International Students > Extension Option for STEM Field Majors

Extension Option for STEM Field Majors

F-1 students whose OPT is based on a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, may be eligible for a one-time 17-month extension of OPT. View a current list of STEM-eligible majors.

In order to be eligible for this extension, students must already be on OPT, and also be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered with the E-Verify employment verification system.

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Applying For OPT STEM Extension Requests

F-1 students may be eligible for a one-time only 17 month extension of OPT if they meet the following criteria:

• already be on OPT based on a STEM-eligible degree.
• have fewer than 90 days of unemployment after April 8, 2008 (if EAD start date is before April 8, 2008)
• be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered in the E-Verify employment verification system.
• not have previously been approved for a 17 month extension of OPT
• submit the OPT application to USCIS prior to the expiration date of the current post-completion OPT (USCIS must receive the
• application before the expiration date on the current EAD)

Students who file a timely application for an extension will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending with USCIS, until it is approved or denied, or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Click here for a PDF version of the instructions and application form. Fax your completed application form to 812-941-2595 or e-mail it to hjbeatty@ius.edu.

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Unemployment Issues while on STEM-based OPT

Days of unemployment should be tracked as outlined in the basic OPT section. However, students with an approved STEM OPT extension will receive another 30 days of unemployment time for a total of 120 days for the entire period of post-completion OPT.

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Traveling while Employed on STEM-based OPT

Please see the travel section for basic information.

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