STEM students can now apply for a 24 month OPT extension

Eligible students can now extend their OPT training for as much as 24 months! USA has been tightening the screws on immigrants but seems to have relaxed its norms for students who are under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Currently, the maximum extension post-OPT stands at 17 months available to STEM students. From May 10^th onwards, the new extension dates will be applicable for students who need it.

STEM students are the ones who have earned a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. These educational streams are considered to be STEM and availing any training related to these fields ensures that you are eligible to apply for this extension.

Students applying for the extension should already be granted an OPT. Students enrolling for masters will be eligible for an additional 24 months of extended OPT apart from the extension they get for the bachelor’s degree.

How to apply?

Students who are currently under OPT will have to do the following steps:

• Submit a Form I-765 with the application fee of $380
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status and the Form I-20
• Endorsement from DSO (Designated School Official)
• Copy of your degree (STEM fields)

Students who are granted the extension will have to reports to their DSOs within 10 days and then once every 6 months for a status report even if your contact details have not changed.

Eligibility criteria:

• Existing OPT status
• STEM degree (Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate)
• Working for an employer in STEM field related to the degree