International students face STEM OPT denials despite meeting requirements, often due to employment compliance issues. A recent case highlights the need for meticulous documentation and clear training ...

What is the OPT STEM-Extension? The Optional Practical Training STEM Extension gives students an additional 24 months of OPT authorization if they have a U.S. degree in an approved science, technology ...

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Following post-completion OPT, some F-1 students are eligible for a two-year STEM OPT extension. In order to apply for and receive the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must: F-1 students must have ...

Students with a 24-month STEM OPT Extension authorization cannot be unemployed for more than 150 days during their total OPT period; this includes the initial 12 months of post completion OPT and the ...

On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added eight new qualifying fields of study to the STEM Designated Degree Program List. F-1 nonimmigrant students who complete certain ...

Many different types of employment are allowed while on the OPT STEM extension but there may be some types of employment that do not meet the USCIS guidelines. Unpaid or volunteer work is not allowed ...

On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the category of Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204) as a qualifying field of study to the DHS STEM Designated ...

F-1 students with degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) and are currently engaged in Post-Completion OPT may be eligible for a 24-month extension of OPT. Please ...

International students on OPT and STEM OPT can change employers, but strict rules apply. Regular OPT allows flexibility with ...

For international graduates seeking a STEM OPT extension, it's crucial that employers submit Form I-983, a training plan that outlines necessary training, not a sponsorship request. Many employers may ...