Who is eligible for STEM visa?

Recipients of a master's or doctoral degree in a field listed among the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM-Designated Degree Program List, and who are currently on post-completion F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

What are the requirements for STEM visa?

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. Have a job offer from an employer enrolled in E-Verify. Demonstrate the job is directly related to a STEM field. Confirm the job is paid.

Am I eligible for STEM?

Eligibility for STEM Occupations Category:

Accumulate at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience in a single occupation listed in the provided table. Have this experience within the past 3 years in Canada or abroad. Fulfill all requirements specified in the instructions for that round.

What degrees qualify for STEM OPT?

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must hold a bachelor's degree or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school that is accredited (by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) at the time the student submits their STEM OPT extension application ...

What is the STEM program in the US visa?

The STEM OPT visa is a program that allows international students in the United States to extend their work authorization for an additional 24 months after the initial 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).

STEM OPT Eligibility and Application Process:Spring 2024 Immigration Series

How long does a STEM visa last?

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field.

How long can you stay in the US with STEM OPT?

Students may be eligible for two STEM OPT authorizations of 24-months each, provided the second period of the 24-month extension is after a higher-level STEM degree than the first STEM OPT authorization.

What is difference between STEM and OPT?

While in both cases your OPT activity must be related to your area of study, STEM OPT actually has additional requirements for employment and reporting that are not required for Post-Completion OPT. For example, STEM OPT participants are required to complete the form I-983 while they are on the STEM OPT extension.

Is MBA considered STEM?

Business is not automatically a STEM major. When a program presents a curriculum that emphasizes business analytics, technology, or data modeling, the MBA program can qualify for STEM designation.

Can I apply for STEM OPT without a job?

Do I need a job offer to apply for a STEM extension? Yes, and this job offer needs to meet the following requirements: It has to be directly related to your degree and the STEM field of study. It has to be full time (i.e. at least 20 hours per week)

What GPA do you need for STEM?

STEM majors: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors are known for being challenging and competitive. According to a study by the National Survey of Student Engagement, the average GPA for STEM majors is typically lower than for non-STEM majors, ranging from 2.8 to 3.1.

Does STEM help you get into college?

Will this help me get into colleges? Nothing is a guarantee, but any major specific, extra curricular and academic assistance programs like STEM program can only enhance your college applications and provide valuable experiences and opportunities for future academic pursuits.

What is STEM pathway?

The STEM Pathway includes science, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Areas of study in this pathway will prepare you for transfer degrees and careers in engineering, software development, information management, coding, medicine, science research, teaching, data science, and statistics.

Can I apply for STEM OPT and H1B?

Yes, you can apply for a STEM OPT Extension before your OPT EAD expires. If you are planning to file for an H-1B and STEM at the same time, you should submit your STEM OPT application on time, before the original 12 month EAD expires.

Can we apply for green card on STEM OPT?

International students can apply for Green cards which will grant them permanent residency. The policy allows extension of OPT for students engaged in employment in STEM sectors.

Does STEM OPT get 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 can I stay in USA after MBA?

Does MBA give you STEM opt?

While some MBA programs – such as Chicago Booth, Wharton, Virginia Darden – now offer specific concentrations that qualify international students for STEM OPT, others – such as Berkeley Haas, Carnegie Mellon Tepper, and Rochester Simon – qualify MBA graduates of all majors in their MBA programs for this extension.

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.

How long can I stay in US after my OPT expires?

You are allowed a 60-day grace period following your OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program. In some cases, you may want to pursue these options before the end of your OPT.

How much OPT do STEM students get?

OPT STEM (Optional Practical Training STEM Extension) is a program that allows international students in the United States who have completed a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree to work in their field of study for an additional 24 months beyond the standard 12 months of OPT.

How long does it take for stem OPT to be approved?

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

Can I work more than 40 hours on stem OPT?

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.

How much is the OPT stem fee?

You pay the $410 OPT or STEM OPT application when you file the OPT or STEM OPT application with USCIS. An employer may choose to reimburse you for the $410 OPT or STEM OPT filing fee—if the employer chooses to do so. There is no legal requirement that the employer pay your OPT or STEM OPT filing fee.