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.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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).
Table of Content
What Is OPT?
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.
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.
STEM OPT Extension Requirements
Qualifying STEM Degrees
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.
Employer Requirements
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
Processing Time and Costs
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)
Common Mistakes
1. Missing the 60-Day Application Deadline
Applications filed more than 60 days after program completion are rejected. Apply early - within 90 days before graduation.
2. Exceeding Unemployment Limits
Carefully track unemployment days. Volunteer work, unpaid internships at 20+ hours/week, or self-employment (OPT only) can stop the unemployment clock.
3. Not Applying for STEM OPT Early Enough
Apply up to 90 days before OPT expiration. If OPT expires before STEM OPT is approved, the student loses work authorization during the gap.
4. Employer Not E-Verify Enrolled (STEM OPT)
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.
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.
STEM OPT Extension Requirements
Qualifying STEM Degrees
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.
Employer Requirements
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
Processing Time and Costs
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)
Common Mistakes
1. Missing the 60-Day Application Deadline
Applications filed more than 60 days after program completion are rejected. Apply early - within 90 days before graduation.
2. Exceeding Unemployment Limits
Carefully track unemployment days. Volunteer work, unpaid internships at 20+ hours/week, or self-employment (OPT only) can stop the unemployment clock.
3. Not Applying for STEM OPT Early Enough
Apply up to 90 days before OPT expiration. If OPT expires before STEM OPT is approved, the student loses work authorization during the gap.
4. Employer Not E-Verify Enrolled (STEM OPT)
STEM OPT is automatically denied if the employer is not E-Verify enrolled. Verify enrollment before accepting a position.
