STEM OPT Timeline & Processing Time 2026: 24-Month Extension Guide
The definitive guide to the 24-month STEM OPT extension. From eligibility and CIP codes to the I-983 training plan and employer requirements — everything you need in one place.
Quick Answer
The STEM OPT extension gives F-1 graduates with STEM degrees an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and you must complete a Form I-983 Training Plan.
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Key Takeaway
STEM OPT gives eligible F-1 students a 24-month work authorization extension beyond the initial 12-month OPT. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, you need a STEM-designated degree, and you must file Form I-983 with your DSO before applying.
Source: ICE.gov STEM OPT Hub
In This Guide
Who Is Eligible for STEM OPT?
You must meet ALL of these requirements:
STEM-designated degree
Your degree must have a CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. This includes degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields.
Currently on post-completion OPT
You must have a valid EAD card and be in a period of post-completion OPT when you apply.
Employed by an E-Verify employer
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. This is non-negotiable — no E-Verify = no STEM OPT.
Job related to your STEM degree
Your employment must be directly related to your STEM field of study as listed on your I-20.
I-983 Training Plan completed
You and your employer must complete Form I-983 describing how the position provides practical training.
F-1 status maintained
You must be in valid F-1 status with no violations (unemployment days within limits, proper reporting, etc.).
STEM OPT CIP Codes: Which Degrees Qualify?
DHS maintains a list of STEM-designated CIP codes. Popular qualifying fields include:
| Category | Example Degrees | CIP Code Range |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | CS, Software Engineering, AI/ML, Data Science, Cybersecurity | 11.xxxx |
| Engineering | Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Biomedical | 14.xxxx |
| Mathematics & Statistics | Applied Math, Statistics, Actuarial Science | 27.xxxx |
| Biological Sciences | Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Genetics | 26.xxxx |
| Physical Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science | 40.xxxx |
| Business Analytics | Business Analytics, Quantitative Finance (STEM MBA programs) | 52.1301+ |
STEM OPT Application Timeline
90 days before OPT expires
Begin preparing I-983 with your employer. Request updated I-20 from DSO.
60 days before
Submit completed I-983 to your DSO. They review and recommend STEM extension in SEVIS.
File I-765
Submit Form I-765 with required documents. Include your I-20, I-983, employer letter, and filing fee ($410).
Before OPT expires
Your application MUST be received by USCIS before your current OPT EAD expires.
180-day auto extension
If filed on time, you get automatic 180-day work authorization extension while USCIS processes.
Approval
New EAD card issued for 24 months. Update your SEVP Portal employer information.
Critical: If your I-765 is not received before your OPT expires, you will NOT get the 180-day extension. File early.
I-983 Training Plan
The I-983 is a formal agreement between you and your employer. For a detailed section-by-section walkthrough, see our complete I-983 guide.
Student fills
- Personal info
- SEVIS ID
- Degree program
- Signature
Employer fills
- Company info
- E-Verify ID
- Training objectives
- Supervision plan
Both sign
- Final signatures
- Date of agreement
- Submit to DSO
Employer Requirements for STEM OPT
E-Verify Enrollment
The employer's E-Verify Company ID must appear on the I-983. Verify at e-verify.gov.
Commensurate Compensation
Must pay you at a rate comparable to U.S. workers in similar positions. Below-market pay raises flags.
Training & Mentoring
Must provide structured training, not just a regular job. Specify learning goals on I-983.
Evaluation Reports
Employer must complete a self-evaluation at 12 months (midpoint) and at end of STEM OPT.
STEM OPT Unemployment & Reporting Rules
| Rule | Initial OPT | STEM OPT |
|---|---|---|
| Max unemployment days | 90 days | 150 days total (90 + 60) |
| Volunteer work counts? | Yes (20+ hrs/week) | No — must be paid |
| Min hours per week | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Report changes | Within 10 days | Within 10 days |
| Self-evaluation required | No | Yes (at 12 months + end) |
For a deep dive, read our STEM OPT unemployment limit guide.
What Comes After STEM OPT?
H-1B Sponsorship
The most common next step. Your employer registers you for the H-1B lottery. With STEM OPT, you get up to 3 lottery attempts.
Read guide →Cap-Exempt H-1B
Universities, hospitals, and nonprofits can sponsor H-1B visas outside the lottery — no cap restrictions.
Read guide →Green Card Sponsorship
Some employers sponsor EB-2/EB-3 green cards. This can start while you're on STEM OPT.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability
For those with exceptional achievements in their field. No lottery — approval based on evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does STEM OPT approval take in 2026?
Most STEM OPT extension applications are processed in 2–5 months, similar to initial OPT. File as early as 90 days before your current OPT expires to avoid a gap in work authorization.
What is STEM OPT?
STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for F-1 students with a qualifying STEM degree. Combined with initial OPT, you can work up to 36 months in the US.
How long does STEM OPT extension take to process?
USCIS typically adjudicates STEM OPT I-765 filings in 2–5 months. You may continue working for up to 180 days while pending if you file before your current EAD expires and meet eligibility rules.
Does my employer need E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and complete Form I-983 with you before your DSO can recommend the STEM extension in SEVIS.
Related Guides
Written by Vinay Kumar
Vinay is a content writer at TrackMyOPT who specializes in immigration guidance for international students. All content is researched using official USCIS, SEVP, and Department of Labor sources and reviewed for accuracy by the TrackMyOPT team, which includes former F-1 students who navigated OPT, STEM OPT, and H-1B transitions firsthand.
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