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.

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.

Are you eligible for a 24-month extension based on a STEM degree?

Eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension

You must have a degree in a certain science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field. If you have a double major, you will qualify if one of the degrees is a STEM major.

Which type of employment is not allowed on a 24-month STEM extension OPT?

What types of employment are not allowed on STEM OPT? Volunteer or unpaid work. Self-employment: you cannot complete and sign the Form I-983 form as an employee and You must have an employer who can complete and sign the form. Part-time employment.

Are you eligible for a STEM OPT extension?

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 ...

Eligibility for 24-Month STEM OPT Work Authorization Extension | Michelle Malison

How long can you extend stem OPT?

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.

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 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 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 many times can I apply for STEM OPT extension?

You may obtain up to 2 STEM extensions provided that the second STEM extension is for a higher qualifying degree.

What is 24 month STEM extension?

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.

Is STEM OPT eligible for 180 day extension?

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, we will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

Can I work after my 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 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 ...

Can I renew my visa while on STEM OPT?

Even during OPT or STEM OPT, your immigration status in the US is still F-1. Therefore, you can still apply for a new F-1 visa if you need to while travelling abroad. You can use the basic instructions to schedule a visa appointment you may already be familiar with, or use the detailed directions here.

Why does stem OPT get rejected?

This frequently occurs because students are unaware of the detailed application requirements. Common mistakes include submitting the incorrect check format, missing information on the I-765 form, forgetting to sign, providing incorrect information, and using the wrong OPT code.

How long can I stay unemployed on STEM OPT?

Federal law limits how long F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT can be unemployed. The limits are: Post-completion OPT: 90 days. STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

What if I lose my job during stem OPT?

Yes, students on STEM OPT may be temporarily unemployed. Under standard post-completion OPT, you receive a 90 day allotment to be unemployed. When you receive the STEM extension, you receive an additional 60 days to be unemployed giving you a total of 150 days of unemployment during your entire OPT time.

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.

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.

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.

How long can STEM students stay in USA?

Yes, international students can certainly stay in the United States after their studies if they apply for either STEM OPT or OPT, which is optional practical training. This program allows international students to stay in the US for either a year if it's regular OPT up to three years if it's STEM OPT.

Can STEM OPT extension be filed online?

Filing Form I-765 Online (STEM OPT Extension)

As of April 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits F-1 students seeking pre- or post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the STEM OPT extension to file Form I-765 electronically via the USCIS online portal.

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.