OPT & STEM OPT guide · Updated Oct 27 2026
Your Next Step After Graduation
Everything F-1 students need to know about OPT and STEM OPT, from eligibility to your first day of work.
Start with the Basics
- 12 months of OPT per degree level
- +24 more months with a STEM degree
- 90 days of unemployment allowed
- $470 to file Form I-765 online
- 30 business days with premium processing
Understanding OPT
Understanding OPT
Before you apply, it helps to understand what OPT is, the forms it can take, how long it lasts, and the rules that apply while you use it.
OPT is temporary work permission for F-1 students, for jobs directly related to your major.
It is a benefit of your F-1 status, not a separate visa. You are still an F-1 student while on OPT, even after graduating. You do not need a job offer to apply for your first OPT.
- 1. Your school Your DSO recommends you in SEVIS and issues an updated I-20.
- →
- 2. USCIS Approves your Form I-765 and mails your EAD card.
Pre-completion OPT
Used while you are still studying. It comes out of the same 12-month allowance, so whatever you use now is subtracted from what you get after graduation.
- Up to 20 hours a week while school is in session
- Full-time during official breaks
- Can apply up to 90 days before finishing your first academic year
- Part-time use counts at half rate
How your clock fills up
4 months full-time before graduation leaves 8 months for after.
Post-completion OPT
Used after you finish your program. This is what most students mean when they say “OPT”. The whole period must end within 14 months of your program end date.
- Up to 12 months, minus any pre-completion OPT
- No job offer needed to apply
- Must work 20+ hours a week to count as employed
- 90 days of unemployment allowed in total
How your clock fills up
12 months of work time after your degree.
STEM OPT extension
A 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees in an eligible STEM field. It’s added on top, not a separate first-time benefit.
- You must already be on post-completion OPT
- Paid job, 20+ hours a week, with an E-Verify employer
- Form I-983 training plan required
- 60 more unemployment days (150 total)
How your clock fills up
Up to 36 months in total: 12 + 24.
OPT vs. STEM OPT, side by side
| Feature | Post-completion OPT | STEM OPT extension |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Up to 12 months (minus any pre-completion OPT) | 24 additional months |
| Eligible degrees | Any degree level and major, except English language training | Bachelor’s or higher on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List |
| Job offer to apply? | No | Yes |
| Employer rules | Work must relate to your major | E-Verify, valid EIN, real employer-employee relationship, formal training |
| Must be paid? | No. Unpaid work can count if it follows labor laws | Yes |
| Minimum hours | 20 per week to count as employed | 20 per week |
| Self-employment | Possible, if related to your major | No |
| Training plan | Not required | Form I-983 required |
| Unemployment allowance | 90 days total | 60 more days (150 total) |
| Work while pending? | No | Yes, up to 180 days if filed on time |
| I-765 category | (c)(3)(B) | (c)(3)(C) |
OPT duration and employment rules
Unemployment allowance
Track your unemployment days
On post-completion OPT you may be unemployed for up to 90 days in total. Enter the dates you already know and we'll count the days for you.
Jobs since your EAD start date
You have 12 days left. If you stay unemployed, you would reach the limit on Nov 15, 2026. Speak with your DSO now.
Counted through today. Example dates are filled in; replace them with yours. Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f); DHS Study in the States. Your DSO has the official count.
Four rules to keep your status in good standing
Completion deadline. Finish all post-completion OPT within 14 months of your program end date.
Minimum to count as employed. Work must relate to your major. STEM OPT must be paid, with an E-Verify employer.
Reporting deadline. Report a new employer, address or phone number in the SEVP Portal within 10 days.
One OPT per degree level. A higher degree brings a new 12 months; a lower one does not.
OPT policy updates in 2026
As of October 27, 2026, the current OPT and STEM OPT rules, deadlines, and USCIS filing fees still apply.
- Proposed
$70,000 / $30,000 OPT fees
Schools would pay $70,000 for a student’s first OPT recommendation and $30,000 for each later one, including STEM. Comments close Nov 9, 2026. Not in effect.
- Blocked
End of “duration of status”
Would cut the grace period and OPT filing deadline to 30 days. Blocked by a federal court on Sept 14, 2026. The 60-day rules still apply.
- In effect
Premium fee now $1,780
Up from $1,685 since March 1, 2026. Include the new amount with any premium processing request.
- Proposed
New I-765 edition (09/15/26) on hold
Made for the blocked rule. Check uscis.gov/i-765 on the day you file and use the edition listed there.
- Blocked
SEVP guidance on CPT (in court)
Narrows when schools can authorize CPT, including Day 1 CPT. Affects CPT, not OPT. Lawsuit filed Oct 5, 2026.
- In effect
Cap-gap runs to April 1
Keeps status and work permission for F-1 students with a pending H-1B change-of-status petition.
OPT eligibility
Do you qualify for an OPT?
OPT is widely available to F-1 students but is not automatic. This section covers the requirements for standard OPT, how prior CPT and OPT affect eligibility, and the additional conditions for the STEM extension.
My H-1B checklist
6/6 Looking good! You likely qualify. Not there yet. An unticked box may block OPT, so check it with your DSO. Not there yet. 2 unticked boxes may block OPT, so check them with your DSO. How prior CPT and OPT affect eligibility
STEM OPT has three more hoops
You must be on valid post-completion OPT, under 90 days of unemployment, and file before your current EAD expires. Then:
- CIP 14.0901
The degree code counts, not its name
Your major’s six-digit CIP code on your I-20 must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Ask the school for the code in writing.
- E-Verify
An employer in good standing
Enrolled in E-Verify, valid EIN, real employer-employee relationship, pay and hours comparable to U.S. workers. Reports your departure within 5 business days.
- Form I-983
A training plan made for you
Specific learning goals, supervision, how progress is measured and how the role ties to your STEM degree. Evaluations at 12 months and at the end.
Application guide
OPT Application Guide
USCIS must receive your post-completion OPT application no earlier than 90 days before your program end date, no later than 60 days after it, and within 30 days of your DSO’s recommendation.
We’ll mark your filing window. Example date shown.
Why early? Processing often takes three months or more, and you can’t work until your EAD arrives and its start date begins.
Your filing window
102 days until your window opens. Talk to your DSO a few weeks before so your I-20 is ready on time.
DSO recommendation and your OPT I-20
- 1 Ask your DSO Confirm your end date, complete the school’s OPT request and pick start dates.
- 2 Get your OPT I-20 Check name, SEVIS ID and dates, then sign it. Your 30-day clock starts.
- 3 File Form I-765 Online ($470) or paper ($520). Use the right category and the DSO’s dates.
- 4 Receipt & review I-797C receipt, possible biometrics, possible RFE. Keep your address current.
- 5 EAD arrives Work only once you hold the card and its start date has arrived.
I-765 cheat sheet
Pick the right category code
- (c)(3)(A) Pre-completion OPT, while you’re still studying
- (c)(3)(B) Post-completion OPT, after your program ends
- (c)(3)(C) STEM OPT 24-month extension
Your school may charge its own OPT fee. Download the form or start online from uscis.gov/i-765 on the day you file.
Document checklist
Applying for the STEM OPT extension
Complete Form I-983 with your employer, obtain a STEM OPT recommendation from your DSO, and file a new Form I-765 before your current EAD expires.
- 01 Confirm eligibility CIP code on the STEM list, E-Verify employer, fewer than 90 unemployment days.
- 02 Update your SEVP Portal record Ensure your current employer is reported correctly.
- 03 Complete Form I-983 with your employer Both parties sign.
- 04 Submit your request to your DSO Include the I-983 and any school forms or fees.
- 05 Receive your STEM OPT I-20 The DSO enters the recommendation in SEVIS.
- 06 File Form I-765 under (c)(3)(C) Within 60 days of the recommendation and before your EAD expires.
- 07 Keep your receipt notice It documents your automatic extension of up to 180 days.
- 08 Monitor USCIS notices Respond promptly to any RFE.
How to expedite
Need it faster? Pay for the fast lane
Premium processing is available for all three OPT categories. For $1,780 on top of the I-765 fee, USCIS takes action on your case within 30 business days.
Premium processing
- File Form I-907 with your I-765, or later using your receipt number
- “Action” can mean approval, denial, an RFE or a notice of intent to deny
- An RFE pauses the clock. It restarts when USCIS gets your answer
- Biometrics may need to happen before the clock starts
- Use the current fee. An old fee amount gets rejected
Expedite request
- USCIS generally won’t consider one for OPT, because premium processing is available
- Reserved for severe financial loss, emergencies, government interest or clear USCIS error
- Needing to start a job usually isn’t enough
- Biometrics may need to happen before the clock starts
- A nonprofit employer may still be able to ask
Myth or fact? Tap a card to flip it.
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Myth “Premium processing guarantees approval.”Fact It only guarantees USCIS will act. An ineligible application is still denied, and the fee isn’t refunded. Myth: “Premium processing guarantees approval.”
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Myth “It extends my filing deadline.”Fact No. Every deadline still applies. Myth: “It extends my filing deadline.”
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Myth “I can start working once I file for premium.”Fact No. You still need an approved EAD and an active start date. Myth: “I can start working once I file for premium.”
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Myth “It speeds up my school’s recommendation.”Fact No. DSO processing happens before USCIS and depends on your school. Myth: “It speeds up my school’s recommendation.”
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Myth “It speeds up card delivery.”Fact It speeds up the decision. Printing and mailing the card still take time. Myth: “It speeds up card delivery.”
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Myth “I can request an expedite instead.”Fact For OPT, USCIS generally won’t consider one, because premium processing exists. Myth: “I can request an expedite instead.”
Rejection vs. denial vs. RFE
OPT Rejection
A rejection means USCIS did not accept your application. A denial means USCIS reviewed it and found you ineligible. An RFE means USCIS needs more evidence before deciding.
Common filing mistakes
Most rejections and many delays come from avoidable errors. Review your application against this list before submitting:
- Wrong fee or failed payment Old amount, or the online fee on a paper filing.
- Outdated form edition USCIS rejects editions it no longer accepts.
- Missing signatures On a paper I-765 and on your I-20.
- Wrong category (c)(3)(B) for a STEM extension, or the reverse.
- Missed the 30-day DSO window One of the most common reasons for denial.
- Photo problems Must be recent and unretouched.
- Name or date mismatches Across your I-765, I-20, passport and I-94.
- Dates that don’t match Your requested dates must match the DSO’s.
- Unreliable mailing address A lost EAD can mean weeks of delay.
- STEM slip-ups Wrong E-Verify name or ID, no copy of your STEM degree.
Your options after a rejection or denial
After a rejection, you can usually fix the problem and refile if your windows are still open. After a denial, talk to your DSO right away. You cannot work on OPT after a denial.
- Refile Fix and resend For rejections, if your 30-day DSO window and 90/60-day program window are still open.
- Form I-290B Motion to reopen or reconsider File within 30 days of the decision (33 if mailed). Fee is $800. I-765 denials generally can’t be appealed.
- New program Start a higher degree Keeps you in F-1 status and brings new OPT eligibility after you complete it.
- Other routes Change status or depart Change to another status if you qualify, or leave the U.S. before falling out of status.
- Never work without an active EAD
- 60-day grace period after your program or OPT ends
- 10 days to report in the SEVP Portal
- Every I-20, EAD and receipt: keep them
- Act fast on reinstatement if SEVIS is terminated
Frequently asked questions
Questions students actually ask
Find straightforward answers to common questions about OPT and STEM OPT eligibility, applying, and what comes next.
Yes, if you meet the conditions.
OPT uses the F-1 visa as well. It’s possible to transition from F-1 status directly to a green card.
Generally 60 days. If you have maintained your status, you have a 60-day grace period after your OPT or STEM OPT period ends to depart the United States, transfer schools, begin another eligible program, or take another immigration action permitted during that period. Confirm your exact dates and eligibility with your DSO.
If you properly maintain F-1 status and complete your academic program without applying for OPT, transferring to another school, or changing status, you generally have a 60-day grace period after completing the program to prepare for departure or take another permitted immigration action. The official program completion date and SEVIS record determine the start of the grace period, so confirm your specific program end date with your DSO.
Yes. However, the STEM OPT extension must follow an OPT period. If you didn’t use your STEM OPT extension after your undergraduate degree, you can still use it after obtaining OPT for a non-STEM graduate program.
Yes. The STEM OPT extension must follow directly after the regular OPT. However, if you used a year of regular OPT after your undergraduate STEM degree and then pursued a non-STEM graduate degree, you can apply for the unused extension part of your undergraduate STEM OPT within 90 days before the end of your graduate OPT.
Yes. A qualifying doctoral STEM degree may support a STEM OPT extension if you otherwise meet the requirements and haven’t used up the limit of two lifetime extensions. If it is your second STEM OPT extension, the doctoral degree must be at a higher educational level than the degree used for the first extension.
Yes. OPT is a work permit for practical training. Not working means not participating in practical training, which leads to OPT termination. Regular OPT allows for up to 90 days of unemployment, while STEM OPT allows for up to 150 days of unemployment.
No. Employment must be related to your field of study and be at least 20 hours per week. For an OPT extension, the position must be paid.
Yes. This differs from the H-1B visa.
No. You don’t need a job offer to apply for OPT.
Technically, no. However, getting an OPT I-20 from your school is a required step, so it depends on the school’s policies. Some schools may require a minimum GPA, typically above 2.0 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduate students.
Not for degrees at the same level. For example, if you complete two master’s degrees, you can only use OPT once. Otherwise, you can have an OPT for each degree level you complete (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral). You may receive up to two 24-month STEM OPT extensions in your lifetime. The second requires a STEM degree at a higher educational level than the first, and a new period of post-completion OPT based on that higher degree.
No. OPT is a use-it-or-lose-it opportunity. If you don’t apply before the required application deadline, it’s considered forfeited. You can only “bank” the 24-month STEM extension, not a regular OPT opportunity.
Generally, no. However, if your application is denied, it’s advised to consult a lawyer before reapplying.
Get advice on your OPT timeline
Whether you are preparing to apply, approaching the end of OPT, or responding to a denial, a CPTDog advisor can help you understand your options.