8 Fields of Study Added to US STEM OPT Extension List

STEM OPT is a program 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 program 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. In this article, we show eight fields of study that have been added to the US STEm Opt Extension list. 

What is a 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 higher 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. 

8 Fields of Study Added to US STEM OPT Extension List

1. Landscape Architecture: 

Landscape architecture is a STEM OPT program that prepares people for the professional practice of landscape architecture and the various fields within it. Additionally, the program includes studies of: 

• geology and hydrology, 
• soils, 
• groundcovers, and horticultural elements, 
• project and site planning, 
• landscape design, 
• history, and theory, environmental design, 
• applicable laws and regulations, and 
• professional responsibilities and standards.

2. Institutional Research: 

Institutional research is a STEM OPT program that prepares students for a career as institutional researchers at a postsecondary educational institution. Additionally, the program includes instruction in: 

• data analysis, 
• data-driven decision-making, 
• data mining, 
• higher education administration and organization, 
• research methods, and 
• statistics.

3. Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician: 

This is a STEM OPT program that teaches students how to make use of basic engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers in designing, developing, and evaluating autonomous, computer-controlled, electro-mechanical systems. Additionally, the program includes studies of: 

• computer and software engineering, 
• control engineering, 
• electronic and electrical engineering, 
• mechanical engineering, and 
• robotics.

4. Composite Materials Technology/Technician: 

This STEM OPT program is the study of how to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers in the development, manufacture, and use of composite materials in aircraft technology, boats, medical prostheses, and wind turbines. 

Additionally, the program includes studies of: 

• computer-aided design and drafting, 
• composite materials and processes, 
• composite maintenance, 
• composite manufacturing, 
• composite repair, 
• material science, and 
• mold manufacturing and production.

5. Linguistics and Computer Science: 

Linguistics and computer science are the study of the relationship between computers and human language and computational techniques applied to natural language. 

Additionally, the program includes studies of: 

• computer programming, 
• human languages, 
• linguistic analysis, 
• logic, 
• natural language processing, 
• semantics, 
• machine learning, 
• psycholinguistics, 
• software engineering, and 
• syntax.

6. Developmental and Adolescent Psychology: 

This  STEM OPT program focuses on the scientific study of the unique stages of psychological growth and development in humans from adolescence to adulthood. 

Additionally, the program includes studies in: 

• instruction in cognitive and perceptual development, 
• emotional development, 
• personality development, 
• the effects of biological maturation on behavior, 
• theories of cognitive growth and related research methods, 
• testing and assessment methods for different age levels, 
• Research on child and adolescent behavior therapy, and 
• the psychology of aging.

7. Geospatial Intelligence: 

This program teaches students how to analyze security and intelligence problems from a geographic perspective by relating human actions to cultural, political, economic, social, and physical landscapes. 

Additionally, the program includes studies in: 

• aerial photography analysis, 
• cartography, 
• Geographic information systems (GIS), 
• physical geography, 
• remote sensing, 
• spatial programming, and 
• quantitative methods in geographic research.

8. Demography and Population Studies: 

Demography and Population Studies is a program that uses the systematic study of population models and phenomena to solve problems that relate to social structure and behavior. 

Additionally, the program includes studies in: 

• population growth, 
• spatial distribution, 
• mortality and fertility factors, 
• migration, 
• dynamic population modeling, 
• population estimation and projection, 
• mathematical and statistical analysis of population data, 
• population policy studies, and 
• applications to problems in economics and government planning.

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. Note that 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 the STEM OPT extension. 

3. Past STEM Degrees

If you are currently engaging in the 12-month OPT program 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. 

How To Apply For The STEM OPT Extension

Note that only international students who studied STEM-related courses in school can apply for the OPT extension program, which 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. Additionally, 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 used to take about 90 days, the increase in the number of applications submitted has in turn increased the number of days it will take before approval is obtained. 

Requirements After Applying for the STEM OPT Extension.

After you have gotten the STEM OPT extension, keep 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 fulfill these reporting obligations, you are ensuring that you comply with the STEM OPT extension program

Start With Us

Want to start a career in the STEM field? Note that you must get a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in this field, as this helps to improve your chances in the labor market. Studying abroad is no joke for international students due to the cost. However, you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank by applying for student loans, which you can pay for as long as 10 years. 

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you get started. 

Read Also:

What you need to know about STEM OPT in the USA

These 5 STEM Skills are in Short Supply in Canada…

5 In-demand STEM Programs in Canada for International Students