OPT STEM Extension
Students who graduate with a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM degree) are eligible to remain in the United States for an additional 24 months on an optional practical training (OPT) STEM extension.
The 24-month STEM OPT Extension allows international students in F-1 status who receive a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in an approved STEM field to apply for a 24-month extension of their standard 12-month Post-OPT period, twice in a lifetime. Employment must be with an E-verify employer. For additional employer information regarding STEM OPT requirements see the USCIS website.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be in valid F-1 status on Post-Completion OPT.
- You must not have exceeded 90 days of unemployment in the initial 12-month period of OPT.
- Your degree should be in a STEM field specified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Check your SIUE Program for STEM eligibility.
- Your employer must be registered with the E-verify federal employment verification system at the time of your application for the OPT STEM Extension. The e-verify number consists of four to seven numerical characters. Note: the e-verify number is different from the Federal EIN #.
- You must agree to report to SIUE via the STEM Reporting Form within 10 days of any change in employment status regarding your employment, or every 6 months if no change has occurred.
