OPT Extension Guidelines For OPT Students

 

StemOPT Extension Guidelines For OPT Students

 

STEM OPT extensions allow students with science, technology, mathematics or engineering degrees to extend their post-completion OPT authorization. Students with STEM degrees and currently in their 12 month OPT period should review OPT extension guidelines, eligibility requirements, timeline, instructions, and application procedure.

For candidates to qualify for 24 months STEM OPT extension, one must fulfill the following guidelines:

• Candidates are required to hold F-1 status and be currently working in a period of post-completion OPT.
• Further, one must ensure they have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the eligible STEM field.
• If you are using a previous STEM degree earned in the US, you must have received the latest degree from an accredited student and exchange visitor program (SEVP)-certified school.
• Candidate must have received qualifying STEM degree in the last 10 years of applying for STEM OPT extension.
• Your STEM degree should be on the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program list when submitting your STEM OPT extension application.

 Ensure you have a paid job that meets the following OPT extension guidelines:

 

• Job should be with an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program. So check with your employer that is registered with USCIS E-verify program.
• Your job offers should be at least 20 hours of work per week.
• Further your job must provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.

             Employment Requirements During the 24-month STEM OPT Extension

• You must work for an employer at least 20 hours per week that participates in the E-verify program and secondly agrees to follow all employer requirements in 24-month STEM regulations.
• Unpaid/volunteering work or self-employment is not allowed under 24 months STEM OPT Extension regulation.

 Applying for OPT Extension

Students with a STEM degree and at present in the 12-month OPT period are required to:

• USCIS should receive your STEM OPT extension application before the current OPT EAD for the 12-month card expires.
• You must apply as early as 90 days before your current 12 months OPT EAD card expires.
• It would be helpful if you considered that it takes about a month for ISS to process your new I-20 application. Also, mailing applications to USCIS would take time.

Application Procedure

Student with STEM degree and right now is in 12-month OPT period:

• You are required to confirm you are maintaining your F-1 status!
• Ensure you check the SEVP portal and verify your 12 months OPT information is up-to-date.

You would be required to have the following documents:

• Download, fill, and complete I-983 to submit to your official school officials.
• Form I-765 with the application fee, company name, and company identification number listed on E-verify.
• Form I-20 as endorsed by your DSO in the last 60 days.

Once you have received the OPT extension student is required to:

If you receive a STEM OPT extension, you must:

Report any changes in the below-mentioned information to DSO in 10 days maximum:

• Legal name
• Residential or mailing address
• Email Address
• Employer’s name and address

Report to your DSO every six months to confirm the information listed above, even if nothing changes.

In case you have been unemployed during OPT days, then you are required to mention it. If you received an initial post-completion OPT only, then you are allowed up to 90 days. In contrast, if you have a 24-month extension, you could be unemployed for an additional 60 days and for a total of 150 days, including during the OPT period.

 Ensure you have a checklist of documents that can prove an OPT employment, such as copies of offer or job letters, a record of any project worked as part of consultancy or agency, pay stubs, and bank statements corresponding with the same.

Conclusion,

International students pursuing STEM degrees could encounter a vast job market. But what can set them apart from the competition is skill enhancement. As most STEM jobs are in the tech field, considering a program that can get you further, offer certification, and get you in a lucrative job soon is the way forward. In case you are considering a career in the USA that is the future proof, consider contacting SynergisticIT tech brain camp.