How long can STEM graduates work in the U.S. under F-1 OPT?

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USCIS / SEVIS Form I-20 / F-1 Visa / 12-Month OPT & 24-Month STEM OPT

U.S. F-1 Student Visa, OPT & 24-Month STEM Extension Guide 2026

Guide to obtaining an F-1 Student Visa (Form I-20, SEVIS I-901 fee), maintaining full-time student status, 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT), and 24-month STEM OPT extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Graduates with a qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degree can extend their initial 12-month OPT by an additional 24 months, for 36 months total.