Recipients of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in certain STEM ( S cience, T echnology, E ngineering, M athematics) fields may be eligible for a one-time 24-month extension of post-completion OPT (for a total eligibility of up to 36 months). The 24-month Stem Extension OPT is adjudicated (approved) by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
24 MONTH STEM Extension Overview
The earliest that students can apply is 90 days before the end of the 12-month OPT.
- Lifetime limit of two (2) 24-month STEM extension is granted per student; each occurring after a higher degree level has been obtained.
- New STEM extension EAD card begins the day after the expiration of the 12 month EAD card and ends 24 months later, no matter the date of adjudication.
- It is possible to change employers during the 24 months. The new employment must meet the STEM extension requirements and a new I-983 training plan must be submitted to the school.
- Students whose applications are received before the EAD card expires will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending until they receive the final decision from USCIS on the application or for 180 days, whichever comes first. It is possible to change employment while application is pending, as long as the new employment meets STEM extension requirements.
- If extension application is denied, student will still have the 60 day grace period after expiration of the 12-month EAD card.
STEM Extension Requirements
- Must currently be on post-completion 12-month OPT
- Verified completion of a degree on the STEM Designated Degree Programs List. The CIP code is found on top of page 1 of the I-20 under Program of Study information.
- Employment Requirements:
- Paid position
- More than 20 hours per week
- Directly related to field of study and appropriate to degree level obtained
- Employer Requirements:
- Registered with the U.S. Government E-Verify employment verification system
- Agrees to report any termination of employment to International Programs.
Limited Period of Unemployment to Maintain Status
- An additional 60 days of unemployment time will be available during the extension, combined with the 90 days granted during initial 12-month. The aggregate total allowed is 150 days during the possible 36 months.
- Students must report immediately to IP any changes in employment through the OPT Information Update form.
- OIP and DHS strongly recommends that students keep evidence for each job regarding the position held, dates of position, the job title, supervisor name and contact information and a description of the job.
Download the Guide to OPT STEM Forms & Document (printable) section for further detail on STEM. If you would like to make an appointment, please email international@ltu.edu to request one. If you live out of state and need to do a STEM appointment we can do the advising via email.
Contact us:
A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center
International@ltu.edu
248.204.3160
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| Adam Berry Associate Director 248.204.3170 aberry@ltu.edu | Amanda Ciolek International Advisor 248.204.3178 aciolek@ltu.edu | Sarah Roberts International Advisor 248.204.2116 sroberts@ltu.edu |