STEM OPT Extension Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Office of International Services (2024)

FAQs

What is the acceptance rate for STEM OPT extension? ›

QUESTION 4: On average 97% of I765 OPT STEM extensions were approved in fiscal years 2015-2019.

What are common, avoidable reasons for STEM OPT Extension rejections or denials? Reason 1: USCIS received Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after OPT EAD end date. If USCIS receives the student's STEM OPT Extension application after their OPT EAD end, their STEM OPT Extension application will be denied.

Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

f your STEM OPT application is timely filed (i.e. USCIS received your complete application within 90 days prior to your EAD expiration date), your OPT employment authorization will be automatically extended for up to 180 days, until USCIS makes a decision on your application.

I am applying/on a STEM OPT Extension (OPTX). How many total days of unemployment am I allowed? Students who receive a 24-month STEM OPT Extension are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT period.

60 Day Grace Period After Program Completion:

According to the F-1 regulations, you have a 60-day grace period from the program completion date on your I-20 to stay in the US, transfer to a new school, apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) work benefit, or apply to change your visa status.

60-Day Grace Period

When you have completed your STEM OPT, you are permitted to remain in the United States for up to sixty calendar days from the end date of your STEM OPT period in order to prepare for departure.

If your OPT expires, but you are in a valid 60-day grace period on April 1^st, your employer can still file an H-1B petition on your behalf and you can legally stay in the U.S. (extension of duration of status) until you receive official notification about the status of your case from USCIS, but you are not eligible to ...

How Many Times Can I Get a STEM Extension? Twice, if your second application is based on earning a new degree at a higher level. You must first do a full year of 12-month OPT, then apply for the STEM extension.

You can continue working & travel

Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. The USCIS receipt notice is documentation of the extended authorization. You can travel during your pending or approved STEM OPT extension period.

Is there premium processing for stem OPT extension? ›

Beginning March 6, 2023, we began phasing in premium processing for F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions. As of April 3, 2023, all pending and initial Form I-765 petitions filed by F-1 students in these categories are eligible to request premium processing.

There are no minimum salary requirements for OPT, either type. However, when you apply for the H-1, the employer must prove the job is a professional level position that requires at least a bachelor's degree.

The new rule allows STEM OPT students a maximum of 150 days of unemployment during their entire post-completion OPT period – 90 days for the initial 12-month grant and an additional 60 days once granted a STEM extension.

You may work for more than one employer on STEM OPT, but each employment occurrence must be related to your stem STEM field of study, and must be for at least 20 hours per week. Each separate STEM OPT employer must provide an I-983 Training Plan.

If your I-20 has not yet expired and your OPT application was rejected due to errors in the materials submitted, you can reapply for OPT. It is crucial to submit your new application within 30 days of the denial letter, ensuring that the materials are complete and meet the required standards.

How Many Times Can I Get a STEM Extension? Twice, if your second application is based on earning a new degree at a higher level. You must first do a full year of 12-month OPT, then apply for the STEM extension.

There are no minimum salary requirements for OPT, either type. However, when you apply for the H-1, the employer must prove the job is a professional level position that requires at least a bachelor's degree.

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

You can continue working & travel

Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. The USCIS receipt notice is documentation of the extended authorization.