OPT STEM Extension

Notice that this information has not been updated for new ruling
IMPORTANT NOTICE On September 14, 2026, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to delay the implementation of the D/S final rule. The rule will not be implemented while litigation proceeds. Consequently, current F and J regulations under the “duration of status” framework are still in place and this webpage currently reflects those regulations. Please contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu with any questions. Visit the Immigration Updates webpage for more information about the elimination of D/S final rule.

Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. If you are currently working on a 12-month Post-Completion OPT work authorization, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension if you meet certain requirements.

ISSP has also compiled multiple resources to help you understand STEM OPT, how to apply, and what to expect after submitting your application. Please pay careful attention to steps outlined below which detail the STEM OPT application process for F-1 students. Please also review the following resources to help you with the process:

A video recording of the most recent STEM OPT info session is available in the iStart Video Library
STEM OPT Extension Presentation Slides
ISSP OPT Application Packet
Tips for Completing the Form I-983

During the application process, students may schedule an optional appointment with an ISSP advisor to discuss questions related to OPT.

ISSP recommends avoiding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist you with your STEM OPT application, as AI tools may provide inaccurate or incomplete information and omit information specific to W&M and VIMS. We recommend using resources provided by ISSP.

STEM OPT Overview

The earliest you can apply for STEM OPT is 90 days before the OPT end date listed on your EAD. The latest you can apply is the last day of your current OPT work authorization (listed on your EAD).

F-1 students who file their STEM OPT application within the proper timeframe may continue to work up to 180 days past the end date of their initial period of OPT while their STEM OPT application is pending. If you require documentation verifying your continued work authorization with a pending STEM OPT application, contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu.

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Completed a degree on the STEM Designated Degree Program List at William & Mary or another U.S. institution that is accredited and SEVP-certified.
- STEM OPT is based on your academic program or major; minors are not eligible.
The CIP code listed on page 1 of your I-20 (not the degree name) determines your eligibility for STEM OPT. CIP codes are not set by ISSP and have to do with the content taught within a major or program.
- Your CIP code(s) is listed under “Major 1” or “Major 2” in the Program of Study section of the I-20 (page 1).
Since STEM OPT is an extension, you must be working on Post-Completion OPT in order to apply.
You must be working for a U.S. employer in a paid job or training opportunity directly related to your major area of study.
- Self-employment, unpaid opportunities, and volunteering do not qualify for STEM OPT.
Your employer must be registered with E-Verify.
You may work for more than one employer while on STEM OPT, but each employment must be related to your STEM program or major and must be for at least 20 hours per week. You must also provide an I-983 Training Plan for each STEM OPT employer. More information about the Form I-983 is provided under Applying for STEM OPT below.
You have a lifetime limit of two 24-month STEM OPT extensions (one per eligible STEM degree).

If you previously completed an eligible STEM degree, and are currently working on post-completion OPT, you can apply for a STEM extension if you meet all of the criteria listed above.
Your work on STEM OPT must be related to your STEM degree, even if you did post-completion OPT for a non-STEM degree.
To be eligible, your previous degree must be from a SEVP-certified school and was conferred within 10 years preceding the date ISSP issues your STEM OPT I-20.

The following W&M/VIMS programs currently qualify for the STEM OPT extension:

Applied Science
Biology
MBA - these specializations only:
- Business Analytics
- Supply Chain Management
- Finance
MAcc, Master of Accounting
M.S, Business Analytics
- Undergraduate Business programs do not qualify for STEM OPT.
Chemistry
BS, Coastal & Marine Sciences (effective Fall 2025)
Computational & Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Computer Science
Computer Science – COR
Data Science
Economics (effective Spring 2025)
Geology
BS, Human Health & Physiology (effective Fall 2025)
Marine Science
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics

If you have a question about your program's eligibility, contact ISSP.

The earliest you can apply for STEM OPT is 90 days before your current OPT authorization expires; your application must also reach USCIS before your OPT end date.

Step 1: Work with employer to complete an I-983 Training Plan
The I-983 must be completed and signed by you and your employer before we can issue your STEM OPT I-20.

Download ISSP's Tips for Completing the Form I-983 page for more details about completing the form.

Step 2: Complete the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request e-form

The earliest we can issue your STEM OPT I-20 is 90 days before your current OPT expires. You will request your STEM OPT I-20 in iStart:

Log into iStart with your W&M ID and password. W&M IT can help if you forgot your password or have issues accessing iStart.
Click on F-1 Practical Training in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request and complete the form.
We will email the new STEM OPT I-20 to you; you must then sign the bottom of page 1 before submitting your application.
Your STEM OPT application will be denied if you do not include a STEM OPT I-20 that was processed by ISSP within the past 60 days.

If you would like to discuss your application, you can schedule an appointment with an ISSP advisor, but this is optional.

Step 3: Apply for STEM OPT Online

Complete the Form I-765 online (click on the blue "File Online" button).

You will need to upload:

STEM OPT I-20
Application fee
Passport-style photo (Review photo requirements)
Official transcript of your STEM degree from W&M or another U.S. institution

Additional supporting documents are summarized in the OPT packet.

You must submit your STEM OPT application within 60 days of when ISSP processed your STEM OPT I-20 in SEVIS and before your current OPT expires. As long as you apply before your OPT expires, you can continue working up to 180 days past your original OPT end date (while the STEM OPT application is pending).

While working on STEM OPT, you cannot be unemployed for more than 150 days. Learn more about STEM OPT unemployment limits.

Learn more about the reporting process while working on STEM OPT.

We recommend waiting until your STEM OPT is approved and have received your new STEM OPT EAD before traveling internationally. See Traveling Abroad While on OPT for additional information.

STEM OPT Extension Overview from Study in the States
STEM OPT Extension from USCIS

IMPORTANT NOTICE

STEM OPT Overview

Topics

Eligibility

Previous STEM Degrees

Eligible William & Mary / VIMS Programs

Applying for STEM OPT

Unemployment Limit

Reporting Requirements

International Travel

U.S. Government Resources