Working in the USA After Graduation: OPT and STEM OPT Explained (2026)
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month work authorisation for F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study after graduation. Key facts:
- Authorised by USCIS; administered through your university’s DSO
- No employer restriction (any US employer can hire you)
- Must work in a job related to your degree field
STEM OPT extension
Graduates of programmes on the STEM Designated Degree Programme List can apply for a 24-month extension, giving 36 months total. Requirements:
- Degree is in a STEM-designated field (check DHS list)
- Employer is enrolled in E-Verify (government employment verification)
- Training plan submitted to DSO (Form I-983)
- Employer confirms compliance with training plan periodically
STEM fields include: computer science, data science, engineering (all types), mathematics, statistics, physical sciences, biological sciences, finance (with quantitative emphasis).
Application timeline
| Action | When |
|---|---|
| DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS | 90 days before graduation |
| File Form I-765 with USCIS | 90–60 days before graduation |
| Receive EAD card | 3–5 months after filing |
| OPT start date | Your graduation date or after |
| STEM OPT application | 90 days before standard OPT expires |
Critical: USCIS processes in 3–5 months. Apply early or you will have a gap without work authorisation.
OPT to H-1B transition (cap-gap protection)
The H-1B cap-gap rule protects F-1 OPT holders whose H-1B petition was selected in the lottery:
- If your employer files an H-1B petition before October 1 and your OPT expires between April and October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your OPT
- STEM OPT holders get extended until October 1 regardless
Without cap-gap (if H-1B not selected), you must either: find a cap-exempt employer, apply for another visa category, or leave the USA.
Unemployment rules
The 90-day unemployment rule on standard OPT is strictly enforced:
- Day 1 of unemployment: the clock starts from your OPT start date
- Day 90 exceeded: USCIS may terminate F-1 status
- STEM OPT: 150 cumulative unemployment days allowed over the 24-month extension
Report all employer changes to your DSO within 10 days.
Sources: USCIS OPT guidance 2025, DHS STEM Designated Degree Programme list, ICE SEVIS Help Hub.