Please note: On May 10, 2016, DHS replaced the 17-month STEM OPT extension with a new 24-month STEM OPT extension. All existing 17-month STEM OPT EADs will remain valid until the EAD expires, is terminated or revoked. For more information about the new STEM OPT rule, please visit the STEM OPT Hub. 

The United States offers an unparalleled variety of program options. It is one of the numerous reasons why international students study here. So, with all these options, how do you choose the right one? The following are some things to think about before you make your final decision.

• Pick a program based on your interests and career goals: Your program of study will affect your career choices, so choose a program that can lead to a career you might enjoy.
• Do your research: Since it is more difficult for F or M students to visit college campuses and meet program contacts in person before enrolling, you have to be creative in your research. Technologies like YouTube and YouVisit can show you some campuses and help you better understand schools and programs.
• Use information from government agencies: The U.S. government can provide information to help you understand your options. Here are some examples of how our partners can help:
  1. The Department of Education has the College Navigator, which allows students to compare U.S. schools.
  2. EducationUSA has more than 400 advising centers in 170 countries around the world. These advisors can help you choose a school and a program of study.
  3. The Department of Labor works with individual states on the Wage Records Interchange System, which provides more information to compare degrees from different schools in terms of post-graduate employment opportunities and estimated salary.
• Think through all of the factors: You should try to find a school that is an overall good fit for you. Also, deciding factors such as campus location, climate, school size and costs are important to consider. Be sure to find out if the school is SEVP-certified.
• Think about postgraduate opportunities: F-1 students can apply to participate in optional practical training (OPT), and all F students (including border commuters) can apply to participate in curricular practical training (CPT).
  1. Most of the time, you must have been enrolled in an SEVP-certified school as an F-1 student for one full academic year before you are eligible for either type of practical training.
  2. Students who graduate with science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) degrees are eligible for a 17-month OPT extension.