STEM OPT
A 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for graduates of DHS-designated STEM programs - giving you up to 3 years of work authorization and up to 3 shots at the H-1B lottery.
A 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for graduates of DHS-designated STEM programs - giving you up to 3 years of work authorization and up to 3 shots at the H-1B lottery.
At a glance
Yes - E-Verify employer
No (STEM OPT itself)
Indirect
Low
3–5 months (no premium)
4+ roles
Ideal candidates
Overview
Understanding this pathway
STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students who earned a qualifying degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Stacked on top of the standard 12-month OPT, it provides up to 36 months of work authorization - enough to enter the H-1B lottery up to three times, or to build the record needed for O-1 or EB-2 NIW. The employer must be enrolled and in good standing with E-Verify, and both parties must execute a Form I-983 Training Plan.
Who it's for
F-1 students currently in valid post-completion OPT who earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral STEM degree from an accredited, SEVP-certified institution and work for an E-Verify employer.
Why it exists
To retain STEM talent educated in the U.S. and give employers more time to sponsor long-term work visas or green cards.
In practice
A merit-based route built for real careers, not lotteries.
Key benefits
Why founders and specialists choose it
24 extra months
Up to 36 months of total OPT - three years of runway.
Three lottery chances
Enter the H-1B cap-subject lottery up to three times.
180-day auto-extension
If filed on time, you stay work-authorized while USCIS adjudicates.
Change employers
Move to a new E-Verify employer with a fresh I-983 training plan.
Bridge to O-1 / NIW
Build a record - publications, launches, patents - for stronger next-step visas.
Prior STEM degree counts
You can sometimes use a previously earned STEM degree for the extension even during a non-STEM OPT.
Fit check
Is this the right path for you?
This pathway is designed with specific profiles in mind. If any of these describe you, it's worth a deeper look.
Self-assessment
Eligibility requirements
Tick what applies to you
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Paper trail
Documents you'll gather
Tick what you've gathered
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Timeline
Your journey, mapped
Step 1 of 6
Eligibility Check
Confirm your degree CIP code and employer's E-Verify status.
Step 2 of 6
I-983 Preparation
Work with your employer to complete the Training Plan.
Step 3 of 6
DSO Recommendation
DSO updates SEVIS and issues a new I-20 (1–2 weeks).
Step 4 of 6
USCIS Filing
File Form I-765 within 60 days of the SEVIS update.
Step 5 of 6
Decision
3–5 months typical (no premium processing available).
Step 6 of 6
Ongoing Compliance
Report changes within 10 days; check in with DSO every 6 months.
Investment
What it costs
Transparent pricing
No surprises, just clarity on what you're investing in.
Form I-765 Filing Fee
$470
Paper filing; online may vary.
Attorney Fees
$0 – $1,500
Often unnecessary if your DSO is experienced.
Documents & Shipping
$50 – $200
Photos, certified mail, printing.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Related pathways
If this isn't the right fit, explore…
Cap-Exempt H-1B
The H-1B, without the March lottery - available through universities, university-affiliated nonprofits, and government or nonprofit research organizations, year-round.
ExploreO-1 Visa
A merit-based nonimmigrant visa recognizing sustained achievement across sciences, business, education, athletics, arts, film, or television - no annual cap, no lottery.
ExploreDay 1 CPT
Curricular Practical Training authorized from day one of a qualifying graduate program - a bridge when OPT runs out or the H-1B lottery doesn't hit. Legitimate, but scrutinized.
ExploreNext step
Ready to explore STEM OPT?
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