Post-Completion OPT

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants Post-Completion OPT to F-1 students who completed a program at a SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. OPT begins after the student’s program end date.

The earliest an application for employment authorization (EAD) for Post-Completion OPT can be filed is 90 days prior to the student’s program end date and no later than 60 days after their end date. Please note that filings must occur within 30 days of I-20 issuance. USCIS strictly enforces these deadlines.

STEM OPT

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants STEM OPT extensions for an additional 24-month period to F-1 students who are currently in a post-completion OPT period. To qualify, an F-1 student must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP certified school that is accredited at the time of the STEM OPT filing.

Please note that STEM OPT extensions must be filed prior to the expiration of the initial OPT period. Persons who have already entered the 60-day grace period no longer qualify for the STEM OPT program.

Students may qualify for STEM OPT extensions once per degree level (i.e., Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctorate). The maximum number of STEM OPT extensions over the course of an academic career is 2.

Extensions may be filed up to 90 days before the expiration of the post-completion OPT period.