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
STEM OPT Workshop
Click to view the STEM OPT Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about STEM OPT?
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.