Key Takeaways:
- STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) allows F-1 visa holders to work in their field for up to 36 months.
- Eligibility includes a degree from a US institution, job offer from an E-Verify employer, and timely application.
- Maintaining F-1 status on STEM OPT requires working at least 20 hours per week and reporting any changes to your DSO.
Understanding STEM OPT and Its Impact on F-1 Visa Status
International students in the United States often look forward to gaining some practical work experience in their field of study. The STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) program offers just that, by providing an opportunity for those holding an F-1 visa status to work in their field of study for a certain period after graduation. Here’s how STEM OPT influences your F-1 visa status and paves the way for an OPT extension:
What is STEM OPT?
STEM OPT is an extension of the regular post-completion OPT. The regular OPT allows students with an F-1 visa to work for up to 12 months in their field of study. For those in STEM fields, the Department of Homeland Security provides the ability to apply for an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of practical training in the U.S.
Eligibility and Application for STEM OPT
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you must:
– Hold a degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution in a qualifying STEM field.
– Be employed by or have a job offer from a company enrolled in the E-Verify program.
– Apply before your current OPT expiration.
Applying for STEM OPT includes submitting Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the required fee. For comprehensive guidelines, refer to the official USCIS STEM OPT page.
How Does STEM OPT Affect F-1 Visa Status?
Once you obtain the STEM OPT extension, your F-1 visa status shifts from just a student to a student engaged in practical training. Although you are no longer attending classes, you are still considered to be maintaining your F-1 status as long as you comply with the STEM OPT regulations, which include:
- Working at least 20 hours per week.
- Reporting changes in employment or personal information to your Designated School Official (DSO).
- Submitting a self-evaluation about your training experience to your educational institution.
Importantly, if your visa expires while you are on STEM OPT, you can still legally remain in the U.S. and work under the “cap-gap” provision until your OPT extension starts or until the H-1B visa (work visa) petition decision date.
Maintaining Legal F-1 Status on STEM OPT
To maintain your legal status during STEM OPT, it is crucial to:
– Stay employed with an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to your STEM field.
– Refrain from accruing more than 150 days of unemployment during the total OPT period.
– Report any changes to your DSO and update your Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”
Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in the loss of your F-1 status and potentially lead to deportation.
The Benefits of STEM OPT
One of the significant advantages of participating in the STEM OPT program is gaining extensive work experience in your field, which can enhance your resume and potentially lead to more substantial job offers. Additionally, the OPT extension can act as a valuable period wherein you can transition to a work visa like the H-1B. Having more time in the U.S. also allows you to establish a stronger network within your professional community.
Conclusion
STEM OPT provides F-1 visa holders with a remarkable opportunity to extend their stay in the United States and gain valuable work experience in their chosen field of study. It is important for students to fully understand the requirements to maintain legal status and make the most of their OPT extension. For detailed information and official guidance, always refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.
Staying informed, working closely with your DSO, and following the immigration regulations will ensure that you can utilize the STEM OPT to its full potential, setting a strong foundation for your career and future immigration endeavors.
So there you have it, my STEM-loving amigos! STEM OPT is like the golden ticket for international students on an F-1 visa. It’s a chance to gain work experience, extend your stay, and level up your career prospects. Just remember to follow the rules, stay employed, and keep that F-1 visa status intact. And hey, if you want to dive even deeper into the wonderfully complex world of visas, head over to visaverge.com for more awesome info! You won’t regret it, promise.
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: What is STEM OPT and how does it differ from regular OPT?
STEM OPT is an extension of the regular Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 visa holders in the United States. While regular OPT allows for 12 months of work experience in the field of study, STEM OPT provides an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of practical training. STEM OPT is specifically designed for students graduating from accredited U.S. educational institutions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
FAQ 2: How can I apply for STEM OPT and what are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you must have a degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution in a qualifying STEM field, be employed by or have a job offer from a company enrolled in the E-Verify program, and apply before your current OPT expiration. The application process involves submitting Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying the required fee.
FAQ 3: How does STEM OPT impact F-1 visa status and what are the requirements for maintaining legal status?
STEM OPT shifts your F-1 visa status from being purely a student to being a student engaged in practical training. To maintain legal status, you must work at least 20 hours per week, report changes in employment or personal information to your Designated School Official (DSO), and submit a self-evaluation about your training experience to your educational institution. It is important to stay employed with an E-Verify employer, avoid exceeding 150 days of unemployment during the total OPT period, and report any changes to your DSO and update your Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students). Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in the loss of your F-1 status and potential deportation.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
What is the maximum duration of practical training allowed under the STEM OPT program?
a) 12 months
b) 24 months
c) 36 months
d) 48 monthsWhich of the following is NOT an eligibility requirement for applying for the STEM OPT extension?
a) Holding a degree from a US educational institution in a qualifying STEM field
b) Being employed by an E-Verify enrolled company
c) Having a job offer in a non-STEM field
d) Applying before the current OPT expirationHow many days of unemployment can an F-1 visa holder on STEM OPT accrue during the total OPT period?
a) 30 days
b) 60 days
c) 90 days
d) 150 days
