Compete in the global economy with Brooklyn College's international students.
STEM Extension Optical Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
Employment After Graduation
What Is It?
- A 24-month extension of a student's OPT.
- Student must be a recipient of a STEM designated degree program (pdf) and working for an E-Verify employer.
- Employment must be related to student's field of study and can be paid or unpaid.
Recommended by ISS and authorized by USCIS based on student's petition benefits
Duration of Employment
- An additional 24-month extension of the 12-month OPT for a total of 36 months of OPT work authorization.
Processing Time
- One business day for STEM I-20 upon receipt of a complete STEM - OPT application to ISS.
USCIS processing can take up to three months.
Student's Role
- Verify eligibility for STEM extension.
- Submit complete and timely STEM OPT application 90 days prior to the end date on their 12-month OPT.
- Report employment to ISS via e-mail and validate every six months.
Proof of Authorization
- A new Employment Authorization Document (EAD card/Form I-766) indicating start and end dates of extended work authorization.
- If a timely STEM OPT application has been filed with USCIS, the student may work for up to 180 days after the end date of their 12-month EAD card.
Employer's Role
- Student must be employed or have offer of employment from a company.
- Employer must be participating in E-Verify and provide student with E-Verify number.
- There is no cost to the employer, and application is the responsibility of the student.
- Employer must report the end date of employment to ISS.
