Graduates of American universities in engineering, science, and technical fields can stay in the country for up to three years after completing their studies. Standard Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives 12 months, but for holders of a STEM degree, this period is extended by another 24 months. The extension isn't automatic — it must be applied for before the current OPT expires and maintained throughout the entire period.
Which Programmes Qualify
The key criterion is not the name of the degree but the six-digit CIP code listed on your Form I-20. DHS defines STEM fields according to the Department of Education's taxonomy: engineering (CIP 14), biological sciences (26), mathematics (27), physical sciences (40), and related fields. Computer science (11.0701), aerospace engineering (14.0201), chemistry (40.0501), statistics (27.0501) are typical examples. But the list goes beyond the obvious specialisations. Architecture (04.0902), interaction design (11.0801), and financial engineering (27.0305) are also included in the list.
You should check your code on the ICE website in the current version of the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If the code on your I-20 isn't on the list, you can't get an extension, even if the specialisation sounds technical.
How to Apply
The process begins 90 days before the current OPT ends and ends no later than its expiration date. The window is tight, and missing the deadline means losing the right to extend. The first step is to obtain a new Form I-20 with a STEM OPT recommendation from your designated school official (DSO). This takes up to 10 business days, and the application to USCIS must be sent within 60 days after the I-20 is issued.
Next, Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization — is completed, indicating the code (c)(3)(C). Attached to it is Form I-983 — Training Plan for STEM OPT Students — which the student and employer fill out jointly. The package is sent to USCIS, and upon receipt of the application, the right to work is automatically extended for 180 days while the application is being processed. This mechanism has been preserved despite the 2026 changes.
Student and Employer Responsibilities
Form I-983 isn't just bureaucratic paperwork — it's a working document. In sections three through six, the employer describes the company, the nature of the internship, the training plan, and methods for evaluating progress. The student is responsible for an annual self-evaluation, which the employer must sign. Both parties are required to inform the DSO of any significant changes in the training plan — changes in duties, reduction in hours, or change of workplace.
The key restriction is that the employer must be registered with E-Verify, and the student must work at least 20 hours per week. The position must be paid and directly related to the STEM degree obtained. The position must not displace an American worker, and the employer confirms this with a signature in section 4 of the form.
What Changed in 2026
From 15 September 2026, F-1 students enter for a fixed period rather than in "duration of status." OPT and STEM OPT extensions have not been abolished, but now require closer attention to dates: I-94, EAD, I-20, and application windows must align. For those already in status, transitional provisions preserve the right to work until the EAD expires. However, those applying for STEM OPT after 15 September may face the need to file an additional Form I-539 to extend status.
DHS has also confirmed that it is reviewing the parameters of OPT as a whole. Internal agency correspondence made public in early 2026 points to possible tightening: reducing the list of STEM specialisations, shortening the extension period, or limiting periods of unemployment. There are no specific rules yet, but changes are more likely than in previous years.
What This Means in Practice
STEM OPT remains the longest legal mechanism for F-1 graduates to work. Three years is enough time to go through several cycles of the H-1B lottery or obtain employer sponsorship. But the system is becoming more demanding regarding documents and deadlines. Preparation should begin earlier than 90 days in advance: check the CIP code, arrange with the employer about E-Verify, collect the I-983, and keep an eye on the calendar.