STEM OPT Extension Guide 2026 — How to Apply and What You Need

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for graduates of degree programs on the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Combined with your initial 12 months of OPT, this gives you up to 3 years of U.S. work authorization after graduation.

Who qualifies?

• You currently hold valid post-completion OPT under (c)(3)(B)
• Your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree List
• Your degree was from a SEVP-certified, accredited U.S. school
• You have a job offer related to your STEM field
• Your employer is enrolled in E-Verify

The E-Verify requirement

Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and provide their E-Verify company ID number on Form I-983. If your employer isn't enrolled, you can ask them to sign up (it's free) or find a STEM-OPT-friendly employer.

Documents you need

• Form I-765 with eligibility category (c)(3)(C)
• Form I-983 Training Plan (signed by you and your employer)
• STEM-OPT-recommended I-20 from your DSO
• Copy of your STEM degree diploma or official transcript
• Copy of your current EAD
• Copy of your passport, visa stamp, and most recent I-94
• Filing fee ($470 / $410 online — verify on USCIS.gov)
• Two passport-style photos

How to apply before OPT expires

You can file up to 90 days before your current OPT EAD expires — and you must file before it expires. If USCIS receives your application on time, you get an automatic 180-day extension of work authorization while it's pending.

Form I-765 for STEM OPT

The form is the same I-765, with three key differences from initial OPT:

• Eligibility category is (c)(3)(C), not (c)(3)(B)
• Employer information is required, including the E-Verify number
• You must include your degree details and the school's SEVIS school code

Walk through every field in our I-765 instructions guide, and double-check your code in our eligibility category guide.