17-Month OPT STEM Extension
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related programs gained national attention when they became a presidential priority. STEM graduates are key to innovation and job creation.
Students who graduate with a STEM degree are eligible to remain in the United States for an additional 17 months on an Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension.
You may qualify for an additional 17 months of OPT under the following circumstances:
- Your degree for your current period of post-completion OPT is a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in a STEM program listed here
- The employer from which you are seeking work uses the E-Verify Program
- You have not already received a 17-month extension of OPT
Once approved, your Designated School Official (DSO) will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows a recommendation for this employment on page three.
To apply for work authorization, you must electronically file a Form I-765 with USCIS and pay a filing fee. USCIS will send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approving your petition.
If your EAD for OPT expires, you may continue to work for up to 180 days while your 17-month extension is still pending, if you meet the following conditions:
- You are currently in a period of post-completion OPT
- You properly filed your application for the 17-month extension with USCIS in a timely manner
Remember, you must report any changes to your name, address, employer or loss of employment to your DSO within 10 days.
