1. General Overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. Students who graduate from STEM-designated programs are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month OPT period, allowing up to 3 years of work in the U.S.

2. Eligibility Criteria for STEM OPT Extension

To qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you must:

• Have a degree in a STEM-eligible field from a U.S. SEVIS-certified, accredited institution (within the last 10 years)

• Be in a valid period of standard post-completion OPT

• Have a paid job offer for more than 20 hours/week from an employer enrolled in E-Verify

• Not have used this same STEM degree for a previous OPT STEM extension

3. CSP Programs Eligible for STEM OPT

Your Designated School Official (DSO) must confirm that your degree appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. At CSP, the following programs currently qualify:

• Biology – CIP 26.0101

• Chemistry – CIP 40.0501

• Data Analytics – CIP 30.7101

• Information Technology Management – CIP 11.1099

• Mathematics – CIP 27.0101

• Computer Science – CIP 11.0701

4. Timeline and Deadlines

• You can apply for a STEM OPT I-20 as early as 90 days before your current OPT ends

• You must file with USCIS within 60 days of the DSO recommendation (i.e., from the date the I-20 is issued)

• Students cannot apply during the 60-day grace period after their initial 12-month OPT ends

5. Application Steps

Step 1: Pay the CSP STEM OPT processing fee ($120)

Step 2: Request your STEM OPT I-20 from CSP

Log in to the Control Center and select "STEM OPT Extension"

Step 3: File your application with USCIS

You must include the I-20 and sign the Student Attestation section. 

Step 4: Follow all F-1 STEM OPT compliance rules

Including Form I-983 reporting, supervisor evaluations, and address updates

6. Work and Employment Rules

• Must work at least 20 hours per week

• Can have up to two employers, but both must meet all STEM OPT requirements

• You may continue working for up to 180 days while your extension application is pending

7. Unemployment Limits and Grace Period

• You are allowed a total of 150 days of unemployment across your entire OPT period:

  • 90 days during initial OPT

  • 60 additional days during STEM OPT

• A 60-day grace period follows the end of your STEM OPT

• No grace period if your STEM OPT application is denied after post-completion OPT

8. Health Insurance

CSP does not enroll OPT students in health insurance.
You may purchase your own or use CSP’s partner, LewerMark, which offers a STEM OPT-eligible plan.

For inquiries:
Matt Lewer – mjlewer@lewer.com

9. Travel Guidelines

You may travel internationally while on STEM OPT. Carry the following:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond re-entry)

• Valid F-1 Visa

• Form I-20 (with valid travel signature and STEM OPT recommendation)

• OPT EAD (current or expired)

• Employment verification letter

• I-797 Receipt Notice if your STEM OPT is still pending

Important Note

The information provided here is for general guidance and not legal advice. For complex cases or immigration legal support, consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. CSP’s Office of International Student Services is not responsible for application outcomes based on misinterpretation or policy changes.