STEM OPT-Eligiblity
Am I eligible?
You must:
- Currently be on Post-Completion OPT
- Hold a degree listed on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List (Not sure? Contact your IO advisor)
- Have a paid job or job offer from an employer enrolled in E-Verify
- Work 20+ hours/week in a position directly related to your field of study. You may work for multiple employers, but each job must be 20+ hours/week, paid, and at an E-Verify employer.
- Apply before your current Post-Completion period of OPT expires.
Your employer must:
- Be enrolled in E-Verify and have a Federal Employer Identification Number
- Complete and agree to their sections of the Training Plan Form I-983
Can I apply for STEM OPT more than once?
Potentially. You are eligible for STEM OPT after the completion of a STEM-eligible degree and period of Post-Completion OPT. If you complete another STEM-eligible degree at a higher academic level, you may apply again.
Can I apply based on a previous STEM-eligible degree?
Potentially. If you earned a previous STEM-eligible degree in the U.S. within the last ten years, and your current degree is not STEM-eligible, you may be able to apply for the STEM OPT extension. Please contact your IO advisor for more information.