{"id":18671,"date":"2024-03-20T10:00:20","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T10:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interstride.com\/?p=18671"},"modified":"2024-07-13T14:09:51","modified_gmt":"2024-07-13T14:09:51","slug":"optional-practical-training-opt-vs-stem-opt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interstride.com\/blog\/optional-practical-training-opt-vs-stem-opt\/","title":{"rendered":"Optional practical training (OPT) vs. STEM OPT"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As an international student, you\u2019ve probably read or heard about Optional Practical Training (OPT) and maybe even STEM OPT. Both are work authorization programs for students in the United States on F-1 visas. But what\u2019s the difference between OPT and STEM OPT?<\/span><\/p>\n

In short, OPT allows international students to work in the US under certain stipulations. STEM OPT is a two-year extension of standard OPT for recent graduates who have completed their education in an eligible science, technology, engineering, or math degree program. OPT is open to all students on an F-1 visa, but only certain F-1 students qualify for STEM OPT. Let\u2019s take a closer look at both programs, starting with standard OPT.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is OPT<\/b><\/h2>\n

OPT<\/span><\/a> is a 12-month work authorization program that permits international students to gain professional experience without having to apply for another visa. To qualify, you must work in a job that is directly related to your area of study. You are eligible to apply for work authorization while you are still in school through pre-completion OPT after your first academic year. You are also eligible to apply for OPT after you graduate through post-completion OPT.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The government allows you to take advantage of both types of OPT, but there is a 12-month limit that includes both pre-completion and post-completion combined. The overwhelming majority of students wait until after graduation to take advantage of OPT. This strategic decision allows them to maximize their time in the US. Without post-completion OPT, international students must leave the US within 60 days of graduation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Interstride Tip!<\/b> Consider using <\/span>Curricular Practical Training (CPT)<\/span><\/a> to gain work experience while still in college and save OPT for after graduation. CPT can be used for internships and jobs related to your degree.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Who is eligible for OPT?<\/b><\/h4>\n

All students are eligible to apply for OPT, regardless of their major. Most schools have staff and resources through their international centers to help students navigate OPT. Because OPT is a relatively short program, students should always think about what their options are for after their 12 months is over. Once your post-completion period ends, you need to seek alternative options for continuing your career or leave the US within 60 days of your OPT end date. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is STEM OPT<\/b><\/h2>\n

The US government has a vested interest in ensuring there are enough people in the American workforce with <\/span>degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math<\/span><\/a>. These professionals are in high demand, and the US economy depends heavily on manufacturing, technology, and other industries that need STEM talent. The government launched the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students program in 2008, and initially, it permitted 17 months of additional employment. In 2016, the government changed it to 24 months. In 2022, the program was further expanded when <\/span>President Joe Biden announced he was adding to the list of academic fields that qualify as STEM degrees<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is eligible for STEM OPT?<\/b><\/h4>\n

There are over 400 different <\/span>fields of study that qualify for the STEM OPT extension<\/span><\/a> program including:<\/span><\/p>\n