STEM Extension OPT

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved STEM field. St. Olaf majors that are eligible for the STEM OPT Extension are: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology, Quantitative Economics, Statistics and Data Science.

Application Timeline

An F-1 student on OPT status may SUBMIT their application for the STEM OPT Extension NO EARLIER THAN 90 DAYS BEFORE their OPT end date. The STEM OPT Extension application must be submitted to USCIS no later than the OPT status end date AND within 30 days of the DSO recommendation for the STEM OPT Extension in SEVIS.

After submission of the application – the student can work on STEM OPT status for up to 180 days after the expiration of their OPT status.

STEM OPT Extension Qualifications

To qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student participating in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT must:

• Have a degree in an eligible STEM field: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology, Quantitative Economics, Statistics and Data Science.
• Pursue their STEM OPT extension through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
• Select a STEM OPT employer that provides the student with formal training and learning objectives which are listed on the I-983.
• Work a minimum of 20 hours per week per employer.

Ready to Apply for the STEM OPT Extension?

OPT STEM Extension Application Form I-769 Guide

Reporting Requirements on the STEM OPT Extension

Employers must report to the relevant DSO (indicated on the Form I-983) when an F-1 student on a STEM OPT extension terminates or otherwise leaves their employment before the end of the authorized period of OPT. The employer must report this change to the appropriate DSO no later than five business days after the student leaves employment. For more information about employer requirements, please visit our Employer Reporting Requirements page.

STEM OPT students must report to their DSOs every six months. As part of such reporting, STEM OPT students must confirm the validity of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System information, including:

• Legal name.
• Address.
• Employer name and address.
• Status of current employment/practical training experience.

STEM OPT students must also do an annual self-evaluation and report to their DSO about the progress of the training experience. Students must sign the self-evaluation prior to submitting it to the DSO, who will include it in the student’s record.

Both the student and employer are obligated to report to the student’s DSO any material changes to, or material deviations from, the student’s formal training plan.

FAQ: STEM OPT Extension

1. Can I change my job and/or employer while on STEM OPT?
   • You may change employers while on STEM OPT as long as your new employer meets the requirements. The final evaluation (on page 5 of the I-983) must be completed and sent to your DSO when leaving a position. When starting a new position, submit an I-983 within 10 days of your employment start date.
2. What happens if I become unemployed while on STEM OPT?
   • You may accumulate up to 150 days of unemployment on OPT STEM inclusive of any time used during 12-month OPT.
3. Can I be self-employed and/or work as a contractor while on STEM OPT?
   • No, F-1 students on STEM OPT status must be bona fide employees of the employer signing the Form I-983. F-1 students may not provide employer attestations on their own behalf.
   • However, STEM OPT applicants can participate in a start-up or small business so long as all regulatory requirements are met, including that the employer adheres to the training plan requirements, remains in good standing with E-Verify, will provide compensation to the STEM OPT student commensurate to that provided to similarly situated U.S. workers, and has the resources to comply with the proposed training plan. 
4. How do I pay taxes while on STEM OPT? Do I need to start paying FICA taxes for Social Security and Medicare?
   • STEM OPT participants generally are not subject to Social Security and Medicare contributions (FICA withholdings) until after the first five calendar years that they hold F-1 nonimmigrant status. As a participant in STEM OPT, you are not considered a resident for federal tax purposes as long as you comply with the requirements of your F-1 visa and have not already held F-1 status for parts of five calendar years.
5. If I decide to abandon STEM OPT status, what should I do?
   • If you change your immigration status (i.e. to H-1B, Permanent Resident, L-1). Send a scanned copy of the change of status approval notice to your DSO.
   • If you plan to leave the country and not return, please inform your DSO so they can complete your SEVIS record.
   • If you transfer to another degree program please contact Caitlin. Transfer of a SEVIS record to a new school/program will terminate your OPT. Caitlin can help with the transfer paperwork. Part-time study is allowed while on OPT.
6. I want more details and information about STEM OPT Extension. Can you help?
   • For more information about applying for STEM OPT, please visit the STEM OPT Hub and USCIS website.

Information on this page was pulled from the DHS resource Study in the States on September 29th, 2026.