What is the total time for stem OPT extension?

The STEM extension of OPT will be 24 months in duration. Qualifying F-1 students will thus be eligible for a total of 36 months of OPT employment authorization, including the initial 12-month OPT period.

How long is the STEM OPT extension?

After Submitting Application to USCIS

Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. The USCIS receipt notice is documentation of the extended authorization. You can travel during your pending or approved STEM OPT extension period.

Can you extend STEM OPT after 24 months?

For example, you cannot do one period of 24-month OPT and then immediately apply for the second period of 24-month OPT. You must go back to school and receive a new degree at a higher level, and do another period of 12-month OPT before you are eligible to again apply for a STEM extension.

What is the length of OPT after a STEM study in the USA?

Once your application for the 24-Month STEM OPT is approved, USCIS will issue you a new EAD card. The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status.

Can STEM OPT work more than 40 hours?

There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.

Application Timeline for STEM OPT 3/4

How long can you stay after STEM OPT expires?

Options after the Completion of the STEM OPT Extension benefit. 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.

What is the maximum time for OPT?

Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).

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.

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.

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 does OPT stem extension cost?

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 ...

How do I stay in the US after stem OPT expires?

Introduction: Work Authorization Post-OPT

After OPT or STEM OPT expires, international students only have a grace period of 60 days. During that short time, you must either leave the U.S. or obtain an alternative form of work authorization.

Can I travel while stem OPT extension is pending?

Travel While OPT STEM Extension Application is Pending

If your post-completion OPT has not expired yet, you can travel as usual on your approved OPT. If your OPT has expired and your STEM application is still under review, we would recommend you do not travel outside the US.

What is 24 month STEM OPT?

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of approved F-1 12-Month OPT. Eligible students may apply for a 24-Month STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their current OPT EAD.

Can you get STEM extension twice?

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.

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.

How long can I stay unemployed on OPT?

Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative.

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 14 month rule for OPT?

14-month OPT Period

To allow F-1 students to complete the full 12-month period of OPT, (the 14-month requirement will begin from the date of approval of the Form I-765 for applications for post-completion OPT, instead of from the student's program end date.

Is there a grace period for stem OPT extension?

Students are eligible for the 60-day grace period at the end of OPT/STEM OPT. This time may be used to transfer to a new school or depart the US.

How do I check my stem OPT status?

Tracking Your Application

USCIS will mail you a receipt notice (I-797C) with your OPT application case status number. You can track your case status at www.uscis.gov.

Is there a minimum wage for stem OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for F-1s during the STEM OPT period.

What happens if you keep working after OPT expires?

Life After OPT. 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.