STEM OPT is a programme that allows graduates in the STEM field to extend their work authorization for 24 months. OPT is the acronym for Optional Practical Training and it is a programme that permits international students to work in the United States for 12 months after the completion of their courses. On the other hand, STEM OPT allows international students to work for an extra 24 months after the completion of the initial OPT program. STEM OPT also allows students to work in different fields related to their degrees.
The STEM OPT is available for international students with an F-1 visa and it is often afforded after the completion of the initial OPT.
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Table of Contents
Courses valid for the STEM OPT program in the U.S.
- Life sciences
- Mathematics
- Military technologies
- Physical sciences
- Actuarial sciences
- Computer science applications
- Engineering
- Engineering Technologies
- Architectural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering.
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering.
- Systems Engineering.
- Biophysics.
- Molecular Biology.
- Molecular Biochemistry.
- Molecular Biophysics.
- Structural Biology.
- Neuropharmacology.
- Toxicology.
- Mathematica and Statistics
- Organic Chemistry.
- Physical Chemistry
- Environmental Health.
- Health/Medical Physics.
- Medical Informatics.
- Management Science.
- Business Statistics.
- Actuarial Science
For the full list of STEM-designated degree programs, visit ICE.gov.
Read also: How Long Can You Stay In the US After Studying STEM?
Post-completion OPT vs STEM OPT
Post-completion OPT
There is a difference between the regular OPT and STEM OPT. The Post-completion Optional Training Program is open to students with an F-1 visa regardless of their field of study. F-1 students who have a good standing and have graduated from a college, university or seminary endorsed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can apply for this and it is expected to last for 12 months.
STEM OPT Extension
The STEM OPT extension program is available for students who possess an F-I visa and have a degree in an accredited course from any university in the United States equally endorsed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The requirements for a STEM OPT are more than the requirements needed to apply for the post-completion OPT. Additionally, the STEM-OPT extension comes after the completion of the post-completion OPT.
Eligibility Criteria for STEM OPT Extension
For international students to qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT program, they have to meet the requirements stated below:
1. Valid Post-Completion OPT
International students must ensure they hold a valid post-completion OPT status. The aim of this is to indicate that they have been allowed to engage in practical training after the completion of their studies at the university.
2. Accredited Degree
Students are required to have a valid degree. It could be a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Additionally, the school you attended and the course you studied must be recognized and accredited respectively by the U.S. Department of Education-accredited agency. Furthermore, the university should also be certified by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) at the time you are submitting your application for STEM OPT extension.
3. Past STEM Degrees
If you are currently engaging in the 12-month OPT programme based on a non-STEM course, you will have to use a previous STEM degree from a US institution to apply for the STEM OPT extension. Like it was stated above, both the degree and the institution must be accredited and recognized respectively by the proper institutions in the United States.
4. Employer Requirements
Additionally, you are expected to work for an employer in an organization that is outlined and endorsed in the STEM OPT Employer Responsibilities section.
Furthermore, international students are also expected to submit Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization within 90 days before the expiration of their current OPT employment authorization, and within 60 days of the DSO (Designated School Official) entering the OPT recommendation into your SEVIS record.
Read also: Why You Should Study STEM In The US As An International Student?
How to apply for the STEM OPT Extension
It is important to note that only international students who studied STEM-related courses in school can apply for the OPT extension programme and this allows them to stay for an additional 24 months in the United States after the completion of the initial one-year OPT program.
To begin with, your Designated School Official (DSO) will enter an OPT request in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This will allow you to fill out the application form and make the necessary payment. You are to pay for the filling and biometric service and the total will amount to $495. The steps to apply for the OPT extension are listed below:
- Sign the form I-20 (provided by your DSO)
- Ask your DSO to enter an OPT request in SEVIS
- Complete the Application for Employment Authorization
- Submit the form, OPT extension fee, and supporting documentation electronically or by mail
- Answer any request for evidence from USCIS by the listed deadline
- Receive your approval
- Sign the form I-20 (provided by your DSO)
- Ask your DSO to enter an OPT request in SEVIS
- Complete the Application for Employment Authorization
- Submit the form, OPT extension fee, and supporting documentation electronically or by mail
- Answer any request for evidence from USCIS by the listed deadline
- Receive your approval
- You will also be expected to provide a copy of your STEM degree as supporting documentation.
Read also: What Are The Top 10 Easiest STEM Courses To Study In The US?
What Is The Duration For The STEM OPT Approval?
Submitting your STEM OPT approval should be done on time to receive the needed approval quickly. STEM OPT extension approval should take between 80-120 days. Although it formerly used to take about 90 days but the increase in the number of applications submitted has in turn increased the number of days it will take before approval is gotten.
Requirements after applying for STEM OPT Extension.
After you have gotten the STEM OPT extension, have it in mind to keep your Designated School Official (DSO) updated about any changes in the following information within 10 days:
- Legal name
- Residential or mailing address
- Email address
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s address
Furthermore, you must regularly report to your DSO every 6 months to ensure that the above information is up to date. The reporting requirement is necessary even if there is no change in your personal or employment information. When you fulfil these reporting obligations, you are ensuring that you comply with the STEM OPT extension program
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