Students who have received a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a 24 month extension on their OPT. This is a once in a lifetime extension that is approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Once approved, an Employment Authorization Document or EAD card will be issued which shows the dates the student is eligible to work in the United States. For more detailed information visit the U.S. Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students.
- STEM OPT Information Packet and Application
- I-765 Form (If you do not have Adobe, you can download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- G-1145 Form
Visit Travel on OPT for information if you plan to travel outside the U.S. and then re-enter.
International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.
Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.
Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.