/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

24-Month STEM OPT Extension

If you have a degree in an eligible science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your Post-Completion OPT.

This extension allows you to continue working in your field of study if you meet all eligibility requirements and work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

Eligibility

You must meet all of the following:

  • You have a STEM degree listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
  • You are currently approved for Post-Completion OPT
  • You have a job or job offer from an E-Verify employer
  • Your position is paid and directly related to your STEM degree (minimum 21 hours per week)
  • You have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment during your current OPT
  • You have not already used a STEM OPT extension for this degree level

Check the CIP code (6-digit code listed under Major) on your I-20 to confirm if your degree qualifies.

E-Verify is a database system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. It allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. E-Verify is currently voluntary in most states.

Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and you must remain employed with an E-Verify employer for the duration of your STEM OPT. Learn more about E-Verify.

If your current OPT is based on a non-STEM degree, you may still qualify for a STEM OPT extension using a previous STEM degree earned in the United States.

To be eligible:

  • Both degrees must be from accredited, SEVP-certified institutions
  • You must not have already used a STEM OPT extension based on that prior degree
  • Your current job must be directly related to your previous STEM degree

Check the CIP code for your previous degree on page 1 of your I-20 and review the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm eligibility.

If you think you may qualify, contact your International Student Advisor for guidance before applying.

If your CIP code is not listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may still qualify in some cases.

DHS defines STEM fields based on broad categories such as:

  • Engineering (CIP 14)
  • Biological sciences (CIP 26)
  • Mathematics (CIP 27)
  • Physical sciences (CIP 40)

Related fields may also qualify if they involve research, innovation, or developing new technologies in areas like engineering, computer science, or natural sciences.

This means your degree may be considered STEM even if it is not clearly listed. You can find more details on the STEM CIP Code Designations section of the DHS website.

Before applying, you must speak with your International Student Advisor to review your eligibility, understand any risks, and receive guidance on how to prepare your application.

You may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension up to two times in your lifetime.

To use a second STEM OPT extension:

  • It must be based on a higher degree level than your first STEM OPT extension
  • The two extensions cannot be used at the same degree level

Key Guidelines

  • When to Apply: You can apply up to 90 days before your OPT end date listed on your current EAD. USCIS must receive your application before your OPT expires.
  • Work While Pending: If you apply before your current OPT expires, you may continue working until a final decision is made, or it has been pending for 180 days, whichever comes first.
  • Approval:If approved, you will receive a new EAD card with 24 additional months of work authorization.
  • Unemployment Limit:You receive an additional 60 days of unemployment, for a total of up to 150 days across OPT and STEM OPT.

  • Processing times:

    • VIS processing: 5–7 business days
    • USCIS processing: approximately 3–6 months

    Premium Processing is an option for expedited USCIS processing. Learn more on the Premium Processing webpage.

  • Employment & Participation: During your STEM OPT period, you must continue to report to VIS your employment information and your participation in the training plan. Review your reporting requirements on the Reporting Requirements webpage.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete Form I-983 Training Plan

You and your employer must complete and sign Form I-983, which outlines your training plan.

Follow step-by-step DHS guidance to complete this form accurately.

Step 2: Submit STEM OPT Request

  1. Log in to accessVIS through Limited Services, with your SBU ID, date of birth and Limited Services Pin.

  2. Select Employment & Training from the left menu.

  3. Submit the 24-month STEM OPT Extension Request.

  • Upload the following documents (PDF format):

    • Form I-94
    • Passport
    • F-1 visa
    • Job offer letter
    • Completed Form I-983
Step 3: Receive the STEM OPT I-20

VIS typically processes requests within 5–7 business days. If your request is approved, you will receive a new I-20 recommending STEM OPT Extension. Review it carefully, then print and sign it.

Step 4: Apply to USCIS

Submit Form I-765 to USCIS. USCIS must receive your application within 60 days of your STEM OPT I-20 issuance.

REVIEW I-765 Application Guide

Processing times are typically 3–6 months. Expediting your application through premium processing is available.

Learn more about premium processing

Do not submit your I-765 application to USCIS until you have received your I-20 recommending STEM OPT.

What's Next?

SBU STEM OPT Fee

You will be charged a $200 International Student Fee when your STEM OPT I-20 is issued. Learn more on what this fee provides to you.

Learn About STEM Fee

I-765 Application & Status

Review VIS guidance to complete the I-765 application, understand what happens after you apply, and troubleshoot common issues and questions.

Learn About Form I-765

Reporting Requirements

Understand your reporting responsibilities during STEM OPT, including required updates, validation reports, and training plan requirements.

Learn About STEM Reporting

SEVP Portal

Learn how to use the SEVP Portal to update your employment and contact information while on OPT.

Learn about SEVP Portal

Travel while on STEM OPT

Understand the requirements and risks of traveling outside the U.S. while on STEM OPT, including required documents and re-entry guidance.

Learn about travel