FAQ

STEM fields that qualify for OPT extension include:

• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
• Technology: Computer Science, Information Technology, etc.
• Engineering: All engineering disciplines
• Mathematics: Math, Statistics, etc.

Check DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List for complete list. Your degree must be on this list, and your employer must be E-Verify enrolled.

Yes, you can apply for H-1B while on OPT:

• Your employer files H-1B petition (typically in April)
• You can continue working on OPT while H-1B is pending
• If H-1B is approved and selected, you get cap-gap extension
• H-1B status begins October 1st

Important: Make sure your OPT is valid through October 1st, or you may need to leave and return with H-1B visa.

If you exceed 90 days of unemployment:

• Your F-1 status is terminated
• You must leave the U.S. immediately
• You may be barred from re-entry
• Future visa applications will be negatively affected

Prevention:

• Start job search early
• Consider volunteer work (counts as employment)
• Track unemployment days carefully
• Have backup plans

Yes, you can study part-time while on OPT, but:

• Must maintain full-time employment (20+ hours/week)
• Part-time study is allowed (online courses, evening classes)
• Cannot enroll in full-time degree program (would need new F-1 visa)

Options:

• Online courses and certifications
• Part-time master's programs
• Professional development courses

OPT processing time varies:

• Typical processing: 3-5 months
• Peak season (spring): Can take longer
• Premium processing: Not available for initial OPT

Timeline:

• DSO recommendation: 1-2 weeks
• USCIS receipt: 2-4 weeks after filing
• Approval: 3-5 months after receipt
• EAD card delivery: 1-2 weeks after approval

Apply early! File 90 days before program end date.

Yes, you can work for a startup on OPT if:

• Startup is a legitimate business (registered, has EIN)
• Job is related to your degree
• You work full-time (20+ hours/week)
• You receive compensation (can be equity + salary)
• You report employment to DSO

Documentation: Keep employment letter, pay stubs, business registration documents.

You can apply for OPT:

• Up to 90 days before your program end date
• Up to 60 days after your program end date
• Recommended: Apply 90 days before to ensure you have EAD before graduation

Processing time: 3-5 months, so apply early! Your DSO must recommend OPT in SEVIS first.

Yes, you can work part-time on OPT, but:

• Part-time OPT (less than 20 hours/week) counts at half the rate toward your 12-month limit
• Full-time OPT (20+ hours/week) counts at full rate
• You can mix part-time and full-time, but track your total

Example: 6 months part-time = 3 months used, leaving 9 months full-time equivalent.

You have 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT period:

• Can be unemployed for up to 90 days total
• After 90 days, you must leave U.S. or change status
• Unemployment days accumulate (don't reset)

For STEM OPT: You get additional 60 days (total 150 days for combined OPT).

Tips: Start job search early, consider volunteer work (counts as employment), network actively.

Yes, you can have multiple jobs on OPT, but:

• All jobs must be related to your degree
• You must report all employers to your DSO
• Update SEVIS within 10 days of any change
• Total hours should be at least 20/week for full-time OPT

Freelancing/contract work: Allowed if related to your field. Keep records of all employment.

Yes, you can continue working on OPT while your H-1B petition is pending. Here's what you need to know:

• You can continue working on your current OPT authorization
• Make sure your OPT is valid and you maintain your F-1 status
• If your H-1B is approved and you are in a cap-gap situation, your OPT will automatically extend until October 1st
• Cap-gap extension applies when your OPT expires between April 1st and September 30th

Additional Information:

• Automatic extension if H-1B petition is filed before OPT expires
• Extension continues until October 1st (H-1B start date) or until petition is denied/withdrawn
• You can continue working during the cap-gap period
• Your DSO will issue a new I-20 showing the cap-gap extension

STEM OPT extension allows F-1 students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months of OPT.

• STEM Degree: Your degree must be in a STEM field (check DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List)
• Currently on OPT: You must be on post-completion OPT
• E-Verify Employer: Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
• Form I-983: Must complete Training Plan (Form I-983) with employer
• Timing: File I-765 90 days before current OPT expires
• DSO Recommendation: Get new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation

Additional Information:

• Additional 24 months of work authorization
• More time to find H-1B sponsorship
• Additional 60 days of unemployment (total 150 days for combined OPT)
• Can change employers (with proper reporting)