OPT & STEM OPT Guide
Work authorization for F-1 students after graduation
Overview
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. STEM OPT is a 24-month extension for eligible STEM graduates, for a total of 36 months.
12 months
Standard OPT
+24 months
STEM Extension
Step-by-Step Guide
Request OPT Recommendation from DSO
Contact your DSO 3–4 months before graduation to start the OPT process.
- Meet with your DSO
- Confirm graduation date
- DSO updates SEVIS and issues new I-20 with OPT recommendation
- Receive OPT I-20 from DSO
File Form I-765 with USCIS
Submit your OPT application to USCIS.
- Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Gather required documents: I-20, passport copy, I-94, 2 passport photos
- Pay $520 filing fee
- Submit application (can file online or by mail)
- Keep copy of everything submitted
Receive EAD Card
USCIS mails your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Track case status at egov.uscis.gov
- Verify all info on EAD card is correct
- Note your OPT start and end dates
- You cannot start work before EAD start date
Report Employment to DSO
F-1 rules require you to report employment.
- Report employer name, address, start date to DSO within 10 days of starting
- Employment must be in your field of study
- Maximum 20 hours/week if still enrolled
- Report unemployment periods (max 90 days)
Apply for STEM OPT Extension (if eligible)
STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension.
- Employer must be E-Verify enrolled
- Submit I-983 Training Plan signed by employer and student
- File I-765 extension 90 days before OPT expiry
- Submit to DSO first, then file with USCIS
Unemployment Day Limits
Standard OPT
90 days
Maximum total unemployment days
STEM OPT Extension
150 days
Combined total (incl. Standard OPT days)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days can I be unemployed during OPT?
Standard OPT: maximum 90 days total unemployment. STEM OPT: maximum 150 days total (including time unemployed during standard OPT). Exceeding this limit violates your F-1 status.
Does freelancing or self-employment count for OPT?
Self-employment is allowed on standard OPT if you are working in your field of study. Self-employment is NOT allowed on STEM OPT — your employer must be an E-Verify enrolled company.
What if my OPT application is still pending when my program ends?
If you applied on time (before program end) and have a USCIS receipt notice, you are in a 180-day cap-gap bridge until your EAD arrives or is denied. Check your receipt notice date carefully.
Key Deadlines
Apply OPT by
90 days before graduation
Apply STEM ext by
90 days before OPT expires
Report employment
Within 10 days of starting
General information only. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for your specific situation.