STEM OPT Extension 2026: New Rules, Eligibility & Application Tips

The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 3 years of work experience in the US. Here's how to qualify and apply.

What is STEM OPT Extension?

An additional 24 months of work authorization for F-1 students who:

Completed a STEM degree
Are currently on post-completion OPT
Have a job with an E-Verify employer

Total OPT time: 12 months + 24 months = 36 months

Eligibility Requirements (2026)

Degree Requirements Your degree must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List: - Computer Science - Engineering (all types) - Mathematics - Data Science - Physical Sciences - Biological Sciences - And many more (800+ programs)

Employer Requirements - Must be enrolled in E-Verify - Must provide structured training (Form I-983) - Must be a bona fide employer (not staffing agencies for some roles)

Timing Requirements - Apply up to 90 days before current OPT expires - Must apply before OPT end date - Cannot have accumulated 90+ days of unemployment

The I-983 Training Plan

This form is CRITICAL. It documents:

Section 1-4: Basic Information - Student and employer details - Position and salary information

Section 5: Training Plan Goals - Skills to be acquired - How training relates to your degree - Performance evaluation methods

Employer Commitments: - Provide training - Not displace US workers - Ensure comparable compensation

Application Process

Step 1: Complete I-983 with Employer - Both you and your supervisor sign - Be specific about learning objectives

Step 2: Request New I-20 from DSO - Submit I-983 to your school - DSO updates SEVIS and issues new I-20

Step 3: File with USCIS - Submit Form I-765 (Application for EAD) - Include new I-20, current EAD, photos - Pay filing fee ($410)

Step 4: Wait for Approval - Processing time: 2-5 months - You can continue working on OPT during processing - Receive new EAD card

2026 Updates and Changes

What's New - Increased processing fees - Stricter E-Verify enforcement - More scrutiny on training plans - Remote work policies formalized

Remote Work Rules - Must report any remote work locations - Cannot work remotely outside the US - Employer site visits may be virtual

Reporting Requirements During STEM OPT

You MUST report to your DSO:

Name/address change (within 10 days)
Employer change (within 10 days)
Lost job (immediately)
I-983 evaluations (6 and 12 months)
Final evaluation (before end of extension)

Common Mistakes

**Missing the deadline** - Apply before OPT expires
**Vague I-983** - Be specific about training
**Employer not E-Verify** - Confirm before accepting job
**Unemployment gaps** - Max 150 days over 3-year period
**Not reporting changes** - Can result in OPT termination

After STEM OPT: What's Next?

H-1B visa (lottery in April)
O-1 visa (if you have extraordinary achievements)
Green Card sponsorship (if employer willing)
Return to school (another degree, another OPT)

Our USA team includes former DSOs who know the STEM OPT process inside out.