STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)
In order to be eligible for the 24-month extension benefit, international students must:
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already be on a valid OPT, based on a STEM-eligible degree
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have had fewer than ninety (90) days of unemployment while on their originally approved 12-month OPT
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be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered in the E-verify employment verification system. E-verify is a database operated by DHS in partnership with the Social Security Administration. It allows participating employers to electronically verify the eligibility of newly hired employees.
What You Need to Know about STEM OPT Extension
NOTE: The requirement to report any updates while on OPT continues if the student’s 24-month STEM OPT Extension is extended further by the automatic Cap-Gap extension.
Please visit USCIS STEM and SEVP STEM OPT websites for more detailed information regarding the STEM OPT Extension process.
Feel free to contact us at dso@calumsva.edu if you have any questions.
For more information please refer to SEVP website.