Regulation Overview: Eligible F-1 students may receive up to 12 months of post-completion OPT. Qualifying STEM graduates may receive an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months of combined post-completion OPT and STEM OPT. Employment remains subject to the applicable authorization, reporting, unemployment, employer, and status-maintenance rules.
F-1 OPT vs. 24-Month STEM OPT Breakdown
| Feature | Standard 12-Month OPT | 24-Month STEM OPT Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Window | 90 days before to 60 days after program end date | Up to 90 days prior to initial OPT expiration |
| Employer Requirement | Qualifying employment directly related to the major, with valid USCIS OPT authorization/EAD and compliance with applicable OPT work requirements | E-Verify employer + individualized Form I-983 + qualifying employer relationship + generally at least 20 hours/week |
| Max Unemployment Limit | 90 Days cumulative | 150 Days cumulative total across 36 months |
| Form I-765 Fee (G-1055) | $470 Online / $520 Paper | $470 Online / $520 Paper |
Key 2026 OPT/STEM Compliance Points
- OPT start date: You may not begin OPT employment before the date authorized on the EAD.
- Post-completion OPT work: Employment must be directly related to the student's major and satisfy the applicable OPT employment requirements. Multiple qualifying employers and qualifying unpaid/volunteer work can be possible under the applicable rules.
- Unemployment: Initial post-completion OPT has a 90-day aggregate limit; qualifying STEM OPT adds 60 more days, for 150 aggregate days across the combined period.
- STEM employment: Each qualifying STEM employer generally must provide at least 20 hours per week, maintain the required E-Verify status and employer relationship, and participate in the individualized Form I-983 training plan.
- STEM pending extension: A timely and properly filed STEM OPT extension can provide automatic employment authorization until the USCIS written decision or 180 days after the current post-completion OPT expires, whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Under current USCIS rules, an eligible F-1 student may file Form I-765 for post-completion OPT no earlier than 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. The filing must also be made within 30 days after the DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.
A qualifying STEM OPT applicant must satisfy the applicable degree and OPT requirements, obtain a DSO STEM recommendation, have a qualifying STEM OPT employer enrolled in E-Verify, complete the individualized Form I-983 process, and properly file Form I-765 within the STEM filing window. STEM employment must generally be at least 20 hours per week with each qualifying employer and satisfy the employer-employee, supervision, compensation, and training-plan requirements.
During post-completion OPT, a student may not accrue more than 90 aggregate days of unemployment. A student approved for the 24-month STEM OPT extension receives an additional 60 days, creating a total aggregate limit of 150 days across the combined post-completion OPT and STEM OPT periods.
The current USCIS fee schedule lists $470 for online Form I-765 filing and $520 for paper filing, subject to the filing category and fee rules in effect when the application is submitted.
Generally, a nonresident-alien F-1 student can be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes on authorized employment that is connected to the purpose for which the student was admitted, including qualifying CPT and OPT. The exemption is generally available during the student's first five calendar years under the federal residency rules, but it does not apply to unauthorized or unrelated employment and does not continue after the student becomes a resident alien for tax purposes.
Travel during a pending OPT application requires caution. An F-1 student outside the United States with a pending post-completion OPT Form I-765 may not be readmitted for OPT. After OPT is approved, international travel while on post-completion OPT generally requires the appropriate F-1 documents, including a valid EAD and evidence of current employment, along with the required travel documents. STEM OPT travel has additional considerations if the STEM application is pending.
Have questions about OPT filing windows, STEM 24-month requirements, or unemployment limits?
⬆️ Refer to FAQ Section Above Official U.S. Government Portals
• USCIS Optional Practical Training Portal: uscis.gov/opt
• DHS Study in the States STEM OPT Hub: studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub
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At-A-Glance
SEVIS Fee$350 USD (Form I-901)
Online Fee$470 USD (Form I-765)
FICA Tax StatusQualifying nonresident F-1 employment generally exempt