1. What is the F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

The F-1 STEM OPT Extension is a program that allows certain international students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees to obtain an additional period of temporary training in the US after completing their studies. This additional period of training can last up to 24 months. During this period, students can gain valuable work experience in their field of study. This program is designed to help international students gain the skills and experience they need to find employment in the US and become successful professionals in their field.

2. How can I qualify for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

To qualify for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension, you must meet the following criteria:
•Be in a valid F-1 status
•Have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited United States college or university in a STEM field listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List
•Have a job offer from your employer to work in a paid position directly related to your major field of study
•Have a Form I-20 issued by your school for the STEM OPT Extension
•Register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 10 days of the start date on your Form I-20
•Obtain and maintain a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
•Report any changes in your employment, such as the end of your employment or any changes to your employer’s name or address, to your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of the change

3. How long is the F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

The F-1 STEM OPT Extension allows International Students who have completed a STEM degree program to extend their period of authorized stay in the U.S. for up to 24 months of practical training.

4. What documents are required to apply for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

The documents required to apply for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension include:

1. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, completed and signed;
2. A copy of the Form I-20 endorsed for the STEM OPT Extension;
3. A copy of the student’s current visa (if applicable);
4. A copy of the current I-94 record;
5. A copy of the student’s EAD card (if applicable);
6. An official transcript showing conferral of a qualifying degree;
7. A letter from the employer with detailed description of the job duties and a description of how they relate to the student’s field of study; and
8. Proof of a valid employer-employee relationship between the student and the employer.

5. Is there a fee associated with applying for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

No, there is no fee associated with applying for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension.

6. Are there any employment restrictions associated with an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

Yes, there are several employment restrictions associated with an F-1 STEM OPT Extension:

1. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and the employee must be registered in E-Verify.

2. The student must work in a job that is directly related to their field of study.

3. The student must work at least 20 hours per week for the employer.

4. The student must receive a minimum wage as required by the applicable federal, state or local minimum wage law.

5. The employer must provide the student with a training plan that relates to the student’s educational objectives, sets forth learning objectives and activities, and includes a means to evaluate the student’s progress.

6. The employer must report to the Department of Homeland Security any material changes to the employer’s commitments or obligations under the training plan within 10 business days after such changes occur.

7. Is it possible to transfer my STEM OPT Extension to a different employer?

Yes, it is possible to transfer your STEM OPT Extension to a different employer. However, you must obtain a new Form I-20 with the DSO’s recommendation that the new employer is an acceptable training opportunity. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and provide a Form I-983 with the new training plan. You must also submit a new Form I-765 with the proper filing fee.

8. How can I receive an updated Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card for my F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

You should submit a new Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the appropriate fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will review your application and, if approved, will issue you a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.

9. How soon after I receive my EAD card can I start working on my F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

You can start working on your F-1 STEM OPT Extension as soon as you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. The effective date on the EAD card is the date you may begin working in the United States.

10. What is the difference between a 24-month and a 17-month STEM OPT Extension?

A 24-month STEM OPT Extension allows foreign students to stay in the US and work for a total of 36 months, while a 17-month STEM OPT Extension allows foreign students to stay in the US and work for a total of 29 months.

11. How do I report changes to my employer or educational institution while I’m on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

You must report any changes to your employer or educational institution within 10 days of the change. This includes changes to your name, address, employer, job title, and job duties. You can report these changes to your school’s Designated School Official (DSO).

12. What kind of training is required for an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

To qualify for an F-1 STEM OPT Extension, a student must complete a formal training program with a U.S. employer. This training must include a learning plan that describes how the student’s employment will help the student attain professional goals related to their field of study. The employer and student must also have a written training agreement outlining the learning objectives and activities that will take place during the period of training.

13. What kind of wages and benefits are required for an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

Wages and benefits for an F-1 STEM OPT Extension should be commensurate with the wages and benefits provided to similarly situated U.S. workers. Benefits may include health insurance, paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, and retirement plans.

14. Am I eligible for Social Security benefits or unemployment benefits while on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

No, you are not eligible for either Social Security benefits or unemployment benefits while on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension.

15. Can I travel abroad while on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

Yes. You can travel abroad while on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension. However, you must obtain advance parole prior to your departure and have all other required documents, such as a valid passport and visa stamp, to be readmitted to the United States.

16. Can I work part-time or full-time on my F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

Yes, you may work part-time or full-time on your STEM OPT Extension.

17. Can I change my employer while on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension?

Yes, you may change employers while on an F-1 STEM OPT Extension. You must first ensure that your new employer meets all the STEM OPT Extension requirements and complete a new Form I-983 Training Plan with them. You must submit this form to your school’s Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then update your SEVIS record and issue you a new Form I-20 with the STEM OPT Extension recommendation.

18. What is the required reporting period for employers and students participating in the F-1 STEM OPT extension?

The required reporting period for employers and students participating in the F-1 STEM OPT extension is annually for the duration of the STEM OPT period. Employers must report information about the student’s employment and compliance with the STEM OPT requirements to the student’s DSO every 12 months from the start date of the STEM OPT extension. Students must also self-report to their DSO within 10 days of any material changes in their STEM OPT employment or contact information.

19. Are there any restrictions on the type of work that can be performed for the F-1 STEM OPT extension?

Yes. During the F-1 STEM OPT extension, the student must work in a job directly related to their field of study and must be employed by an E-Verify employer. The job must also provide the student with a learning experience and must include formal training or mentorship. Additionally, the student will be required to work in a paid position for at least 20 hours per week and must be supervised by an employer authorized to employ foreign students in the US.

20. Can I apply for other types of visa while on an F-1 STEM OPT extension?

Yes, you can. However, you should make sure that the new visa does not conflict with your F-1 status. For example, if you are on an F-1 STEM OPT extension, any other visa must not be used to perform activities that violate your OPT extension status. Furthermore, once you switch to a new visa, you would no longer be on your F-1 STEM OPT extension and would need to apply for a new one if you wish to travel to the US again.