{"id":33498,"date":"2024-09-27T17:46:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T21:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/?page_id=33498"},"modified":"2025-02-06T12:46:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T17:46:09","slug":"opt-stem-extension","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/marymount.edu\/academics\/center-global-engagement\/international-student-services\/current-students\/employment\/opt-stem-extension\/","title":{"rendered":"OPT STEM Extension"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eligibility<\/a> Apply<\/a> Pending<\/a> Approved<\/a><\/h4>\n

What is OPT STEM Extension?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

OPT STEM Extension is for students who majored in designated\u00a0Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees\u00a0approved by DHS<\/a>.\u00a0This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and can only be used at a maximum of two<\/em> degree levels. For example, if a student uses STEM OPT at the bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s levels, they may not use STEM OPT at the doctoral level.<\/p>\n

A student with a qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, and<\/em> who is in a valid period of standard post-completion OPT, may be eligible to apply for an additional 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT).<\/p>\n

Need information to share with your employer? Check out the Employer Information<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n

Eligibility<\/h3>\n

To qualify for OPT STEM Extension, you<\/em> must:<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Be maintaining F-1 status<\/li>\n
  2. Hold a passport valid at least 6 months into the future<\/li>\n
  3. Currently be on approved Post-Completion OPT<\/li>\n
  4. Be applying for STEM OPT Extension for the first time at the current level of education<\/li>\n
  5. Be holding a valid OPT I-20 for a degree in an eligible STEM field<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Be already working for or have a valid employment offer:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n