Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students is limited to 12 months and must be completed within 14 months of the student’s graduation. However, some students may be eligible for an additional 17 months of OPT following the initial 12-month period based on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) extension. A student may be eligible for a 17-month STEM extension if the student’s employer is enrolled in E-Verify and agrees to report the student’s departure within 48 hours. (See 8 CFR §214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C).

The STEM subject must be in the major or dual-major of the student’s most recent degree received. It also is important to remember that the F-1 student may request the 17-month STEM extension up to 120 days prior to the end of post-completion OPT and employment authorization will be automatically extended for a period of 180 days. However, the student must ensure that the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization for the STEM extension, is received by USCIS before the expiration of the current OPT period. USCIS recommends filing the STEM extension between 90 and 120 days prior to the expiration of the student’s current OPT. (See SEVP Policy Guidance 1004-03 9 Apr. 23, 2010).

SEVP guidance also provides that a student may apply for the 17-month STEM extension during the cap gap extension of OPT. In such a situation, the H-1B petitioner must request the withdrawal of the approved or pending H-1B petition in time for USCIS to effectively accept the withdrawal prior to the October 1st start date so that the student’s status does not change to H-1B.

(this information is provided courtesy of AILA)