The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) allows for qualifying courses of study to participate in STEM OPT for current and continuing F-1 students which allows for additional employment after Post Completion OPT. Under the new ruling, updates include:
- F-1 OPT Students can apply for an additional 24 Month STEM OPT Extension if their program of study qualifies through the most recent STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- F-1 OPT Students can apply for STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days before their current OPT end date. Students are required to send in the signed STEM extension I-20 within 60 days of receiving the signature from the International Student Adviser.
- F-1 OPT Students must be employed by a company that is enrolled in USCIS’ E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
- F-1 OPT Students are required to work with their employers to complete the Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students and submit this completed form to the International Student Adviser before they are recommended for the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS and a new I-20 is created.