The STEM OPT Extension is one of the most integral parts of the U.S. work authorization process for international students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. For many students, completing a degree in one of these fields opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the United States; however, visa and work permit requirements can be complex when attempting to work on a long-term basis. All related facts about the STEM OPT Extension are addressed, including timelines, processing times, eligibility requirements, and the best time to apply for this extension.
What is STEM OPT?
STEM OPT is an abbreviation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training. After the successful graduation of international students, they are allowed to stay in the United States for 12 months to work under the OPT program. The U.S. government also provides an extension of 24 months to anyone who has a degree in the STEM field, which is called the STEM OPT Extension. This is to give more time to students for practical experience and get into long-term employment since some companies may sponsor H1B visas.
The total period of work authorization is up to 36 months—12 months under regular OPT and an additional 24 months through the STEM OPT Extension timeline. That is what makes the program particularly valuable for students looking to build a robust career foundation in the U.S.
Requirements for the STEM OPT Extension
Students who are applying for the STEM OPT Extension have to meet the eligibility criteria. For the approval of the STEM OPT Extension, students have to fulfill all these requirements.
- Eligible Degree: The student has to earn his or her degree in a specific field, and the institution awarding this degree should be certified by the SEVP. The degree falls on the DHS-approved list of STEM fields.
- Employer Compliance: The employer that offers the job must be enrolled in the E-Verify program to determine electronically whether an employee is authorized to work in the U.S. The job offered shall also directly relate to a STEM degree conferred to a student.
- Form I-983: The student and his employer have to fill in a Form I-983 that, being an official training plan on which students of the STEM OPT program rely for practical training, describes how the employer will train and what the student already knows.
- Unemployment Laws: In the 24-month STEM OPT extension, students are allowed to have an extra 60 days of unemployment. In total, 150 days of unemployment are allowed during that period which includes 90 days during the regular OPT and 60 days during the extension period.
- Prior OPT Participation: Before one can apply for the STEM OPT Extension period, the student has to be undergoing an active OPT period. In other words, the request cannot be made when the student’s regular OPT period is over.
When to apply for STEM OPT extension
Application timing for the STEM OPT Extension critical is because the application should be made prior to the expiry of the existing OPT period. In ideal circumstances, students should apply 90 days to the expiration of their current OPT but not before that date. There will be no lapses in work authorization this way. Applying too late may mean an applicant losing his or her eligibility to work, while dates that are sooner than ideal may not be taken.
He or she is allowed to continue working while the STEM OPT application is being processed as long as he or she has already applied before the end of the initial 12-month OPT period. Automatic extension of work authorization during the pending period of the STEM OPT application can be up to 180 days.
OPT STEM Extension Timeline
The OPT STEM Extension timeline falls within the larger scope of things. Therefore, knowing where you are and at what time each of these may take to be done will help a student plan ahead and avoid delay.
- Application Window: Applicants can apply at any time within 90 days before termination of the initial 12-month OPT. It is advisable to submit the application as early as possible within the window provided to avoid last minute hassles.
- Pending Period: The USCIS may take months to process after the application has been submitted. Student workers are allowed to continue working for up to 180 days after the expiration of the initial OPT during the pending period.
- Receipt Notice: After submitting the application, students usually receive a receipt notice in a few weeks indicating their application is under processing. Receipt is important because it allows a student to work under an automatic extension of OPT if OPT has already expired before the STEM OPT has been approved.
- Approval Timeline: As of 2024, there may be different processing times for the STEM OPT Extension but typically takes 90 to 120 days for USCIS to review and approve the application. The USCIS website should be checked to get updated processing times as well in order to anticipate possibly delayed processing.
STEM OPT Extension Processing Time 2024
In 2024, USCIS processing times may depend on multiple determinants such as the volume of applications received, backlogs, and policy that will be amended. Students should normally expect about 90 to 150 days for STEM OPT processing time, depending on the policy; however it changes, and updates can be sought from USCIS for 2024.
Application Procedure Steps to STEM OPT Extension
The procedure of Applying for the STEM OPT Extension involves a step-by-step series that must be strictly followed.
- Form I-765: Filing Form I-765 is the first step when one is applying for STEM OPT. This applies to the Application of Employment Authorization, which is filed with USCIS online or by mail. Form I-983. Form I-983 is the training plan that needs to be filled jointly by the student and their employer. Form I-983 is necessary to prove that the job is directly related to the student’s STEM degree and the employer will provide adequate training for that job.
- Submit Documents: Along with the application forms, some documents will be submitted by the students, which may include proof of their degree, a copy of their current Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and also I-20 form showing the DSO’s approval for STEM OPT Extension.
- After doing so, the students will be able to monitor the status of their case using the USCIS online case tracker tool after filing of the application. In this way, students will be informed on whether the application is approved or denied and other developments regarding their application.
Conclusion
The STEM OPT Extension affords international students the best opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study immediately after their studies are over for an added period. Knowing the eligibility criteria, processing time frames, and application steps will be critical to keeping application processes running smoothly. In 2024, knowing the processing times and making timely applications before the expiration of OPT will enable students to make the most of this precious extension. Planning ahead and the steps to be followed will enable students to continue their professional journey in the U.S. and prepare them for further opportunities, as for instance the H1B visa, or permanent residency.