OPT STEM Extension

OPT STEM Extension

OPT STEM Extension

STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension allows F-1 students to work up to an additional 24 months (2 years) after completing Post-Completion OPT. STEM OPT only applies to certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors.

Eligibility Requirements

You must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Please note that you may be eligible use a prior STEM degree earned in the U.S. for this requirement; to use a prior STEM degree, you must

  • Have received your most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM-related) from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the U.S.
  • Have received your prior, qualifying STEM degree in the U.S. within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension.

The qualifying STEM degree must be on the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application (rather than at the time you received the degree).

  • Students should check the code listed under “Primary Major” on the third page of their Form I-20, and check it against the CIP Code column of the STEM Designated Degree Programs List.
  • You must be currently on F-1 status and participating in a 12-month period of OPT working for a U.S. employer in a job directly related to your major area of study.
  • A Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Center of Rowan University must recommend the 24-month OPT extension in SEVIS after reviewing your request.
  • The employer must agree to report the termination or departure of the STEM OPT employee to the International Center within 48 hours if it is prior to the end of the authorized period of OPT.

Being employed by Rowan University is not permitted for students while on STEM OPT Extension. To be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, the student's employer must be registered in E-Verify and must use the system to verify all new employees. While Rowan University is registered in the E-Verify system, the University does not use the system to verify all new employees, only those that are working on a Federal Contract. This means that Rowan does not permit individuals to work at the University using a STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document as proof of US Work Authorization. This is not an IC policy but rather a Rowan University Human Resources matter. Please direct any questions to Rowan University Human Resources at hr@rowan.edu. 

Employment Requirements

  • Student must have a job offer from an employer registered with the E-Verify employment verification system at the time of application for the OPT extension. It is your responsibility to ensure your employer is registered with E-Verify.
  • Employment has to be paid. Volunteer/unpaid work or self-employment is not permitted.
  • Multiple employers are allowed as long as the student is working for more than 20 hours for each employer.
  • At least 20 hours per week
  • Directly related to field of study and appropriate to degree level obtained, not a previous degree
  • The job must provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.
  • Student must be able to complete the I-983 Training Plan with your employer.

Application Period

  • You can apply as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT EAD card expiration date.
    • As long as the student files on time, Employment can be continued while the 24 months OPT STEM extension application is pending until a final decision from USCIS.
  • The application must be received by USCIS before the OPT completion end date and USCIS can take up to 90 days to issue the EAD card.

Travel While on STEM OPT

  • Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension is pending) may travel abroad and seek reentry to the United States in F-1 status during the STEM OPT extension period if they have a valid F-1 visa that permits multiple entries and a current Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months. 

Application Process

Please log in to Terra Dotta to view step-by-step instructions for the application process and to submit your STEM Extension OPT request.

Reporting Requirements

  • During the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you must report to a DSO within 10 days of any change of the following: legal name, residential or mailing address, employer name, employer address, and/or loss of employment, new employer, adding second employer, leaving the employment or the country. Note:
    • If you decide to leave the US and abandon your OPT, you must notify the IC. You may not be unemployed for a cumulative period of more than 150 days total for post-completion and OPT Extension.
  • The student must also submit a completed Six Month Validation Report Form, via Terra Dotta, to the DSO every six months starting from the date the 24-month extension begins and ending when the student's F-1 status ends, the student changes educational levels at the same school, the student transfers to another school, or the 24-month OPT extension ends, whichever is first. This report must be made by the student, and SEVIS updated by the DSO, even if the student's employment has not changed.
  • Submit Form I-983 completed by the student and employer twice to Rowan International Center. The first assessment is at 12 months after the STEM EAD card begins. Final evaluation is at the end.
  • Your employer must report the termination or departure of a STEM OPT student to the DSO at the student's school, within five business days of the student's termination or departure.
  • Submit a new form I-983 completed and signed by your new employer to the IC within TEN days of beginning the new employment.
  • 24-month STEM extension can be used twice in an academic career.
  • OPT authorization ends if the 24-month extension is denied. Students have a 60-day grace period to leave the country. Students have the same grace period if the OPT ends and they simply decide to leave the country.
  • For more information about STEM OPT Reporting Requirements, please visit the Study in the States F-1 STEM OPT Extension webpage.

Additional Resources

STEM OPT Hub (DHS Study in the States)
Final STEM OPT Rule (Effective May 10, 2016)
USCIS' webpage on the 24-month STEM OPT extension
Employer Reporting Requirements (DHS Study in the States)