What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements?
STEM OPT eligibility requires a degree from the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which includes fields like engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physical sciences. Your degree must have been earned from a U.S. institution that is both accredited and SEVP-certified at the time of the application.
You must currently hold valid post-completion OPT in your STEM field. The extension allows you to continue practical training in that same field. If you change to a position unrelated to your STEM degree, you no longer qualify.
Your employer must participate in the E-Verify program. According to USCIS regulations, this is a non-negotiable requirement. Working for a non-E-Verify employer during STEM OPT violates the terms of your authorization.
Can You Apply for STEM OPT Twice?
Yes, if you earn a second qualifying STEM degree. Students who complete a higher degree in a STEM field at another SEVP-certified institution may apply for another STEM OPT extension based on the new degree. This means some students can have up to six years of OPT across multiple degrees.
However, you cannot apply for STEM OPT twice based on the same degree. Each STEM OPT extension requires a distinct qualifying degree that has not been previously used for a STEM extension.
What Is Form I-983 and Why Does It Matter?
Form I-983, the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, documents the learning objectives and training structure for your STEM OPT position. This form is required for every STEM OPT application and must be completed collaboratively by you and your employer.
The form requires your employer to describe how the position will provide practical training in your STEM field, identify specific learning goals, and explain supervision arrangements. According to ICE guidance, the training plan must demonstrate that your employment provides structured learning beyond regular employment.
Your DSO reviews the Training Plan before recommending your STEM OPT application in SEVIS. An incomplete or inadequate Training Plan can delay or prevent your DSO from making the recommendation you need to file.
What Are Material Changes to the Training Plan?
Material changes require updating your I-983 within 10 days. These include changes to your Employer Identification Number, reductions in compensation below the amount needed to meet prevailing wage requirements, significant changes to job duties, or changes in your employer's address or name.
Promotions or minor title changes may not constitute material changes if the fundamental nature of your training remains the same. However, when in doubt, discuss changes with your DSO to determine whether an update is required.
Failing to report material changes is a serious compliance violation that can result in termination of your STEM OPT.
When Must You File Your STEM OPT Application?
Your STEM OPT application can be filed as early as 90 days before your current OPT expires. It must be received by USCIS no later than your OPT expiration date. Missing this deadline makes you ineligible for the extension.
Your DSO must enter the STEM OPT recommendation in SEVIS before you file. This means you need to provide your completed I-983 to your DSO well before your deadline. Most DSOs require at least 30 days to process STEM OPT recommendations.
File early to protect yourself from postal delays or USCIS receipt issues. If your application is delivered after your OPT expires, you cannot receive the extension regardless of when you mailed it.
What Happens If Your Application Is Pending When OPT Expires?
If you timely file your STEM OPT application and it remains pending when your OPT expires, you receive an automatic 180-day extension of your work authorization. This allows you to continue working while USCIS processes your application.
This automatic extension is only available if your application was timely filed and you were in valid OPT status when you filed. The extension lasts until USCIS decides your application or until 180 days pass, whichever comes first.
If your application is still pending after 180 days, you must stop working unless USCIS has approved the extension.
What Mistakes Lead to STEM OPT Denial?
The most common mistake is filing after the deadline. Even one day late disqualifies your application. USCIS will reject late-filed applications regardless of the reason for the delay.
Filing without a properly completed I-983 creates problems. Missing signatures, incomplete sections, or vague training descriptions can result in Requests for Evidence or denials. Review every field carefully before submitting.
Listing an employer that is not enrolled in E-Verify will result in denial. Verify your employer's E-Verify enrollment before finalizing your application. The employer must provide their E-Verify company ID number on the I-983.
What Documentation Errors Cause Problems?
Common documentation errors include incorrect SEVIS numbers, mismatched names between documents, expired OPT EAD copies, and missing degree verification. Each application component must be accurate and consistent.
Using an outdated version of Form I-765 or I-983 can also cause rejections. Always download current forms directly from USCIS and ICE websites.
Errors in your DSO's SEVIS recommendation can delay processing. Review the I-20 your DSO issues for STEM OPT to ensure all information matches your other documents.
What Ongoing Requirements Apply During STEM OPT?
Reporting requirements continue throughout your STEM OPT period. You must validate your personal information in SEVP every six months, with validation reports required at 12 months and 24 months into your extension. These reports confirm your employment continues under the terms of your Training Plan.
Any change of employer requires a new I-983 before you begin working for the new company. You cannot start a new STEM OPT position until the new Training Plan is in place and your DSO has updated SEVIS.
The ICE STEM OPT regulations require your employer to report within five days if they terminate your employment. Maintaining communication with your employer about these obligations is essential.
What Happens If You Lose Your Job on STEM OPT?
Losing your job starts your unemployment clock. You have a total of 150 days of additional unemployment allowance on STEM OPT, on top of any days remaining from your initial 90-day OPT unemployment allowance.
Report your unemployment to your DSO immediately. While job searching, you cannot exceed your total unemployment allowance. If you exhaust all 240 total days (90 from OPT plus 150 from STEM OPT) without finding new qualifying employment, your STEM OPT terminates.
Finding a new E-Verify employer requires completing a new I-983 before you can begin work. Plan for this process when timing your job search.
