Optional Practical Training for STEM Students (STEM OPT) lets F-1 students studying at U.S. universities apply for an additional 24 months of training. Applicants must receive a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from a U.S. university. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) manages all STEM OPT application submissions.

The Dos

Applicants should:

• Apply within 90 days of their current OPT period ending. USCIS lets applicants work for up to 180 days during processing.
• Make sure their employers register on E-Verify. Both applicants and employers must sign each new or updated Form I-983 too.
• Not register as self-employed or as an unpaid volunteer.
• Update any job, location, or title change to your DSO within 10 days of said change.
• Work at least 20 hours per week for each qualifying employer.
• Make sure all employers separately meet STEM OPT requirements if they’re working multiple jobs.
• Report any address or employment changes within 10 days.
• File Validation Reports every 6 months, even if nothing changes. Both STEM OPT beneficiaries and their employers must complete two self-evaluations on the I-983.
• Complete a 12-month evaluation and a Final Evaluation at the end of their employment.
• Keep copies of all I-983 forms and evaluations, offer letters, pay stubs, receipts, approvals, and proof of employer E-Verify.

The Don’ts

Committing any of the following violations results in application denial or loss of status:

• Not reporting any updates in employment or residency information. This also triggers termination of SEVIS records.
• Missing validation reports, I-983 update deadlines, or not reporting job changes.
• Being unemployed for more than 150 days. Any days unemployed in the Standard OPT program roll over to the STEM OPT.
• Working without a new STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, even if the old one’s still valid.
• Staying employed beyond the EAD card’s designated end date.
• Traveling abroad the STEM OPT processing period.
• Ignoring site visit rules.
• Not maintaining accurate training records. Notify your employer about this requirement as soon as possible.

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