OPT and STEM OPT Extension Overview

OPT FAQ

OPT eligibility 

An active F-1 student is eligible for OPT if:

• The student has been a full-time student for one academic year in an SEVP-certified school.
• The student is not studying English as a Second Language.
• The student’s proposed employment relates to the student’s major area of study. For more information see SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study.
• The student has not used all optional practical training available at the current level of study.
• The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
• Full-time CPT at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the CPT 12month total affecting OPT. CPT at another program level does not affect OPT.
• The length of part-time CPT won't impact student's OPT eligibility.

STEM OPT Extension Eligibility

An active F-1 student is eligible for STEM OPT Extension if:

• The student must be participating in an initial period of OPT at the time they apply.
• The student must apply for STEM OPT prior to the OPT EAD end date.
• The student must hold a bachelor's degree or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school ​​​​​.
• The student must pursue their practical training through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.

Post Completion OPT

• All forms and documents are accessible via Westcliff Email Account. As soon as you complete the form, you will be in the queue for processing.
• Submit this form 90 days before your program end date listed on your I-20.
• Step 1: Check the OPT Checklist-refer to the attachment to this article.
• Step 2: Submit the Post-Completion OPT Recommendation I-20 Request Form.
• Step 3: Submit your I-765 application to the USCIS.
  • If you receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) from the USCIS, please submit the RFE form here.
• Step 4: Activate your SEVP portal.
  • You should have received an email from SEVP to help set it up within the first week of your start date on EAD. If you have not yet received it, for assistance with creating a SEVP portal, please refer to the following informational website: Create a SEVP OPT Portal Account.
  • Register your OPT employer within 90 days of your OPT approval start date.
  • Update your employment using SEVP Portal.

STEM OPT

• All forms and documents are accessible via Westcliff Email Account. As soon as you complete the form, you will be in the queue for processing.
• Submit this form 90 days before your EAD end date.
• Step 1: Check the STEM OPT Checklist and Complete the I-983 form.  Refer to the attachment to this article for STEM OPT Checklist.
• Step 2: Submit the STEM OPT Extension Recommendation I-20 Request Form.
• Step 3: Submit your I-765 application to the USCIS.
  • If you receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) from the USCIS, please submit the RFE form here.
• Step 4: Update your employment using your SEVP portal as needed including an updated I-983 training plan.
• Step 5: Upon STEM OPT Approval: Follow the STEM OPT reporting requirement and submit the STEM OPT Extension Reporting Form.