Understanding the Basics: OPT vs STEM OPT
Are you an international student aiming to gather practical work experience in the U.S. after graduation? You may be familiar with Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you with an F-1 visa to work in your field of study for up to 12 months. But what about those in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields who seek further hands-on training? This is where the STEM OPT extension comes into play.
What is the STEM OPT Extension?
The STEM OPT extension grants a 24-month extension beyond the standard OPT period, offering a total of up to 36 months of work authorization. This extension is specific to graduates with degrees in STEM fields from accredited institutions. The larger timeframe for the STEM OPT extension is designed to keep talented STEM graduates in the U.S. longer, providing ample time for them to gain valuable experience and potentially transition to other long-term visa options like the H-1B.
24-Month OPT Benefits for STEM Graduates
The extended work authorization provides a number of benefits, including:
- Increased Opportunity for H-1B Approval: Two extra cycles to be selected in the H-1B lottery, enhancing the chances for a longer work stay in the U.S.
- Job Flexibility: A chance to try different roles or employers within the STEM field to find the best fit.
Longer Work Experience: Additional time to gain practical skills and improve employability in the global job market.
Extended Time for Career Development: Opportunities for promotions or transitioning to a different role that suits your career goals.
Contribution to U.S. Industry: Skills enhancement to contribute significantly to the U.S. STEM sector.
Eligibility and Requirements for the STEM OPT Extension
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, there are several criteria you must meet:
- Hold an F-1 visa and have legally completed a degree in a field on the STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- Be in an ongoing period of post-completion OPT.
- Work for an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program, which is used to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
- Develop a formal training plan with your employer, outlining learning objectives and affirming the employer’s commitment to the training experience.
Applying for a STEM OPT Extension
When aiming to apply for the STEM OPT extension, remember to:
- Submit the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, before the current OPT expiration.
- Report changes of your name, address, employer, and loss of employment within the prescribed timelines.
Staying Compliant During STEM OPT
Once approved for a STEM OPT extension, maintain your status by:
- Working a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- Reporting every six months to your Designated School Official (DSO) with information on the progress of your training.
- Not exceeding 150 days of unemployment throughout the entire post-completion OPT period, including both the initial 12 months and the 24-month extension.
Considerations Before Pursuing STEM OPT
The STEM OPT extension is a valuable opportunity, but it’s important to plan ahead. Not only is it crucial to ensure that your degree qualifies and you have a fitting employer, but you must also aim for timely application to avoid any roadblocks in maintaining legal work authorization.
For the latest and most detailed information on OPT and the STEM OPT extension, always visit the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services websites. These resources are indispensable for staying informed on the legal aspects of your training period.
Students in STEM fields looking to extend their learning and development in the U.S. industry can greatly benefit from leveraging the STEM OPT extension. It provides an extended gateway to explore career opportunities, gain in-depth work experience, and contribute to the STEM sector in the U.S. economy. If eligible, the STEM OPT extension is an opportunity worth considering for a brighter, experience-rich future.
So there you have it, the lowdown on OPT vs STEM OPT! If you’re an international student itching to dive into the world of work after graduation, these options are your golden ticket. With STEM OPT, you get not just a cool 24-month extension, but also increased chances of H-1B approval, job flexibility, and a longer time to level up your skills. It’s a win-win! Want to explore more about visas and immigration? Head over to visaverge.com for all the deets. Happy exploring, my tech-savvy amigos!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: What is the STEM OPT extension?
Answer: The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension beyond the standard OPT period that allows graduates with degrees in STEM fields to work in their field of study in the U.S. for a total of up to 36 months. This extension is designed to provide ample time for STEM graduates to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to other long-term visa options like the H-1B.
FAQ 2: What are the benefits of the 24-month OPT extension for STEM graduates?
Answer: The 24-month OPT extension for STEM graduates offers several benefits, including increased opportunities for H-1B approval, job flexibility to explore different roles or employers within the STEM field, longer work experience to improve employability, extended time for career development and promotions, and the opportunity to contribute significantly to the U.S. STEM sector.
FAQ 3: What are the eligibility requirements for the STEM OPT extension?
Answer: To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you must meet several criteria, including holding an F-1 visa, having legally completed a degree in a field on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, being in an ongoing period of post-completion OPT, working for an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program, and developing a formal training plan with your employer that outlines learning objectives and confirms their commitment to the training experience.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- True or False: The STEM OPT extension allows international students to work in their field of study in the U.S. for up to 36 months.
- Which of the following is NOT a benefit of the STEM OPT extension for graduates?
a) Increased Opportunity for H-1B Approval
b) Job Flexibility
c) Longer Work Experience
d) Contribution to U.S. Industry - What is one of the eligibility requirements for the STEM OPT extension?
a) Must hold a J-1 visa
b) Must complete a degree in a non-STEM field
c) Must report changes of address every three months
d) Must have an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.
