USA Student Visa OPT & STEM OPT Extension

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which students on an F-1 visa who have finished or are pursuing a study program for a minimum of one year are legally allowed to work in a field that is directly related to the F-1 student’s study program. Students who are eligible will get 12 months of OPT training in total before and/or after completion of their academic program. There are two types of OPT training: one is before completion of an academic program known as “pre-completion OPT,” and the other is after completion of an academic program known as “post-completion OPT.” For example, if a student completes six months of OPT before completing an academic program, he will get only six months of OPT after completing the academic program. So, in total, only 12 months are available as OPT.

Pre-completion OPT allows you to work 20 hours or less per week when your school is open and full time when school sessions are not going on.

Post-completion OPT allows you to work for 20 hours or less per week if you work part-time or you may work full time.

What is STEM and STEM OPT Extension?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

STEM OPT Extension:

A degree earned in certain fields of science, technology, engineering and math gives you an opportunity to apply for an OPT extension known as the STEM OPT Extension. You may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT if

Maintaining F1 Status
You are currently employed and have received an initial period of regular post-completion OPT employment authorization for your stem degree.
You have received a bachelor’s or higher degree in the eligible STEM field from a school that is listed in the designated degree program list. The school must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency and also certified by the SEVP (Student Exchange Visitor Program) when you are submitting an application.
In certain situations, you may qualify for a STEM OPT extension if you have a recent degree in a field other than STEM, and you have received a prior degree in a STEM field within the last 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension.
You must file a STEM OPT application with USCIS during the 90 days prior to the end date of your post-completion authorization period.
You are working for an employer or having a job offer from an employer that has enrolled in e-Verify and also meets all the other requirements of the STEM OPT employer responsibilities section.
A paid job or job offer that is directly related to the STEM degree study is required. It must be at least 20 hours per week.
You may also be eligible for another 24 month STEM OPT extension for the higher educational degree in the STEM field you completed, if you are eligible.

Please Note: The above-mentioned details are only a summary and not legal advice. The information is subject to change based on changes made by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Contact Dhrron Consultancy for more information on U.S.A. Visas. We ensure the best of our services.