Path context
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5 verified routes
OPT / STEM OPT
United States
90 days (USCIS target from receipt); EAD card typically arrives within 2–3 months
N/A
12 months (standard OPT) + 24 months (STEM OPT extension for qualifying STEM degrees at approved institutions) = up to 3 years total
N/A (must maintain legal F-1 status; Optional Practical Training does not have a prevailing-wage floor per se, though the employer should be aware of legal working conditions)
Requirements
- Must have valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year prior to the start of OPT
- Must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS prior to the 90-day window before programcompletion
- Must receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card before starting OPT employment
- Employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study (Standard OPT) — STEM OPT extensions require employers enrolled in E-Verify and an approved STEM OPT extension Form I-20 from the DSO
- 90-day unemployment limit for Standard OPT (no more than 90 days unemployed during the entire OPT period) — STEM extension also has a 150-day total unemployment cap for the combined period
Process overview
- 1
Request OPT recommendation from Designated School Official (DSO) and receive updated I-20
1 – 4 weeks - 2
File Form I-765 with USCIS during the 90-day pre-completion / 60-day post-completion window
1 – 2 weeks - 3
USCIS processes OPT application and issues EAD card
90 days (USCIS target); actual delivery 2 – 3 months is common - 4
Begin OPT employment upon receipt of valid EAD card
1 day (employment may not start before the EAD start date) - 5
(STEM OPT) DSO issues STEM Extension I-20; student files Form I-765 for 24-month extension before first EAD expires
As needed
Cost breakdown
- USCIS Form I-765 filing fee (OPT application)$410.00
- Form I-765 filing fee (STEM OPT extension application)Optional$410.00
- Processing service (optional for expedited review or attorney assistance)Optional$1,500.00
Fees listed are USCIS filing fees only. Attorney and processing services are optional. STEM OPT extension requires E-Verify employer participation. Costs may vary. Check official sources.
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