OPT and STEM OPT for F-1 Students

What is it?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the US in a job directly related to their major field of study. Standard OPT is 12 months and is available pre-completion or post-completion of a degree. STEM OPT is a 24-month extension available to students who graduate with a qualifying STEM degree and work for an E-Verify employer, giving up to 36 months of total OPT.

Who needs it?

F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and want to gain work experience related to their degree. STEM OPT extension requires a degree in a qualifying STEM field (the DHS STEM list) and an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

Required Documents

• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• I-20 with DSO OPT recommendation dated within 30 days
• Copy of passport, visa, and I-94
• Two passport-style photos
• SEVIS fee payment receipt (for initial OPT only)
• For STEM OPT extension: Form I-983 (Training Plan) signed by employer, evidence of qualifying STEM degree, E-Verify company ID

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the OPT application window: must apply no earlier than 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after
• Working before the EAD card arrives — even 1 day early is unauthorized employment
• Working in a job not related to the degree field
• STEM OPT employers not enrolled in E-Verify — disqualifies the extension
• Not filing STEM OPT extension before OPT EAD expires — 180-day automatic extension only applies if filed on time
• Exceeding the 90-day unemployment limit during OPT period

Approval Tips

• Apply as early as allowed (90 days before graduation) — USCIS takes 3–5 months
• Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully — exceeding it violates F-1 status
• For STEM OPT, submit Form I-983 with the employer before filing I-765
• Students can do up to 12 months of pre-completion OPT, but it reduces post-completion OPT
• Start the H-1B lottery process during OPT — cap-gap provision bridges OPT to H-1B if selected