Get Opt 17-month Extension

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, we will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application. Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students | USCIS uscis.gov https://.uscis.gov › students-and-exchange-visitors uscis.gov https://.uscis.gov › students-and-exchange-visitors

Students are eligible for the 60-day grace period at the end of OPT/STEM OPT. This time may be used to transfer to a new school or depart the US.

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field.

If the student's OPT EAD expires while the new application is pending, he or she receives an automatic extension of work authorization for up to 180 days or until the application is adjudicated.

How Many Times Can I Get a STEM Extension? Twice, if your second application is based on earning a new degree at a higher level. You must first do a full year of 12-month OPT, then apply for the STEM extension. For example, a student may earn a bachelor's degree and do 12 months of OPT, then do 24 months of STEM OPT.

The authorization process takes an average of 3-5 months. The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level plus a possible H-1B cap-gap extension OR a 24-Month extension for those who qualify (see questions on the 24-Month STEM Extension below).

Eligibility for 24-Month STEM OPT Extension Be maintaining valid F-1 status. Be on a period of standard Post-Completion OPT. Hold a degree in a field of study (indicated on the I-20) which qualifies as STEM eligible ing to the official STEM Designated Degree Program List. STEM OPT Eligibility | Office of International Students & Scholars yale.edu https://oiss.yale.edu › f-1-students › stem-opt-extension yale.edu https://oiss.yale.edu › f-1-students › stem-opt-extension

After Submitting Application to USCIS Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. The USCIS receipt notice is documentation of the extended authorization. You can travel during your pending or approved STEM OPT extension period.

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, we will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.