What happens after STEM OPT extension expires?

The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status. You must stop your employment when the end date on the EAD card is reached, but may remain in the US for a 60-day grace period after the end date on your EAD card.

What happens when your STEM OPT expires?

When you have completed your STEM OPT, you are permitted to remain in the United States for up to sixty calendar days from the end date of your STEM OPT period in order to prepare for departure. You are not permitted to continue employment during this period (unless authorized under the H-1 cap-gap benefit; see below).

How many times can you extend STEM OPT?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

Will you be eligible for a 24 month STEM extension of OPT?

Eligibility for 24-Month STEM OPT Extension

Be maintaining valid F-1 status. Be on a period of standard Post-Completion OPT. Hold a degree in a field of study (indicated on the I-20) which qualifies as STEM eligible according to the official STEM Designated Degree Program List.

How long does it take to renew STEM OPT?

Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

How I lost my STEM Extension 🤯

How long can you stay after STEM OPT expires?

The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status. You must stop your employment when the end date on the EAD card is reached, but may remain in the US for a 60-day grace period after the end date on your EAD card.

Can I renew my OPT after it expires?

You may apply for your OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT ends. You cannot apply once your 12-month OPT expires or during the 60-day grace period. Your complete OPT extension application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.

Do STEM students get 3 years OPT?

Furthermore, the government will only grant STEM OPT to those who are in “Post-Completion” OPT. In other words, the program is for graduates, not current students. Combining Post-Completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

Is there a grace period for STEM OPT extension?

Students who do not exceed 150 days of unemployment and report employment to the ISS as required are automatically granted a 60-day grace period after the end date listed on the EAD.

Can I apply for STEM extension after OPT expires?

You can apply 90 days before your current OPT expiration period (not after). And your Opt is extended by 180 days ( STEM cap gap) automatically once USCIS receives your application. You won't be out of status , no worries .

What is the minimum salary for STEM OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

Can STEM OPT extension be denied?

What are common, avoidable reasons for STEM OPT Extension rejections or denials? Reason 1: USCIS received Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after OPT EAD end date. If USCIS receives the student's STEM OPT Extension application after their OPT EAD end, their STEM OPT Extension application will be denied.

How much is the STEM OPT extension fee?

FILING FEE PAYMENT OF $410.00 (See USCIS guidelines for paying fees). TWO (2) PHOTOGRAPHS. These must meet the requirements outlined on page 20 of USCIS's Instructions for Form I-765. Students should write their full name and USCIS # (on EAD) on the back of each photograph.

Can I apply for H-1B after STEM OPT expires?

If your STEM OPT has expired, but you are still in a valid 60-day grace period as of April 1^st, your employer can still file an H-1B petition on your behalf and you can legally stay in the U.S. (extension of duration of status) until you receive official notification about the status of your case from USCIS, but you do ...

What is 5 month rule STEM OPT?

Does the five-month rule concerning F-1 students being outside the U.S. for five months or longer apply during the OPT or STEM OPT period? The five-month rule is not applicable to individuals during their OPT or STEM OPT period.

How long is the grace period after OPT extension expires?

The Grace Period: After completing your OPT, you are eligible for a 60-day grace period. During this time, you may travel within the U.S., transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, request a change of level if you are starting a new program at the UW, or apply to change status to another visa category.

Can I get a green card after STEM OPT?

Yes, as an F1 student on OPT you can change your status to an EB5 Visa to get a Green Card.

Do I need a new I 20 for STEM OPT?

ISPO will review your request and issue you an updated I-20 that will have the STEM OPT Extension recommendation on it. You will need to include a copy of this I-20 in your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS.

What happens after 3 year OPT?

Introduction: Work Authorization Post-OPT

During that short time, you must either leave the U.S. or obtain an alternative form of work authorization. There are several visa and green card options available to international workers looking to stay in the U.S. after their OPT expires.

How do I stay in USA after OPT expires?

If you plan to continue working in the U.S. after your OPT period, there are a variety of employer-sponsored work visas that may be available to you depending on your employer, the kind of work you engage in, your qualifications, and your citizenship.

Can I go back to school after STEM OPT?

After STEM OPT: If you are planning to go back to school after your STEM OPT, you will need to request a Transfer Out of your F-1 SEVIS record to another school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to UC Berkeley.

Can I apply for STEM OPT twice?

As explained in the previous question, a person can only apply for STEM OPT Extension twice according to USCIS regulations. To apply for the second STEM OPT Extension, you must have a higher degree than the one you had when you applied for the first STEM OPT Extension.

Does STEM OPT extension require sponsorship?

While no employer sponsorship is required, employers must be involved in training and are responsible for completing the I-983 Training Plan and multiple follow-up progress reports. STEM OPT can only be used after a student completes his or her initial 12 months of “regular” OPT.

Can you work remotely on STEM OPT?

Students currently participating in OPT, including STEM OPT, may work remotely if their employer has an office outside of the U.S. or the employer can assess student engagement using electronic means.

Can I hire someone on STEM OPT?

Employers who hire STEM OPT students must follow specific reporting requirements and coordinate with a student's Designated School Official (DSO). Students, employers and DSOs develop a formal training plan that encompasses the student's term of employment.