OPT & STEM OPT

OVERVIEW

What Is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the United States for up to 12 months in a position directly related to their field of study. OPT may be used before graduation (pre-completion) or after (post-completion), though pre-completion time is deducted from the post-completion period.

Students who earned a qualifying STEM degree — in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics — may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing total authorized OPT to 36 months. STEM OPT requires the employer to participate in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan (Form I-983).

ELIGIBILITY

Who Qualifies

• Must be in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
• OPT employment must be directly related to the student’s major area of study
• Applications are filed through the student’s Designated School Official (DSO), who issues an updated I-20
• STEM OPT extension: Degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
• STEM OPT extension: Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and execute a training plan on Form I-983
• Cap-Gap: F-1 students with a timely filed H-1B petition may continue OPT through September 30 of the fiscal year

PLANNING AHEAD

OPT authorization does not begin automatically — USCIS recommends applying no earlier than 90 days before the desired start date and no later than 60 days after graduation. Planning the OPT and STEM OPT timeline in coordination with an H-1B strategy is essential for students intending to remain in the U.S. long-term. Lex Nautica assists students and their employers in structuring a complete transition plan.