STEM Optional Practical Training

STEM OPT Extension

F-1 students who completed a degree in certain science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields and are currently on post-completion OPT may be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT Extension. This OPT extension period is for 24 months beginning the day after your post-completion OPT EAD expires. Please review the eligibility criteria and consult with OIS if you have questions.

STEM OPT Useful Links

• Department of Homeland Security: STEM OPT Hub
• SEVP Portal
• USCIS Case Processing Times
• STEM OPT Reporting Calculator
• OPT/STEM Application Guide

Online Filing of I-765

Recently, USCIS has made the I-765 available for online filing for F-1 students applying for pre-, post- or STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT). As this is a new online form, there may be unforeseen complications as this is a soft launch and still in the testing process. OIS cannot yet advise on how to complete an online I-765 application and as such we recommend that students still file the paper I-765 until more is known about how the rollout of the online I-765 goes. 

There may be certain situations where due to very close filing deadlines, filing online may be advantageous. If you have further questions about the online filing of the I-765, please attend an OPT Q&A session. 

Want to speak with an advisor about about STEM OPT?

Join one of OIS’ regular OPT Q&A sessions held online every Tuesday at 1:00PM and Thursday at 10:00AM. The sessions are accessible through the following link: https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/99595429274. Please note you must join the session by 1:30pm (Tuesday) or 10:30am (Thursday). The session will be locked after these times and you will not be able to join using the above mentioned link.

Participants are invited to ask questions through a group chat function, and an OIS advisor will talk through the questions with everyone in virtual attendance. All participants will be able to hear each question, so if you have a lengthy question or a question of a personal nature, please make an appointment with your advisor or attend virtual walk-in advising. Please note that the Q&A sessions are optional and there is no set presentation; the Q&A sessions just provide an opportunity for students to talk with OIS advisors about any OPT questions they may have. 

Connect with OIS as an alumni

We encourage you to explore the various ways that OIS and NC State engage with international alumni. Visit our International Alumni webpage to learn about the Alumni & Friends newsletter, the NC State Global Alumni LinkedIn group, and more.