Students who earn at least a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields are eligible for an extension of OPT. Under current regulations, F-1students are eligible for a 24-month extension, totaling three years of OPT work authorization. OPT authorization is used to pursue full-time employment after graduating from a US university.
Individuals that have this work authorization will present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card for their I-9. Individuals also may present their expired/expiring EAD card AND their I-20 reflecting a recommendation for the STEM extension, if their STEM OPT extension is still pending with USCIS. Employment is authorized beginning on the expiration date of the EAD card and ending on the date of USCIS' written decision on the pending extension application, but not to exceed 180 days.