What is STEM OPT?
- An extension of post-graduation F-1 OPT work permission
- The total OPT time can be up to three years (one year of OPT and two more years of STEM OPT)
- The visa is sponsored by the school the student most recently graduated from, which may or may not be Yale
What's the difference between OPT and STEM OPT?
STEM OPT Extension Students must be in their initial period of regular post-completion OPT to apply for the extension. The STEM OPT extension also involves additional forms and reporting requirements.
Is STEM OPT a work permit?
F-1 students are normally eligible for a post-graduation work permit called Optional Practical Training (OPT). For STEM students, before March 2016, they were eligible for an additional 17 months of OPT work authorization. This was an enormous benefit for students seeking employers who are willing to sponsor them.
How long can I stay after STEM OPT?
You are expected to be employed in your field of study during the 24-Month STEM OPT. The maximum period of unemployment days is 150 days, which includes any days of unemployment during the initial 12 months of Post-Completion OPT.
Is STEM OPT temporary work visa?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.
Is STEM OPT 2 or 3 years?
22 new STEM-related fields added An OPT permission of three years post-graduation is now available to F-1 students in 22 new fields of study, which are detailed here in a Federal Registry notice.
Can I switch jobs on STEM OPT?
Students on OPT STEM are allowed to change employers but every employer you work for while on OPT STEM must be enrolled in E-Verify and the position must meet all STEM requirements.
What if I lose my job during STEM OPT?
During the Period of OPT/STEM OPT authorization, a student would be working or actively seeking employment. If you decide to quit your job, or if you do not find a job, keep the unemployment rules in mind: Students on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment.
Why is STEM OPT denied?
Below are some of the most common reasons applications have been denied: Didn't mail the application within 30 days of getting the OPT recommendation. Applied more than 90 days before end date of the program of study. Didn't apply before the 60th day after completion of the program of study.
How do I switch from OPT to green card?
There are six ways that you can transition from an F-1 visa OPT status to a green card, including the following:Employment-based green card.Green card lottery.Marriage-based visa.Asylum petition.Family sponsorship.H-1B visa to green card.
Do I need sponsorship for STEM OPT?
Other characteristics of the STEM OPT Extension: No employer sponsorship needed, however, employers must be highly involved in training and are responsible for completing the I-983 Training Plan, and multiple follow-up progress reports.
Can I have 2 jobs on STEM OPT?
You may work for more than one employer on STEM OPT, but each employment occurrence must be related to your stem STEM field of study, and must be for at least 20 hours per week. Each separate STEM OPT employer must provide an I-983 Training Plan.
Can I apply for STEM OPT without a job?
Can I apply for OPT without a job? There is NO need for you to have a job offer before applying for OPT. As said earlier, OPT is not employer-specific. Note that while in the period of 12-month OPT, the maximum days of unemployment does not exceed 90 days.
Can STEM OPT work 2 jobs?
You may work for more than one employer on STEM OPT, but each employment occurrence must be related to your stem STEM field of study, and must be for at least 20 hours per week. Each separate STEM OPT employer must provide an I-983 Training Plan.
Is your current EAD your STEM extension?
Yes, your EAD is considered extended for up to 180 days while your STEM OPT extension application is pending with USCIS. During that period, you can travel outside the U.S. even if your previous EAD is expired.
Can I work on contract on STEM OPT?
Every year, students ask: “Can I work as a contractor on STEM OPT?” Here's what you need to know: Graduates with qualifying STEM degrees who wish to apply for the additional 24 months of employment won't be able to continue on contract work after the initial 12 months of their OPT.
Can you work more than 40 hours on STEM OPT?
There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.
How long is the OPT extension for STEM students?
In March 2016, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule changing the OPT extension for STEM students from 17 months to 24 months. In essence, the new 24 months extension rule will be replacing the 17 month extension rule indefinitely.
What degree do you need to be a STEM OPT?
Earned a doctorate, bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited university AND one that is certified by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Work for an employer who meets the STEM OPT employer responsibility guidelines - this includes having the employer be registered with E-Verify.
How long can I stay in the US with an F-1 visa?
For STEM students this added time has enormous benefits. Students on an F-1 visa and who are studying in the STEM areas of study can now potentially stay and legally work in the U.S.A for three years following graduation. This amount of time can prove crucial for students seeking more work experience or students seeking a more permanent status in the U.S.A. According to the Department of Homeland Security, in order to qualify for the 24 month extension, F-1 students need the following: 1 Have been granted OPT or currently enrolled in an OPT program - they can’t give you an extension without having OPT in the first place. Once you complete your first year doing OPT you can apply for the extension. 2 Earned a doctorate, bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited university AND one that is certified by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 3 Work for an employer who meets the STEM OPT employer responsibility guidelines - this includes having the employer be registered with E-Verify. 4 Submit the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires, and within 60 days of the date your DSO inputs his approval of OPT into your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. 5 Plan to work a minimum of 20 hours per week with designated employer. 6 Submit form I-983
What is a training plan for a STEM degree?
The training plan will include the tasks and assignment the student will be responsible for during the employment, timelines, specific skills needed and how they relate to their STEM degree, and how the employer will provide oversight and supervision. Students may not work for more than one employer but can change employers provided they inform DHS ...
What is an OPT for F-1?
F-1 students are normally eligible for a post-graduation work permit called Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Can you get an extension without OPT?
Have been granted OPT or currently enrolled in an OPT program - they can’t give you an extension without having OPT in the first place. Once you complete your first year doing OPT you can apply for the extension.
What is an OPT program?
OPT for international students is a great way for you to continue living and working in the US, while increasing your experience in your field of study. You can apply for the OPT program during your studies, which is known as pre-completion OPT, or after them, which is known as post-completion OPT.¹.
What are the OPT requirements?
Luckily, there aren’t too many OPT requirements. To be eligible for an OPT visa, all you’ll need is to:
What are the OPT types?
If you’re on an F1 Student Visa, you can apply for two different types of OPT programs:
When to apply for OPT?
Apply after your DSO enters their recommendation on your SEVIS record, and as early as 90 days before you finish a whole academic year (granted that you don’t begin OPT until after the first year has finished)¹
How long do you have to be on CPT to apply for OPT?
Have completed at least one full academic year to begin OPT, and be a maximum of 90 days away from completion to apply for OPT.
How long does it take to get an I-765?
You may also need to pay a biometric services fee, depending on your circumstances. Once you’ve done that, it can take anywhere between 1.5 to 13 months for Form I-765 to be processed.⁴. If you’re applying to be an F-1 student, you’ll have to pay the I-109 SEVIS fee of $350.
What is an F visa?
An F-1 visa is for international students whose study results in a degree, diploma or certificate from an academic institution or language school. An M-1 visa, on the other hand, is for international students that are studying vocational, non-academic subjects.
How do I know if a student’s degree makes them eligible for a STEM OPT extension?
If a student wants to participate in a STEM OPT extension, they must have received a qualifying STEM degree from a school that was both accredited and Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified at the time that they applied for a STEM OPT extension.
How do the changes to the STEM OPT rule benefit international students and schools?
The changes to the rule promote the ability of international students to gain valuable and practical STEM experience that supplements the knowledge gained through their academic studies, while guarding against harmful effects to U.S workers. By applying their academic knowledge in a STEM OPT extension, students will be in a better position to begin careers in their fields of study. The changes also help U.S. colleges and universities remain globally competitive in attracting international students to study and lawfully remain in the United States.
Why did DHS implement a new STEM OPT extension rule?
The rule includes changes to the policies announced in the 2008 rule to increase the educational benefits provided by STEM OPT extensions and oversight of STEM OPT.
Do I have to create a new Training Plan for a student who begins a STEM OPT extension?
You may use an existing training program or policy to meet certain Training Plan requirements as long as the existing training program or policy aligns with the goals of the STEM OPT student’s continued learning and all other regulatory requirements. However, if using an existing Training Plan, it is important to ensure that it meets all applicable specifications and that it is customized for the individual STEM OPT participant’s qualifying degree and goals and objectives for learning.
What types of changes to my STEM OPT student’s Training Plan am I required to report to their DSO?
You are only required to report material changes to your student’s DSO. Material changes include significant changes, such as any change to your Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring, a reduction in compensation that is not due to a reduction in hours worked or a significant reduction in hours per week that a STEM OPT student will be engaging in the practical training, including a decrease below 20 hours per week.
When are employers and students required to notify me of changes to a Training Plan?
Material changes include, for example, any change to an Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring, a reduction in compensation that is not due to a reduction in hours worked or a significant reduction in hours per week that a STEM OPT student will be engaging in the practical training, including a decrease below 20 hours per week.
Is a STEM OPT extension a way to avoid the requirements of an H-1B visa?
No. Unlike the H-1B nonimmigrant classification, where an employer submits a petition for a nonimmigrant worker to temporarily perform services in a specialty occupation, STEM OPT offers certain F-1 students an opportunity to further the knowledge that they received during U.S. coursework. A student chooses to participate in STEM OPT as a way to complement their academic experience in the United States and pursuant to an individualized Training Plan that helps ensure that the STEM OPT experience furthers the student’s course of study.
What is an OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
When can I start my OPT?
You may begin your OPT only after we approve your Form I-765 and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
How long is post completion OPT?
For example, if you participated in 10 months of pre-completion OPT, you would be eligible for only up to 2 months of post-completion OPT.
How long does it take to get an extension for OPT?
If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:
What is the form I-765?
Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.
When can I file Form I-765?
1, 2020, through Oct. 31, 2021, inclusive. Applicants can file Form I-765 up to 120 days before the program end date if the application is received by Oct. 31, 2021. Read more here: USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT.
Does USCIS terminate F-1?
SEVP will inform USCIS of the termination date, and USCIS will terminate your EAD accordingly. Although your authorization to engage in optional practical training will end, as long as you comply with all requirements for maintaining your student status, your F-1 status will not be affected by USCIS terminating your EAD.
What is an OPT?
It is actually a period of time during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 visa status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for one academic year are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services known as USCIS to work for one year on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their education. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced that there is a 17-month extension to the OPT for students in qualifying STEM fields. If any student is eligible for the 12-month permit, he or she can have degree in any field of studies is valid. For anyone has to get the 17-month OPT extensions, he or she must have received a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degree as listed on the USCIS website.
How long is the F-1 OPT extension?
It is needed to mention that on May 31, 2008, the Immigration Reform Law Institute filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the validity of the 17 month OPT extension on behalf of various organizations and individuals. The deadline to formulate the rules was subsequently extended by three months. On March 11, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule. The rule allows the certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees as well as who meet other specified requirements, to apply for a 24-month extension of their post completion OPT. It also gives STEM graduates a total of 36 months of OPT. There is a 24-month extension that will replace with the 17-month STEM OPT extension previously available to STEM students. So the eligible students can begin applying for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on May 10, 2016.
What is an EAD card?
Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization known as OPT EAD Card is an identification card given by USCIS. It is given to represent after your graduation, your legal status in US as student that you are on OPT. Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization Card is another identification card that is given by USCIS. It also represents after your graduation your legal status in US as student that you are on OPT.
What is STEM OPT?
STEM OPT is a provision for extending standard OPT tenure. It applies to students who are enrolled in the categories of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths to apply for an extension of up to 24 months after the completion of the 12-month standard OPT term.
How long does it take to notify the employer of STEM OPT termination?
If STEM OPT students are terminated or leave the job for any reason, the employer must inform the concerned DSO within 5 business days.
How to apply for a STEM degree?
The documents needed for the application are: 1 The student must provide an I-765 form at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current OPT status. 2 The employer must be enrolled in E-verify and should have E-Verify Company Identification Number. 3 The student must provide a copy of their STEM degree. 4 The student must attach an I-20 form which should be endorsed by their DSO in less than 60 days.
What is optional practical training?
Optional Practical Training is a provision of temporary employment with regards to a student’s F-1 visa status. The eligible students can file for 12 months of OPT work authorization either pre-completion or post-completion of their graduation.
How many hours of work do you need to be a STEM student?
The employer must have detailed training and learning objectives compiled for their STEM candidates and must provide a minimum of 20 hours of weekly work.
When do I need to submit an I-765?
The student must provide an I-765 form at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current OPT status. The employer must be enrolled in E-verify and should have E-Verify Company Identification Number. The student must provide a copy of their STEM degree.
Can you employ STEM OPT students?
As long as all the regulations comply, employing STEM OPT students in your firm will be of no issue but ahead starts in bettering your organization. See to it that timely actions are taken to produce or to submit documents as stated by the federal rules and regulations.
What is STEM OPT?
STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) is an extension of the U.S. DHS’s non-immigrant F-1 student visa. The STEM OPT allows those with a science, technology, engineering and/or math degree to extend their stay in the U.S. for up to 24 months after the student’s initial post-degree-completion OPT, which is for 12 months. The current 24-month extension period of temporary training replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension as of May 10, 2016.
What are the qualifications for STEM OPT?
To qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student participating in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT must meet the following criteria: The student must have a degree in an eligible STEM field from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)–certified school that is accredited when the student submits their STEM OPT extension application to USCIS. Applicants can use the DHS’s Study in the States school search tool to find an SEVP-certified school.
OPT vs STEM OPT
That’s the main set of differences between OPT vs STEM OPT. Did I miss anything? Please let me know in the comments section.
CPT vs OPT vs STEM OPT
CPT is a different beast altogether. And there’s no commonality with OPT or STEM OPT to be included in the above table. So, including some of the key points in a separate section.
