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STEM Optional Practical Training Extension for F-1 Students

F-1 students who receive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees and meet the requirements below may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility

  • Must be in a valid period of Post-Completion OPT.
  • Must have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree from an accredited, SEVP-certified, U.S. institution of higher education in an approved STEM major.
  • Employment must be directly related to your degree. 
  • The major CIP code must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
  • Must be a paid job, at least 20 hours per week.
    • Students cannot own their own business, work through a staffing agency, or be a contracted worker.  
  • Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Student and employer must complete and sign the Form I-983 Training Plan

Explore STEM OPT Eligible Degrees Offered at NSU

Application Process

Make sure you receive your authorized STEM OPT I-20 before applying online. If you apply online without it, your STEM OPT will be denied.

  • Email the NSU OPT packet and I-765 draft to intl@nova.edu. Processing time for a new I-20 is 7 to 10 business days.
  • Once you receive your updated I-20, upload the document and submit your application online.

Premium Processing for STEM OPT Extension

USCIS offers F-1 students the option to request premium processing when filing their STEM OPT Extension application. This option was released on March 6, 2023. 

Read the Announcement

  • Premium Processing Fee: $1,500 (in addition to the I-765 application fee).
  • Decision Timeframe: 30 calendar days from the proper filing of Form I-907 and payment of the premium processing fee.

To check processing times for any OPT application:

  1.  Go to USCIS I-765 processing times page.
  2. Select:
    • Form: “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization”
    • Form Category: "Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” 
    • Field Office or Service Center: “Potomac Service Center”

Requirements for Maintaining STEM OPT

After Receiving Employee Authorization Document (EAD):

  • Work only until the EAD card end date.
  • Employment must be directly related to your major.
  • Maintain a valid passport. Work at least 20 hours per week.
  • Email a copy of your EAD to intl@nova.edu.
  • Keep records of employment, including the position held, proof of the duration of that position, contact information for your supervisor, and a description of your job duties.

Reporting Employment:

  • Any changes in employment must be reported within 10 days.
  • Use the SEVP portal link provided in their email to report employment.
  • Confirm employment at the 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th month marks by sending us an email at intl@nova.edu.
  • On the 12th month mark, also complete and submit Form-I-983 with evaluation on student progress filled out and your employer's signature.
  • On the 24th month mark, also complete and submit Form I-983 with final evaluation on student progress filled out and your employer's signature. 

F-2 Dependents

F-2 dependents are not allowed to engage in employment or business under any circumstances. Violating this requirement will place you out of status.

Employers may be cited, fined, and/or imprisoned for hiring persons ineligible for employment or maintaining employees who are no longer authorized to be employed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply within 90 days of your EAD card expiring. Early application is recommended.
Report address changes within 10 days to both the USCIS and your DSO.
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after their first two semesters and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation with proper authorization.
Companies can sponsor F-1 visa holders during OPT if they meet H-1B criteria. Discuss your eligibility with prospective employers and consider working with an immigration attorney if pursuing H-1B sponsorship.

Contact Us

(954) 262-7240
800-541-6682, ext. 27240
intl@nova.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and major holidays

Address:
Nova Southeastern University
3300 S. University Drive
Horvitz Admin. Bldg, 2nd Floor 
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004
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