Please note: On Friday, March 11, 2016 the Department of Homeland Security published a new rule for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension. This rule goes into effect on May 10, 2016. Please visit the STEM OPT Hub for more information.

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are popular programs at American colleges and universities. Graduates from these programs are important to innovation and job creation in the United States. Educating the best and brightest F students in STEM fields remains an important priority for the country.

In 2008, the 17-month optional practical training (OPT) extension began. In specified circumstances, an F student has authorization for up to 12 months of OPT after completion of the program of study (i.e., post-completion OPT). This extension allows a student who graduates with an eligible STEM degree and who is engaged in authorized post-completion OPT, to remain in the United States for an additional 17 months of OPT.

President Barack Obama is committed “to attracting and retaining highly-skilled immigrants.” In 2012, the Department of Homeland Security expanded the list of STEM programs that qualify graduates for this extension in order to allow more students to participate.

An F-1 student can find STEM programs at all educational levels. Many colleges and universities offer programs in these fields at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. Community colleges also have a variety of STEM programs in which a student may enroll.