Key Takeaways
• STEM OPT students face a 150-day unemployment cap; exceeding risks visa termination and deportation.
• ICE began strict employment status checks on STEM OPT students in May 2025, increasing visa risks.
• STEM OPT requires F-1 visa, E-Verify employer, 20+ weekly work hours, and timely reporting.
International Students on STEM OPT Face New Hurdles in the U.S. Job Market
A recent incident has brought renewed attention to the growing difficulties international students face in the United States 🇺🇸 job market, especially those on the STEM OPT program. On May 28, 2025, a UX/Product Designer shared on Reddit that their job offer was withdrawn after the employer learned about their visa status. This individual, who had already been laid off two months earlier, now faces a tight deadline—just three weeks left before reaching the 150-day unemployment limit allowed under STEM OPT rules. If they cannot secure new employment, they may be forced to leave the United States 🇺🇸.
This story is not unique. Many international graduates with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) backgrounds are finding it harder to secure and keep jobs, even though their skills are in high demand. The situation is made worse by recent changes in how U.S. immigration authorities enforce visa rules, leaving many students anxious about their future.
What Is STEM OPT and Why Is It Important?
STEM OPT is a program that lets international students who have completed a degree in a STEM field stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 24 months after their regular Optional Practical Training (OPT) period ends. This extension is meant to give students more time to gain work experience and help U.S. employers fill jobs that require technical skills.
To qualify for STEM OPT, students must:
- Be on an F-1 student visa and have completed a degree in a STEM field
- Already be working under regular OPT
- Apply for the STEM OPT extension during the last 90 days of their regular OPT period
- Have a paid job or job offer for at least 20 hours per week with an employer enrolled in E-Verify (a system that checks if employees are allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸)
- Complete and sign Form I-983 with their employer, which outlines their training plan
If a student earns another STEM degree at a higher level in the future, they may be able to apply for another 24-month STEM OPT extension.
For more details on eligibility and the application process, students can visit the official USCIS STEM OPT page.
How Do Students Apply for STEM OPT?
The application process for STEM OPT is strict and requires careful attention to detail. Students must:
- File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with the correct fee
- Provide their employer’s name as listed in E-Verify and the E-Verify Company Identification Number
- Submit a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) that has been signed by their Designated School Official (DSO) within the last 60 days
- Include a copy of their STEM degree
If a student applies on time and their regular OPT ends while the STEM OPT application is still being processed, their work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days.
Unemployment Limits and Visa Status Risks
One of the most important rules for students on OPT and STEM OPT is the limit on unemployment. Students can only be unemployed for a total of 150 days—90 days during regular OPT and an extra 60 days during STEM OPT. If a student goes over this limit, their SEVIS record (the official record of their visa status) can be terminated, and they may have to leave the United States 🇺🇸.
This rule puts a lot of pressure on students, especially in a tough job market. If they lose a job or have a job offer withdrawn, the clock starts ticking. They must find new work quickly or risk losing their visa status.
Recent Policy Changes and Stricter Enforcement
ICE Steps Up Checks on STEM OPT Students
In May 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began checking the employment status of STEM OPT students more closely. Over the past two months, many students have reported that their visa status was terminated after ICE found missing or outdated employer information in their SEVIS records. Some students received letters warning that their SEVIS records would be closed and that removal (deportation) proceedings could start if they could not prove they were working.
These letters often target students whose SEVIS records do not show a current employer. ICE considers these students unemployed and checks if they have gone over the 150-day unemployment limit.
Immigration lawyer Bohyun Song told The Korea Daily that this is a big change from how things were handled before. In the past, if a student lost a job during the first 90 days of OPT, their visa status was usually not affected unless they had problems during future visa applications. Now, ICE is acting much faster and more strictly.
January 2025 Rule Updates
On January 13, 2025, a new rule took effect that affects some students who file for renewal of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) on time. At the same time, the Biden administration made changes to several visa programs, including J-1, H-1B, and F-1, to make it easier for U.S. employers to hire and keep foreign STEM workers and students. However, these changes have not always made things easier for students in practice.
Reporting Requirements: Staying Compliant
To keep their visa status, STEM OPT students must follow strict reporting rules:
- Report any changes to their personal or employer information to their DSO within 10 days
- Confirm their information with their DSO every 6 months, even if nothing has changed
- Submit employment reports through their school’s system as required
If students do not keep their SEVIS records up to date, they risk having their visa status terminated. ICE now checks employment status in real time, so mistakes or delays can have serious consequences.
The Human Impact: Real Stories from the Job Market
The recent case of the UX/Product Designer is just one example of the stress and uncertainty facing international students on STEM OPT. Many students say that employers stop responding to them after learning about their visa status. Others say that hiring processes take too long, putting them at risk of going over the unemployment limit.
Some students consider enrolling in Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs as a last resort to keep their visa status. However, these programs are not always available in time, and using them just to stay in the country can create other problems.
Why Are Employers Hesitant?
Employers sometimes hesitate to hire STEM OPT students because:
- They may not understand the rules and worry about paperwork or legal risks
- They may prefer to hire someone who does not need visa sponsorship
- They may be concerned about the student’s ability to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 long-term
This makes it even harder for international students to find jobs, even when they have skills that are in high demand.
The Bigger Picture: Policy vs. Practice
The United States 🇺🇸 has long tried to attract and keep talented STEM graduates from around the world. The STEM OPT program is supposed to help by giving students more time to work and contribute to the economy. However, the strict rules and recent enforcement actions are making it harder for students to stay and work.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the gap between policy goals and real-world outcomes is growing. While the government says it wants to keep foreign STEM talent, many students feel that the system is stacked against them.
What Should STEM OPT Holders Do Now?
For students on STEM OPT, it is more important than ever to:
- Keep SEVIS records updated with accurate employer information
- Report any job changes or unemployment to their DSO right away
- Track unemployment days carefully to avoid going over the 150-day limit
- Consult with their DSO or an immigration lawyer if they are close to the unemployment limit or have questions about their options
If a student is laid off or loses a job offer, they should:
- Start looking for new work immediately
- Make sure any new job meets the STEM OPT requirements (paid, at least 20 hours per week, with an E-Verify employer)
- Update their SEVIS record as soon as they start a new job
If a student is close to the unemployment limit and cannot find a new job, they may need to consider other options, such as:
- Enrolling in a new degree program to return to F-1 student status
- Applying for a different type of visa, if eligible
- Leaving the United States 🇺🇸 before their status expires to avoid problems with future visa applications
Implications for Stakeholders
For International Students
- Increased stress and uncertainty: Students must constantly monitor their visa status and job situation.
- Limited job opportunities: Some employers avoid hiring students who need visa sponsorship or have complicated paperwork.
- Risk of removal: Missing a reporting deadline or going over the unemployment limit can lead to loss of status and possible removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
For Employers
- Confusion about rules: Many employers do not fully understand the STEM OPT program or the reporting requirements.
- Missed talent: Companies may lose out on skilled workers because of misunderstandings or fear of paperwork.
- Need for better information: Employers should educate themselves about the benefits and requirements of hiring STEM OPT students.
For Schools and DSOs
- Increased workload: DSOs must help students keep their records up to date and answer questions about changing rules.
- Need for clear communication: Schools should provide regular updates and training for both students and employers.
For Policymakers
- Balancing security and talent retention: The government must find ways to enforce visa rules without driving away skilled workers.
- Reviewing enforcement practices: Policymakers should consider if current enforcement actions match the country’s goals of attracting STEM talent.
Looking Ahead: What Might Change?
The recent increase in enforcement actions suggests that the government will continue to watch STEM OPT students closely. Even though the Biden administration made changes in January 2025 to help foreign STEM workers, the reality for many students is still challenging.
International students and their supporters are calling for:
- Clearer rules and guidance for both students and employers
- More flexibility in unemployment limits, especially during tough job markets
- Better communication between government agencies, schools, and employers
Practical Steps for STEM OPT Holders
If you are a STEM OPT holder, here are some steps you can take right now:
- Check your SEVIS record to make sure all information is correct and up to date.
- Keep copies of all job offers, employment letters, and pay stubs.
- Report any changes in your job or personal information to your DSO within 10 days.
- Track your unemployment days carefully and set reminders for key deadlines.
- Talk to your DSO or an immigration lawyer if you have any questions or concerns.
Where to Find More Information
For official guidance on STEM OPT rules, eligibility, and reporting requirements, visit the USCIS STEM OPT page.
You can also find the latest version of Form I-765 and instructions for applying for employment authorization.
Conclusion
The STEM OPT program is a valuable pathway for international students to gain work experience and contribute to the United States 🇺🇸 economy. However, recent enforcement actions, strict rules, and a tough job market are making it harder for students to stay and work. By staying informed, keeping records up to date, and seeking help when needed, STEM OPT holders can improve their chances of success. Employers, schools, and policymakers also have important roles to play in making the system work better for everyone involved.
Learn Today
STEM OPT → A 24-month extension allowing F-1 students in STEM fields to work after regular OPT ends.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System; tracks visa status and employment details for international students.
E-Verify → A U.S. government system employers use to confirm workers’ legal right to work in the country.
Form I-983 → Training plan form STEM OPT students complete with employers detailing job and learning objectives.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → Official document allowing eligible noncitizens to work legally in the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
International students in STEM OPT encounter growing hurdles amid strict enforcement and a tight job market. Staying compliant with visa rules and keeping SEVIS updated is crucial to avoid losing work authorization and facing possible deportation.
— By VisaVerge.com
