Complete guide to F-1 OPT and STEM OPT work authorization rules, application timeline, employer requirements, and extensions for 2026.
Complete guide to F-1 OPT and STEM OPT work authorization rules, application timeline, employer requirements, and extensions for 2026.
F-1 students can work in the U.S. for 12 months under OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation. STEM degree holders can extend for 24 additional months under STEM OPT, totaling 36 months of work authorization. The I-765 filing fee is $410. Students must apply between 90 days before and 60 days after program completion. STEM OPT requires an E-Verify enrolled employer and Form I-983 training plan. Maximum unemployment is 90 days for OPT and 150 days cumulative for STEM OPT.
Standard OPT provides 12 months of post-completion work authorization for all F-1 graduates.
STEM OPT extends work authorization by 24 months (36 months total) for qualifying STEM degree holders.
The I-765 filing fee is $410; processing takes approximately 3-5 months.
Apply for OPT between 90 days before and 60 days after program end date - late applications are rejected.
STEM OPT requires the employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and file Form I-983 (Training Plan).
Maximum unemployment: 90 days for standard OPT, 150 days cumulative (including STEM OPT period).
Two STEM OPT extensions are possible per higher education level (e.g., one for bachelor's, one for master's).
Standard OPT provides 12 months of post-completion work authorization for all F-1 graduates.
STEM OPT extends work authorization by 24 months (36 months total) for qualifying STEM degree holders.
The I-765 filing fee is $410; processing takes approximately 3-5 months.
Apply for OPT between 90 days before and 60 days after program end date - late applications are rejected.
STEM OPT requires the employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and file Form I-983 (Training Plan).
Maximum unemployment: 90 days for standard OPT, 150 days cumulative (including STEM OPT period).
Two STEM OPT extensions are possible per higher education level (e.g., one for bachelor's, one for master's).
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work in positions directly related to their field of study. OPT is authorized by USCIS through Form I-765 and provides an EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion (before graduation) and post-completion (after graduation). This guide focuses on post-completion OPT, which is far more commonly used.
Requirement | Standard OPT | STEM OPT Extension |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 12 months | 24 additional months |
Filing Fee | $410 | $410 |
Application Window | 90 days before to 60 days after completion | Up to 90 days before OPT expiration |
Employment Requirement | Related to field of study | Related to STEM degree |
Employer E-Verify | Not required | Required |
Form I-983 | Not required | Required |
Max Unemployment | 90 days | 150 days cumulative |
Part-Time Work | Allowed (20+ hours/week) | Allowed (20+ hours/week) |
Self-Employment | Allowed (with restrictions) | Not allowed |
Step 1: Request OPT recommendation from your DSO (Designated School Official). Step 2: DSO updates your SEVIS record with the OPT recommendation. Step 3: File Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days of DSO recommendation ($410 fee). Step 4: Receive EAD card (3-5 months processing). Step 5: Begin employment only after receiving the EAD and after the OPT start date.
The degree must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list (CIP codes). Common qualifying fields include computer science, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, biological sciences, and data science.
Must be enrolled in E-Verify
Must sign Form I-983 Training Plan with the student
Must provide training opportunities in the STEM field
Must report any material changes to the training plan
Item | Details |
|---|---|
I-765 filing fee | $410 |
Processing time | 3-5 months |
OPT duration | 12 months |
STEM OPT duration | 24 months |
Total possible work authorization | 36 months |
Cap gap extension | Until October 1 (if H-1B filed) |
Applications filed more than 60 days after program completion are rejected. Apply early - within 90 days before graduation.
Carefully track unemployment days. Volunteer work, unpaid internships at 20+ hours/week, or self-employment (OPT only) can stop the unemployment clock.
Apply up to 90 days before OPT expiration. If OPT expires before STEM OPT is approved, the student loses work authorization during the gap.
STEM OPT is automatically denied if the employer is not E-Verify enrolled. Verify enrollment before accepting a position.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work in positions directly related to their field of study. OPT is authorized by USCIS through Form I-765 and provides an EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion (before graduation) and post-completion (after graduation). This guide focuses on post-completion OPT, which is far more commonly used.
Requirement | Standard OPT | STEM OPT Extension |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 12 months | 24 additional months |
Filing Fee | $410 | $410 |
Application Window | 90 days before to 60 days after completion | Up to 90 days before OPT expiration |
Employment Requirement | Related to field of study | Related to STEM degree |
Employer E-Verify | Not required | Required |
Form I-983 | Not required | Required |
Max Unemployment | 90 days | 150 days cumulative |
Part-Time Work | Allowed (20+ hours/week) | Allowed (20+ hours/week) |
Self-Employment | Allowed (with restrictions) | Not allowed |
Step 1: Request OPT recommendation from your DSO (Designated School Official). Step 2: DSO updates your SEVIS record with the OPT recommendation. Step 3: File Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days of DSO recommendation ($410 fee). Step 4: Receive EAD card (3-5 months processing). Step 5: Begin employment only after receiving the EAD and after the OPT start date.
The degree must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list (CIP codes). Common qualifying fields include computer science, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, biological sciences, and data science.
Must be enrolled in E-Verify
Must sign Form I-983 Training Plan with the student
Must provide training opportunities in the STEM field
Must report any material changes to the training plan
Item | Details |
|---|---|
I-765 filing fee | $410 |
Processing time | 3-5 months |
OPT duration | 12 months |
STEM OPT duration | 24 months |
Total possible work authorization | 36 months |
Cap gap extension | Until October 1 (if H-1B filed) |
Applications filed more than 60 days after program completion are rejected. Apply early - within 90 days before graduation.
Carefully track unemployment days. Volunteer work, unpaid internships at 20+ hours/week, or self-employment (OPT only) can stop the unemployment clock.
Apply up to 90 days before OPT expiration. If OPT expires before STEM OPT is approved, the student loses work authorization during the gap.
STEM OPT is automatically denied if the employer is not E-Verify enrolled. Verify enrollment before accepting a position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I work on OPT and STEM OPT combined?
Standard OPT provides 12 months, and the STEM OPT extension adds 24 months, for a total of 36 months. You can receive two STEM OPT extensions per higher education level. For example, 36 months after a bachelor's and another 36 months after a master's in a different STEM field.
How long can I work on OPT and STEM OPT combined?
Can I change employers on OPT or STEM OPT?
Yes. OPT and STEM OPT are not employer-specific. You can change employers as long as the new position is related to your field of study. For STEM OPT, the new employer must be E-Verify enrolled and a new Form I-983 must be filed. Report employer changes to your DSO within 10 days.
Can I change employers on OPT or STEM OPT?
What happens if my OPT application is still pending when I graduate?
You cannot work until you receive the EAD card, even if the application is pending. This is why applying early (up to 90 days before graduation) is critical. Processing times of 3-5 months mean delays are common. You can request your OPT start date to be any date within 60 days after graduation.
What happens if my OPT application is still pending when I graduate?
Can I be self-employed on STEM OPT?
No. Unlike standard OPT, STEM OPT does not allow self-employment. You must work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify. On standard OPT, self-employment is permitted if you can demonstrate it is related to your field of study and you have proper business licenses. This restriction is one reason some students explore the O-1A visa instead.
Can I be self-employed on STEM OPT?
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