OPT STEM Extension Information
On April 4, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an interim final rule which will provide for extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for certain qualified F-1 students. On April 8, 2008, the interim final rule was published in the Federal Register, thus making the new regulations effective as of April 8.
This page will be expanded and updated regularly as more information regarding changes in OPT regulations and the related procedures becomes available.
What Benefits are Included in this Rule?
This interim final rule includes the following information:
One-time extension of up to 17 months for certain qualified students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Who Can Receive the 17-Month Extension?
The 17 month extension will only be available to students who meet the following requirements:
- They are ALREADY in a period of approved post-completion OPT;
- They have received (completed) a degree at bachelor, master, or doctorate level in one of the fields designated by Homeland Security as a “STEM” degree;
- They are employed by an employer who is registered and in good standing with the USCIS (Citizenship & Immigration Service) USCIS E-Verify Program.
- They agree to report the following information to their DSO (foreign student advisor): Changes to their name, residential address, mailing address, employer, employer’s address; also, they agree to report and verify information with the DSO every six months during the extension even if there have been no changes;
- Their employer agrees to report to the student’s DSO within 48 hours if the student leaves employment before the end date of the OPT authorization
What Degrees Qualify for the Extension
To find out if your degree qualifies for the extension please visit the ICE website.