What qualifies as a STEM degree for OPT?

In a nutshell, STEM OPT is a 3-year extension of standard OPT for students or recent graduates who are studying or have completed their education in a science, technology, engineering or math degree program.

What degrees qualify for STEM OPT?

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must hold a bachelor's degree or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school that is accredited (by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) at the time the student submits their STEM OPT extension application ...

How do I know if my degree is a STEM degree?

On the first page of your I-20, towards the middle, your major is listed. Next to the major is a series of numbers, called the CIP code. If your CIP code is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, then your major is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.

Is nursing a STEM major for OPT?

Higher education has also embraced nursing as a STEM profession, with several universities including nursing in their science programs. But the Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration does not consider nursing a STEM education.

What is the difference between STEM OPT and non STEM OPT?

after an international student finishes his/her program: STEM international students get 2 years of OPT time, it's called "STEM OPT", while non-STEM international students get only 1 year of approval to be in the US.

STEM OPT Basics

Why does STEM OPT get rejected?

This frequently occurs because students are unaware of the detailed application requirements. Common mistakes include submitting the incorrect check format, missing information on the I-765 form, forgetting to sign, providing incorrect information, and using the wrong OPT code.

Do STEM students get 3 years OPT?

Furthermore, the government will only grant STEM OPT to those who are in “Post-Completion” OPT. In other words, the program is for graduates, not current students. Combining Post-Completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

Is a BSN considered a STEM degree?

While nursing is rooted in the fundamentals of science and math, like medicine it is not typically included as a STEM field despite nurses needing to apply math, biology, and technology every day.

Does MBA count as STEM OPT?

While all MBA graduates are eligible for 1-year OPT visas (unless you previously completed a degree in the US and already obtained an OPT visa), STEM MBA graduates have a 2-year extension on this period, totaling 3 years.

How many years of OPT do stem majors get?

The STEM extension of OPT will be 24 months in duration. Qualifying F-1 students will thus be eligible for a total of 36 months of OPT employment authorization, including the initial 12-month OPT period.

Why isn't nursing considered STEM?

Not traditionally. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires science, technology, and mathematics but is mostly thought of as a practice profession. Some newer definitions of STEM are considering it due to its overlap with traditional STEM programs. Most STEM programs require graduate degrees to advance.

What is the difference between STEM degree and non-STEM degree?

While STEM Courses prioritize mathematical and analytical abilities, NON-STEM courses on the other hand nurture critical thinking, communication, and innovative problem-solving skills.

Does medicine count as STEM?

Results: In Study 1, medical careers were less often classified as STEM careers than traditional STEM careers, but more often classified as STEM than non-STEM careers.

What is non STEM OPT?

All F-1 students completing their degree in the U.S. are eligible for 12 months of employment following graduation known as Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students graduating with a STEM major are eligible (at the present time) for an additional 24 months of OPT.

What is the minimum salary for STEM OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

What is a STEM designated degree?

STEM-designated degrees are academic programs in a “STEM” field that the U.S. government has identified as being beneficial to students and U.S. companies. STEM refers to majors in science, technology, engineering, and math.

What are STEM courses in USA?

STEM courses in the USA are focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These programmes are designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as computer science, engineering, healthcare, and research.

Can I apply for STEM OPT without a job?

Do I need a job offer to apply for a STEM extension? Yes, and this job offer needs to meet the following requirements: It has to be directly related to your degree and the STEM field of study. It has to be full time (i.e. at least 20 hours per week)

Is premed a STEM major?

That said, based on medical school requirements, it may be best to choose a STEM major, preferably in the sciences. Common pre-med majors include: Biology – The most common choice of major for pre-med students. The courses required for this degree are almost always relevant for medical school.

Is nursing informatics a STEM?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) identifies Health Informatics professions as STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Is Psychology considered a STEM major?

Psychology is a core STEM discipline because of its direct scientific and technological innovations, as well as its indirect contributions to education and learning in science and technology.

Can I work more than 40 hours on OPT?

There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.

What is the 36 months of OPT?

The STEM OPT Extension allows graduates the opportunity to gain an additional 24-months of work experience, resulting in up to 36-months of total work eligibility in the United States following graduation from USC. All STEM OPT Extension applications are adjudicated (i.e. processed and approved) by USCIS.

Do you get OPT after every degree?

Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level. OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or PhD).