Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extension

One of the most valuable opportunities for international students who graduate from US universities is the ability to work legally in the United States after graduation through a program called Optional Practical Training (OPT).

What Is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period of temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work in the US in a job directly related to their major field of study. OPT is authorized for a total of 12 months, and you can use it either before graduation (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT). Most students use OPT after graduation to gain work experience and potentially transition to a work visa.

The STEM OPT Extension

Students who graduate with a degree in a qualifying STEM field are eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing total OPT eligibility to 36 months. To qualify, you must have a degree in a qualifying STEM field, have a job offer from an E-Verify registered employer, and work in a role directly related to your STEM field of study.

How to Apply for OPT

  1. Request an OPT recommendation from your DSO. You can apply up to 90 days before your graduation date.
  2. Your DSO will update your SEVIS record and issue you a new I-20 with an OPT recommendation.
  3. Submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to USCIS with the required fee (currently $410) and supporting documents.
  4. Upon approval (typically 3–5 months), you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
  5. You may begin working once your OPT start date arrives and you have received your EAD card.

Important OPT Rules

  • You must apply before your program end date
  • You have a 60-day grace period after your program end date, but you cannot work during this period unless your OPT has already started
  • You must report your employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting work
  • You may not be unemployed for more than 90 days total during standard OPT (or 150 days including the STEM extension)

From OPT to a Work Visa

Many international graduates use OPT as a bridge to an H-1B work visa. The H-1B is a non-immigrant work visa for specialty occupations that requires sponsorship from a US employer. The H-1B lottery opens each April and is highly competitive. STEM OPT's 36-month period gives STEM graduates more chances to apply in the H-1B lottery while legally employed.