Body
Recipients of a Bachelor’s, or Master’s, in a field listed on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM-Designated Degree Program List, and who are currently on post-completion F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT Extension.
The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List is organized based on CIP Codes. F-1 Students can find their current program CIP code in the Program Information section on page 1 of the Form I-20.
To qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Currently working in your major field of study on authorized post-completion OPT
- Most recently earned degree must be a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field on the DHS STEM-Designated Degree Programs List OR for eligibility based on a previous STEM degree, the degree must have been earned within the last 10 years at an accredited institution in the U.S.
- Employed/have a position offer from an employer registered in the DHS E-Verify Program; STEM OPT Extension restricts work to E-Verify employer only
- Able to complete the Form I-983 Training Plan with your employer (all employers, if you have multiple)
- Accumulated no more than 90 days of unemployment during the current post-completion OPT authorization
- Employment during the 24-month STEM OPT Extension must be directly related to your MassArt major field of study and the STEM degree in which you qualify for the extension
- Have not previously received more than one STEM OPT extension in total and have not yet received an extension under the qualifying STEM degree
- Be within 90 days of the end of the current OPT benefit period
IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all employers are certified for E-Verify; please check with your current employer to ensure they are E-Verify before assuming you are eligible to continue work with that employer while on the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.
CHECK IF EMPLOYER IS E-VERIFY – Even if your employer appears on this listing we strongly recommend you also contact your employer directly to confirm they are an E-Verify employer.
STEM OPT applications must be received by USCIS before your current OPT authorization/EAD card expires. Failure to comply with this deadline will result in loss of the entire STEM OPT Extension benefit.
-
We recommend you begin preparing STEM Extension documents and request a new I-20 from us approximately 3 ½ -4 months prior to the expiration of your EAD card.
-
You may submit your application for STEM OPT Extension to USCIS no earlier than 90 days prior to the expiration date of your current OPT authorization/EAD card.
-
The 24-month STEM OPT Extension begins the day after the approved OPT end date printed on your current Employment Authorization (EAD) card.
-
Employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days if the STEM Extension application remains pending after the current OPT EAD expires.
- The 180 days counts from the end date of your initial 12-month OPT.
- This allows for continued employment at the STEM OPT employer while the application is pending. However, traveling outside the U.S. while your EAD is pending is not recommended
Disclaimer: Please note, these directions are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on your OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the OPT applicant, to ensure that your OPT application is accurate and complete before you submit it to USCIS. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. MassArt shall not be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT application.