Just Released
📅 November 2025

Visa Bulletin is Out!

Check your priority dates and filing information now

View Details →
Spanish
VisaVerge official logo in Light white color VisaVerge official logo in Light white color
  • Home
  • Airlines
  • H1B
  • Immigration
    • Knowledge
    • Questions
    • Documentation
  • News
  • Visa
    • Canada
    • F1Visa
    • Passport
    • Green Card
    • H1B
    • OPT
    • PERM
    • Travel
    • Travel Requirements
    • Visa Requirements
  • USCIS
  • Questions
    • Australia Immigration
    • Green Card
    • H1B
    • Immigration
    • Passport
    • PERM
    • UK Immigration
    • USCIS
    • Legal
    • India
    • NRI
  • Guides
    • Taxes
    • Legal
  • Tools
    • H-1B Maxout Calculator Online
    • REAL ID Requirements Checker tool
    • ROTH IRA Calculator Online
    • TSA Acceptable ID Checker Online Tool
    • H-1B Registration Checklist
    • Schengen Short-Stay Visa Calculator
    • H-1B Cost Calculator Online
    • USA Merit Based Points Calculator – Proposed
    • Canada Express Entry Points Calculator
    • New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Points Calculator
    • Resources Hub
    • Visa Photo Requirements Checker Online
    • I-94 Expiration Calculator Online
    • CSPA Age-Out Calculator Online
    • OPT Timeline Calculator Online
    • B1/B2 Tourist Visa Stay Calculator online
  • Schengen
VisaVergeVisaVerge
Search
Follow US
  • Home
  • Airlines
  • H1B
  • Immigration
  • News
  • Visa
  • USCIS
  • Questions
  • Guides
  • Tools
  • Schengen
© 2025 VisaVerge Network. All Rights Reserved.
F1Visa

Understanding STEM OPT’s Impact on F-1 Visa Status & OPT Extension

STEM OPT can positively impact your F-1 visa status by allowing you to extend your Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. This extension provides additional time to work in the United States and gain experience in STEM fields.

Last updated: July 18, 2025 8:16 pm
SHARE
VisaVerge.com
Key takeaways

STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) allows F-1 visa holders to work in their field for up to 36 months.
Eligibility includes a degree from a US institution, job offer from an E-Verify employer, and timely application.
Maintaining F-1 status on STEM OPT requires working at least 20 hours per week and reporting any changes to your DSO.

Understanding STEM OPT and Its Impact on F-1 Visa Status

International students in the United States often look forward to gaining some practical work experience in their field of study. The STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) program offers just that, by providing an opportunity for those holding an F-1 visa status to work in their field of study for a certain period after graduation. Here’s how STEM OPT influences your F-1 visa status and paves the way for an OPT extension:

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is an extension of the regular post-completion OPT. The regular OPT allows students with an F-1 visa to work for up to 12 months in their field of study. For those in STEM fields, the Department of Homeland Security provides the ability to apply for an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of practical training in the U.S.

Eligibility and Application for STEM OPT

To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you must:
– Hold a degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution in a qualifying STEM field.
– Be employed by or have a job offer from a company enrolled in the E-Verify program.
– Apply before your current OPT expiration.

Applying for STEM OPT includes submitting Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the required fee. For comprehensive guidelines, refer to the official USCIS STEM OPT page.

Understanding STEM OPT’s Impact on F-1 Visa Status & OPT Extension

How Does STEM OPT Affect F-1 Visa Status?

Once you obtain the STEM OPT extension, your F-1 visa status shifts from just a student to a student engaged in practical training. Although you are no longer attending classes, you are still considered to be maintaining your F-1 status as long as you comply with the STEM OPT regulations, which include:

  • Working at least 20 hours per week.
  • Reporting changes in employment or personal information to your Designated School Official (DSO).
  • Submitting a self-evaluation about your training experience to your educational institution.

Importantly, if your visa expires while you are on STEM OPT, you can still legally remain in the U.S. and work under the “cap-gap” provision until your OPT extension starts or until the H-1B visa (work visa) petition decision date.

Maintaining Legal F-1 Status on STEM OPT

To maintain your legal status during STEM OPT, it is crucial to:
– Stay employed with an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to your STEM field.
– Refrain from accruing more than 150 days of unemployment during the total OPT period.
– Report any changes to your DSO and update your Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”

Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in the loss of your F-1 status and potentially lead to deportation.

The Benefits of STEM OPT

One of the significant advantages of participating in the STEM OPT program is gaining extensive work experience in your field, which can enhance your resume and potentially lead to more substantial job offers. Additionally, the OPT extension can act as a valuable period wherein you can transition to a work visa like the H-1B. Having more time in the U.S. also allows you to establish a stronger network within your professional community.

Conclusion

STEM OPT provides F-1 visa holders with a remarkable opportunity to extend their stay in the United States and gain valuable work experience in their chosen field of study. It is important for students to fully understand the requirements to maintain legal status and make the most of their OPT extension. For detailed information and official guidance, always refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.

Staying informed, working closely with your DSO, and following the immigration regulations will ensure that you can utilize the STEM OPT to its full potential, setting a strong foundation for your career and future immigration endeavors.

So there you have it, my STEM-loving amigos! STEM OPT is like the golden ticket for international students on an F-1 visa. It’s a chance to gain work experience, extend your stay, and level up your career prospects. Just remember to follow the rules, stay employed, and keep that F-1 visa status intact. And hey, if you want to dive even deeper into the wonderfully complex world of visas, head over to visaverge.com for more awesome info! You won’t regret it, promise.

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What is STEM OPT and how does it differ from regular OPT?

STEM OPT is an extension of the regular Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 visa holders in the United States. While regular OPT allows for 12 months of work experience in the field of study, STEM OPT provides an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of practical training. STEM OPT is specifically designed for students graduating from accredited U.S. educational institutions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

FAQ 2: How can I apply for STEM OPT and what are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you must have a degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution in a qualifying STEM field, be employed by or have a job offer from a company enrolled in the E-Verify program, and apply before your current OPT expiration. The application process involves submitting Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the required fee.

FAQ 3: How does STEM OPT impact F-1 visa status and what are the requirements for maintaining legal status?

STEM OPT shifts your F-1 visa status from being purely a student to being a student engaged in practical training. To maintain legal status, you must work at least 20 hours per week, report changes in employment or personal information to your Designated School Official (DSO), and submit a self-evaluation about your training experience to your educational institution. It is important to stay employed with an E-Verify employer, avoid exceeding 150 days of unemployment during the total OPT period, and report any changes to your DSO and update your Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students). Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in the loss of your F-1 status and potential deportation.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

  1. What is the maximum duration of practical training allowed under the STEM OPT program?
    a) 12 months
    b) 24 months
    c) 36 months
    d) 48 months

  2. Which of the following is NOT an eligibility requirement for applying for the STEM OPT extension?
    a) Holding a degree from a US educational institution in a qualifying STEM field
    b) Being employed by an E-Verify enrolled company
    c) Having a job offer in a non-STEM field
    d) Applying before the current OPT expiration

  3. How many days of unemployment can an F-1 visa holder on STEM OPT accrue during the total OPT period?
    a) 30 days
    b) 60 days
    c) 90 days
    d) 150 days

Share This Article
Facebook Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Copy Link Print
What do you think?
Happy0
Sad0
Angry0
Embarrass0
Surprise0
Jim Grey
ByJim Grey
Senior Editor
Follow:
Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
U.S. Visa Invitation Letter Guide with Sample Letters
Visa

U.S. Visa Invitation Letter Guide with Sample Letters

U.S. Re-entry Requirements After International Travel
Knowledge

U.S. Re-entry Requirements After International Travel

Opening a Bank Account in the UK for US Citizens: A Guide for Expats
Knowledge

Opening a Bank Account in the UK for US Citizens: A Guide for Expats

Guide to Filling Out the Customs Declaration Form 6059B in the US
Travel

Guide to Filling Out the Customs Declaration Form 6059B in the US

How to Get a B-2 Tourist Visa for Your Parents
Guides

How to Get a B-2 Tourist Visa for Your Parents

How to Fill Form I-589: Asylum Application Guide
Guides

How to Fill Form I-589: Asylum Application Guide

Visa Requirements and Documents for Traveling to Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Knowledge

Visa Requirements and Documents for Traveling to Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Renew Indian Passport in USA: Step-by-Step Guide
Knowledge

Renew Indian Passport in USA: Step-by-Step Guide

You Might Also Like

Chicago Scholars Warn of ‘Viewpoint Discrimination’ in Student Policies
F1Visa

Chicago Scholars Warn of ‘Viewpoint Discrimination’ in Student Policies

By Robert Pyne
Is an e Passport Mandatory for Indian Citizens? What You Should Know
India

Is an e Passport Mandatory for Indian Citizens? What You Should Know

By Sai Sankar
U.S. Talent at Crossroads: International Students Face Slowdown in August 2025
Job Search

U.S. Talent at Crossroads: International Students Face Slowdown in August 2025

By Sai Sankar
Judge Orders Deportation of Nigerian Man Married to Elderly Canadian Woman
Canada

Judge Orders Deportation of Nigerian Man Married to Elderly Canadian Woman

By Oliver Mercer
Show More
VisaVerge official logo in Light white color VisaVerge official logo in Light white color
Facebook Twitter Youtube Rss Instagram Android

About US


At VisaVerge, we understand that the journey of immigration and travel is more than just a process; it’s a deeply personal experience that shapes futures and fulfills dreams. Our mission is to demystify the intricacies of immigration laws, visa procedures, and travel information, making them accessible and understandable for everyone.

Trending
  • Canada
  • F1Visa
  • Guides
  • Legal
  • NRI
  • Questions
  • Situations
  • USCIS
Useful Links
  • History
  • Holidays 2025
  • LinkInBio
  • My Feed
  • My Saves
  • My Interests
  • Resources Hub
  • Contact USCIS
VisaVerge

2025 © VisaVerge. All Rights Reserved.

  • About US
  • Community Guidelines
  • Contact US
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Ethics Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
wpDiscuz
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?