Posted by : Tubai Paul

Author Designation : Marketing & PR (Kolkata)

USA Expands STEM OPT and Work Opportunities

The United States continues to attract top international talent by expanding STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) and work opportunities for students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. With increasing demand for skilled professionals in AI, data science, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and engineering, the U.S. government has introduced new policies to enhance career prospects for international graduates. From an extended OPT duration to faster visa processing and better job market access, these updates make the U.S. a more attractive destination for students seeking global career opportunities.

1. Expansion of STEM OPT Program

What is STEM OPT?

STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation.
This is significantly longer than the standard 12-month OPT for non-STEM students.

New Additions to the STEM List

In 2024, the U.S. added more STEM fields to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) STEM Designated Degree Program List, making more students eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
New additions include climate science, data analytics, financial technology (FinTech), and cybersecurity.

2. Faster Visa Processing & Work Authorization

The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has taken steps to reduce processing times for OPT and STEM OPT applications.

Premium Processing Expansion:

International students can now pay for faster processing of their I-765 work permit applications.
This is expected to reduce wait times from 3-5 months to just a few weeks.

3. H-1B Visa and Green Card Pathway Improvements

The H-1B work visa cap remains competitive, but students with STEM degrees have a higher chance of selection due to employer demand.
The U.S. government is considering policy updates that could make it easier for STEM graduates to transition from OPT to H-1B or apply for permanent residency (Green Card).

4. Higher Job Demand for STEM Graduates

Tech, AI, and Healthcare Boom:

The U.S. is seeing huge demand for STEM talent in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Biotechnology.

Top STEM Employers for OPT Graduates:

Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, and biotech firms actively recruit international students from U.S. universities.

5. U.S. Universities Attracting More STEM Students

The U.S. remains a top destination for STEM education, with universities like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and UC Berkeley leading in research and innovation.
More scholarships and funding opportunities are available for STEM students, making it easier to pursue graduate studies.

Important points to remember

60-day grace period

After completing your OPT, you have a 60-day grace period during which you can change your education level, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or apply for a different visa status.

Applying for OPT extensions

You can apply for a STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current employment authorisation expires.

Study abroad programmes

If you're part of a study abroad programme lasting less than five months, you can remain active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). For longer programmes, you'll need a new Form I-20.

What you need to do for a STEM OPT extension

To qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you need to:

Have a valid period of post-completion OPT.
Have earned a qualifying STEM degree from a school accredited by a US Department of Education-recognised agency.

Previously obtained STEM degrees

If you're currently on OPT with a non-STEM degree but previously earned a STEM degree, you may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension based on that earlier degree.

Future STEM degrees

Planning to pursue further education? If you earn another STEM degree at a higher level, you can apply for another 24-month OPT extension. For example, if you've already used an extension for a bachelor’s degree and then earn a master’s degree, you can apply for an additional extension.

Employer responsibilities

Employers offering practical training to STEM OPT students must:
Be enrolled in E-Verify.
Report material changes to the student’s employment status.
Implement a formal training programme aligned with the student’s academic learning.
Ensure the OPT opportunity is similar to those offered to U.S. workers in terms of duties, hours, and pay.

Unemployment during OPT

You are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during your initial OPT period. If you're on the 24-month STEM extension, you can have an additional 60 days, making it a total of 150 days.

If you're applying for an extension, remember to file:

Form I-765 with the correct fee.
Your employer’s E-Verify details.
Form I-20, endorsed by your DSO within the last 60 days.
A copy of your STEM degree.

If you apply on time, your employment authorisation will be automatically extended for 180 days while your application is pending.

Conclusion

The expansion of STEM OPT and work opportunities in the U.S. reinforces the country’s commitment to attracting highly skilled international graduates. With extended work permits, faster visa processing, and a strong demand for STEM professionals, students now have better chances to build successful careers in the U.S. These changes not only benefit students but also contribute to innovation and economic growth. For those looking to study and work in the U.S., 2025 presents exciting new opportunities to achieve their academic and professional goals.

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