPT authorization.
- If approved for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, an additional 60 days is added to the unemployment limit for a total of 150 days during the entire 36-month OPT period. Students who exceed this limit may be considered out of status by USCIS at any point in the future.