The US has ended automatic extensions of up to 540 days for certain work permit renewals, raising concerns among foreign workers. However, the existing 180-day automatic extension for eligible STEM ...

On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the category of Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204) as a qualifying field of study to the DHS STEM Designated ...

On October 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule that would charge significant new fees to schools ...

A new DHS proposal introduces fees of $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT for F-1 international students.

The 24-month extension of Post-Completion OPT is for students who have completed a degree listed in the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Students who have completed a previous degree in a STEM ...

Students on OPT and STEM OPT have reporting requirements that are required by regulation as part of maintaining F-1 status. Students must report the following information to their DSOs within 10 days ...

Students who are applying for the STEM OPT extension should review this page prior to applying. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure you understand the below information before ...

To maintain F-1 status during STEM OPT you must work in a formal employer/employee relationship with an organization that monitors your progress and meets DHS reporting requirements. Contract work, ...

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a federal program 72% of international students use to remain in the U.S. after they graduate. American companies seeking highly educated talent can use OPT to ...

You probably heard the whispers in your university hallways this year. Optional Practical Training wasn't just another work programme anymore—it became something students worried about constantly. The ...

STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) is a work authorization that an incoming employee may have received, or may be eligible for, as an alumnus of a ...

If you are currently a student or just graduated and are applying within your grace period, you cannot apply directly for the STEM OPT Extension: only those currently in their 12-month OPT ...