The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved STEM field . ... Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.
What is STEM OPT eligibility?
Eligibility Criteria for the 24-month OPT extension
File the STEM OPT application with USCIS during the final 90 days of your post-completion OPT authorization period; and. Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) major within the last 10 years ...
What is OPT vs STEM OPT?
Post-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used after the student’s Program End Date. It must be full-time. 24-month (STEM) OPT Extension: For students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS. This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT.
How long is OPT for stem?
The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status. You must stop your employment when the end date on the EAD card is reached, but may remain in the US for a 60-day grace period. Some students may be eligible for an extension of OPT and F-1 status due to the Cap Gap Relief rules.
Should STEM OPT be paid?
Employment during STEM OPT must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan. Unpaid internships, volunteering, community service work, and unpaid research are not valid employment types on STEM OPT.
Does STEM OPT get rejected?
Normally, if your OPT/STEM OPT Extension is rejected, you must file a completely new application withUSCIS. If the application is rejected after your filing deadline (the end of the 60-day grace period for OPT; end of the OPT EAD for STEM OPT) refiling would normally be denied .
Is OPT only for stem?
The STEM OPT extension is only available to certain F-1 students who receive a qualifying degree in a STEM field at the bachelor’s level or higher from an accredited, SEVP-certified school. Students must be in their initial period of regular post-completion OPT to apply for the extension.
How long is unemployment for STEM OPT?
Unemployment. DHS allows STEM OPT students an additional 60 days of unemployment during the 24-month STEM OPT extension period. This is in addition to the 90-day maximum period of unemployment that students are allowed during the initial period of post-completion OPT.
How can you tell if a program is STEM?
Once the CIP classification of the degree is determined, an F-1 or OPT holder should look at the list of STEM-designated programs as of January 2015 and see if the CIP code of the degree is listed as a STEM-designated program.
How long can I stay in US after STEM OPT expires?
When you have completed your STEM OPT, you are permitted to remain in the United States for up to sixty calendar days from the end date of your STEM OPT period in order to prepare for departure. You are not permitted to continue employment during this period (unless authorized under the H-1 cap-gap benefit; see below).
Can I work without STEM OPT receipt?
If your STEM OPT is not approved within 180 days of your OPT expiration date, you must stop working . ... If you have not received your I-797 that indicates your STEM OPT is pending: F-1 regulations do not require a USCIS receipt nor that the case be in pending status to continue working.
Can I work for more than 40 hours on OPT?
There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.
Can you work remotely on STEM OPT?
According to the SEVP guidance, “Students currently participating in OPT, including STEM OPT, may work remotely if their employer has an office outside of the United States or the employer can assess student engagement using electronic means.
Can you work 2 jobs on OPT?
What employment is permitted under Post-Completion OPT? ... You may work for multiple employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire). In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined.
Do you need to get paid for OPT?
Does the job I have while on OPT have to be paid employment, or can it be unpaid? For the first 12 month period of Post-Completion OPT, the employment does not have to be paid employment . ... For the 24-Month STEM Extension, employment must be traditional paid employment.
Does stem OPT have to be full time?
Is part-time work acceptable? You may work less than full time , but you must work at least 20 hours per week during STEM OPT, except when you take leave under your employer’s standard leave policy.
