OPT / STEM OPT
Optional Practical Training allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. for 12 months after graduation. STEM degree holders may apply for a 24-month extension, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization.
Educational information only. Not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation. Full disclaimer
What Is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period of temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. Post-completion OPT provides 12 months of work authorizationafter you complete your academic program. OPT is not a visa — it is an extension of your F-1 status that permits employment.
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field (as defined by the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List), you may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization. This makes STEM OPT one of the most valuable benefits of a STEM-designated degree for international students.
For many international students, OPT is the critical bridge between graduation and a longer-term work visa (H-1B) or green card petition (EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW). Understanding the deadlines, requirements, and strategic options for OPT is essential.
Who Is This For?
F-1 Students Approaching Graduation
Every F-1 student completing a degree program should understand OPT. It is your primary work authorization after graduation. Plan your OPT application at least 3-4 months before your program end date.
STEM Degree Holders
If your degree has a STEM-designated CIP code, you qualify for the 24-month extension — up to 36 months total. This significantly increases your H-1B lottery chances and gives more time to build your immigration case.
Students Planning H-1B Transition
OPT (especially STEM OPT) gives you up to 3 chances at the H-1B lottery. Use this time strategically — work with your employer to register for the H-1B lottery each March registration period.
Students Building Green Card Cases
OPT is a bridge, not a destination. While on OPT, build your evidence portfolio for EB-1A, EB-1B, or EB-2 NIW. The work experience, publications, and recognition you gain during OPT strengthen your future petition.
How OPT Works
OPT has several components and requirements. Expand each section below to understand the details of standard OPT, the STEM extension, and employer requirements.
Post-completion OPT provides 12 months of employment authorization after you complete your degree program. You must apply using Form I-765 within a specific window: no more than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. Your employment must be directly related to your major area of study. You may work full-time or part-time, and you may work for multiple employers. However, you are subject to a 90-day aggregate unemployment limit — if you accumulate 90 days of unemployment, your OPT ends.
Examples:
- Full-time employment at a company in your field of study
- Part-time employment or multiple positions related to your major
- Self-employment or freelance work directly related to your field
- Unpaid internships or volunteer work related to your major (counts against unemployment)
- Working for a staffing agency in a role related to your major
Reference: 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B)
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field (listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List), you may apply for a 24-month extension of your OPT, for a total of 36 months. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must complete Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) with your employer before filing. The STEM OPT extension must be filed before your current OPT expires. You are subject to a more generous 150-day aggregate unemployment limit (instead of 90 days) during the extension period.
Examples:
- Computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences degrees
- Biological and biomedical sciences programs
- Data science, cybersecurity, or information technology programs
- Agricultural sciences and natural resource programs with STEM CIP codes
- Some business programs (e.g., management science, quantitative finance) with STEM designations
Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)
For standard OPT, there are no specific employer requirements beyond providing employment related to your field of study. However, for the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify (the electronic employment verification system). You and your employer must complete Form I-983 (Training Plan) that outlines your learning objectives, mentoring, and how the position relates to your STEM degree. Your employer must also report material changes in your employment and provide performance evaluations.
Examples:
- Standard OPT: Employer provides a position related to your major field of study
- STEM OPT: Employer must be registered in E-Verify (check E-Verify.gov)
- STEM OPT: Employer completes Form I-983 Training Plan with you
- STEM OPT: Employer provides structured mentoring and performance evaluations
- STEM OPT: Employer reports material changes (termination, change in hours, etc.)
Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)
Key Deadlines
OPT has strict deadlines. Missing them can mean losing your work authorization entirely. Pay close attention to these dates.
OPT Application Window
Apply for post-completion OPT no earlier than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. Missing this window means losing OPT eligibility. Work with your ISSO to file on time.
STEM OPT Extension Filing Deadline
The STEM OPT extension application must be filed before your standard OPT expires. There is no grace period. Start preparing at least 60-90 days before your OPT expiration date to allow time for I-983 completion and processing.
Unemployment Limits
Standard OPT: 90-day aggregate unemployment limit. If you accumulate 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT, your authorization ends.
STEM OPT Extension: 150-day aggregate unemployment limit. This is more generous but still requires active monitoring if you change jobs.
Test Your Understanding
What happens if you miss the OPT application window?
STEM OPT Extension
The 24-month STEM OPT extension is available to students whose degree program has a STEM-designated CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Here is what you need to know:
How to Check if Your Program Is STEM-Designated
- Find your program's CIP code on your I-20 form (check the field of study section)
- Compare your CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List(opens in a new tab)Official Source
- If your code appears on the list, your program is STEM-designated
- If unsure, contact your ISSO or registrar's office for confirmation
What If Your Program Is NOT STEM-Designated?
If your specific program does not have a STEM CIP code, explore these options:
- Ask about CIP code updates: Some departments have updated their CIP codes. Check if your program recently changed or if there is an alternative CIP code that qualifies.
- Add a STEM minor or concentration:Some universities allow you to add a STEM-designated minor or concentration that changes your program's CIP code.
- Consider a dual degree: Pursuing a dual degree with a STEM-designated program may qualify you for STEM OPT.
- Plan accordingly: If STEM OPT is not available, you have 12 months of standard OPT and one H-1B lottery attempt. Maximize this time by starting your H-1B preparation immediately.
Transition Planning: OPT to Long-Term Status
OPT is temporary. Plan your transition from day one:
- OPT to H-1B: Your employer registers you for the H-1B lottery each March. STEM OPT gives up to 3 lottery attempts. If selected, H-1B begins October 1.
- OPT to EB-1A/EB-1B/EB-2 NIW: While on OPT, build your green card evidence portfolio. You can self-petition for EB-1A or EB-2 NIW even while on OPT.
- Cap-exempt employers: Universities, research institutions, and certain nonprofits are exempt from the H-1B cap. Working for a cap-exempt employer eliminates the lottery requirement.
- Further education:Starting a new degree program (e.g., PhD after master's) resets your F-1 status and makes you eligible for a new round of OPT after the next program.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Check each item that applies to you. Use this to identify what you still need to do before applying for OPT or the STEM OPT extension.
What You Should Be Doing NOW
OPT deadlines are strict and the process takes time. Start planning well before graduation. Here is what to do at each stage.
Before Graduation: Plan and Apply
Determine if your program is STEM-designated
Check your I-20 for your CIP code and compare it against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your program is not STEM-designated, explore options: some universities allow adding a STEM-designated minor, dual degree, or changing concentration. Talk to your ISSO and academic advisor about possibilities.
Apply for OPT within the required window
You must apply for post-completion OPT no earlier than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. Work with your ISSO to get a new I-20 recommending OPT, then file Form I-765 with USCIS. Processing times vary — apply as early as possible within the window to avoid gaps in work authorization.
Research employers with E-Verify enrollment and H-1B sponsorship history
If you plan to apply for STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. If you are planning for H-1B sponsorship, research employers who have sponsored H-1B visas in the past. The DOL H-1B disclosure database is a useful resource for identifying sponsoring employers.
Meet with your ISSO to plan your OPT timeline
Your International Student and Scholar Office is your best resource for OPT logistics. Schedule a meeting at least 3-4 months before your program end date. They will issue your OPT I-20, answer questions about the application process, and help you understand your reporting obligations.
During Standard OPT: Execute Your Plan
Secure employment related to your field of study within 90 days
You have a 90-day aggregate unemployment limit during standard OPT. Unemployment days begin to accumulate once your OPT start date passes. If you reach 90 days of unemployment, your OPT and F-1 status end. Part-time work, self-employment, and even unpaid internships in your field count as employment.
Report your employment to your ISSO within required timelines
You must report your employer name, address, and start date to your ISSO (and update this in the SEVP portal) within 10 days of any change. Failure to report employment changes can jeopardize your F-1 status. Keep your ISSO informed of any job changes.
Begin H-1B preparation with your employer
If your employer plans to sponsor you for H-1B, preparation should start early. The H-1B registration period is typically in March. Your employer needs to register, and if selected in the lottery, file the petition. STEM OPT gives you up to 3 chances at the H-1B lottery.
Prepare for STEM OPT extension if eligible
If your program is STEM-designated, start preparing for the STEM OPT extension well before your standard OPT expires. Work with your employer to complete Form I-983, confirm E-Verify enrollment, and gather required documents. File the extension application before your OPT expiration date — there is no grace period.
STEM OPT Extension: Maximize Your Runway
Maintain compliance with STEM OPT requirements
During STEM OPT, you have specific ongoing obligations: regular performance evaluations with your employer, completion of the I-983 training plan goals, and timely reporting of any changes. Your employer must also complete annual evaluations (at 12 and 24 months) and a final evaluation upon completion.
Use STEM OPT to maximize H-1B lottery attempts
STEM OPT gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, which can span up to 3 H-1B lottery cycles. Each year, your employer can register you for the H-1B lottery during the March registration period. This significantly increases your chances of selection.
Explore green card pathways while on STEM OPT
STEM OPT is a bridge — not a destination. While on STEM OPT, evaluate your eligibility for EB-1A (self-petition if you have extraordinary ability), EB-1B (if your employer can sponsor), or EB-2 NIW (self-petition based on national interest). Building your evidence portfolio during STEM OPT puts you in a stronger position.
Monitor your unemployment days carefully
During the STEM OPT extension, you have a 150-day aggregate unemployment limit. If you lose your job, you must find new qualifying employment (with an E-Verify employer) quickly. Track your unemployment days carefully and begin your job search immediately if your employment ends.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
Missing the OPT application window. You must apply no earlier than 90 days before and no later than 60 days after your program end date. Missing this window means losing OPT eligibility entirely. Set calendar reminders well in advance.
Mistake 2
Assuming all STEM department programs are STEM-designated. The STEM designation depends on your specific program's CIP code, not your department name. A 'Data Analytics' program in a business school may not have a STEM CIP code even if the coursework is technical. Always verify your specific program's CIP code.
Mistake 3
Not checking E-Verify enrollment before accepting a STEM OPT position. If your employer is not enrolled in E-Verify, you cannot use that employer for STEM OPT. Verify enrollment before accepting the offer — or ask the employer to enroll. Standard OPT does not require E-Verify.
Mistake 4
Exceeding the unemployment limit. Standard OPT has a 90-day limit; STEM OPT has a 150-day limit. These are aggregate — they accumulate across your entire OPT period. Even short periods between jobs count. Track your days carefully.
Mistake 5
Filing the STEM OPT extension after standard OPT expires. The extension application must be filed BEFORE your standard OPT expires. There is no grace period. If you miss this deadline, you cannot extend. Start the process at least 60-90 days before expiration.
Mistake 6
Not reporting employment changes to your ISSO. You must report your employer information and any changes within 10 days. Failure to maintain accurate records can result in SEVIS termination, ending your F-1 status. Keep your ISSO informed of every change.
Mistake 7
Ignoring transition planning. OPT is temporary — 12 months (or 36 with STEM). Start planning your next step (H-1B, green card petition, or other options) from day one of OPT. Do not wait until your OPT is about to expire to begin thinking about what comes next.
Mistake 8
Not completing the I-983 Training Plan properly. For STEM OPT, the I-983 must be thoughtfully completed with specific learning objectives, mentoring plans, and how the position relates to your STEM degree. A generic or poorly completed I-983 can result in extension denial.
Mistake 9
IMPORTANT POLICY WATCH: In August 2025, DHS proposed a rule to replace 'duration of status' with a fixed 4-year admission period for F-1 students. If finalized, students whose program + OPT exceeds 4 years would need to file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539). The proposed rule would also reduce the post-OPT grace period from 60 days to 30 days. As of April 2026, this rule has NOT been finalized, but students should monitor developments closely.
Questions to Ask
Use these questions to make sure you are fully prepared for OPT and understand all your options.
Questions for Your ISSO
- What is my program's CIP code, and is it on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List?
- What is my exact OPT application window? When should I start the process?
- How long does it typically take to get the OPT I-20 recommendation from your office?
- If my program is not STEM-designated, are there options to change the CIP code or add a STEM component?
- What are my reporting obligations during OPT? How do I update my employment information?
- What happens if I don't find employment before the 90-day unemployment limit?
Questions for Your Employer
- Is your company enrolled in E-Verify? (Required for STEM OPT extension)
- Are you willing to complete the I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT? Who will serve as my supervisor/mentor?
- Does your company sponsor H-1B visas? If so, what is the typical timeline and process?
- If I am not selected in the H-1B lottery, what alternatives does the company support?
- Are there any company policies about paying for immigration filing fees?
Questions to Ask AI Tools (ChatGPT, Claude)
AI tools are helpful for understanding processes and exploring options, but always verify deadlines and requirements against official USCIS sources and with your ISSO.
- My degree program is [PROGRAM NAME] at [UNIVERSITY] with CIP code [CODE if known]. Is this program on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List? If not, what options do I have to gain STEM OPT eligibility?
- Explain the OPT application timeline for an F-1 student whose program ends on [DATE]. When is the earliest and latest I can apply?
- What are the key differences between standard OPT and STEM OPT in terms of employer requirements, unemployment limits, and reporting obligations?
- Help me create a transition plan from STEM OPT to H-1B or green card. My field is [FIELD], I work at [TYPE OF EMPLOYER], and my OPT expires on [DATE].
Official Sources
Always verify information against official government sources. OPT rules and deadlines can change. The links below were last verified on 2026-04-10.
USCIS OPT Overview Page
DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)
8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)
Form I-765 Instructions
Form I-983