• ✓ Are currently participating in a regular period of OPT (Received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree)
  • ✓ Are an F-1 student who received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF),
  • ✓ Are employed by an employer who is enrolled in and is using E-Verify
  • ✓ Have completed and signed the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”
  • ✓ For more information about the specific eligibility requirements for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, please visit the STEM OPT Hub on Study in the States.
  • ✓ If you are interested in applying for a STEM OPT extension, please see USCIS Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page for more information.

Note: You may continue to work on your expired EAD for OPT up to 180 days while your 24-month extension petition is pending if you meet the following conditions:

  • You are currently in a period of post-completion OPT.
  • You properly and in a timely manner filed your application for the 24-month extension with USCIS.

Eligibility and When to Apply

Authorization for OPT is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and can take at least 90 days to obtain. You may apply up to 90 days before your program ends date listed on your I-20 or within your 60-day grace period. Please note, the later you apply the more likely it is you will lose OPT work time. OPT has to be completed within 14 months of your program ends date.

Eligibility Requirements, to be eligible to apply for OPT, you must:

  • Have been in full-time student status for at least one full academic year.
  • Maintain a valid F-1 status at the time of the application.
  • Intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.
  • Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for OPT.

You must:

  • Request that your designated school official (DSO) recommend the OPT. Your DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for