Understand OPT and STEM OPT Extension in Different Stages

In this blog post, we will discuss the effectiveness of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extensions in different academic stages. We will explore two main scenarios: non-STEM undergraduate majors (1-year OPT) and STEM undergraduate majors (3 year OPT). Additionally, we will address questions about OPT extensions and their limitations.

Q1: Is OPT during the undergraduate stage still valid for graduate studies if it hasn't been used or fully utilized? 

In the case of non-STEM undergraduate majors, regardless of whether OPT was not applied for, applied but not used, or partially used, the OPT opportunity becomes void once you enter the graduate stage. After graduating from graduate school, you would need to reapply for OPT specifically for the graduate stage.

For STEM undergraduate majors, if you used OPT during the undergraduate stage and extended it with OPT Extension, even if the extension period is not completed within two years, it is considered as utilizing the undergraduate OPT Extension. Therefore, when you enter the graduate stage, you would need to reapply for OPT specifically for the graduate stage. The undergraduate OPT Extension cannot be continued.

If you did not apply for OPT during your undergraduate studies or did not apply for an extension, you have the option to apply for the undergraduate OPT Extension after completing graduate studies. This means you can first apply for a one-year graduate OPT after graduation and then apply to use the remaining undergraduate OPT Extension. This usually applies to individuals who pursued a non-STEM graduate major but had a STEM undergraduate major.

Important Note: When applying for the undergraduate OPT Extension, the work you engage in during the extension period must be related to your undergraduate major. It is essential to verify if your school's major qualifies as STEM when applying for the OPT Extension. Additionally, you must apply for Regular OPT within a specified timeframe (90 days before graduation to 60 days after graduation). You should apply for OPT Extension within 90 days before the first year of OPT expires.

Q2: If STEM OPT was not utilized during the undergraduate stage but the graduate major is also STEM, can you still apply for a 4-year OPT extension?

No, you cannot. As explained in the previous question, a person can only apply for STEM OPT Extension twice according to USCIS regulations. To apply for the second STEM OPT Extension, you must have a higher degree than the one you had when you applied for the first STEM OPT Extension. In other words, if you applied for an undergraduate OPT Extension, you would need to wait until after graduating from graduate school to apply for another extension. Similarly, if you used OPT Extension during the graduate stage, you would need to wait until after completing a Ph.D. to apply for another extension. Remember that each OPT application must be preceded by a one-year OPT period. To maximize the use of two STEM OPT opportunities, the following scenarios are possible:

• Undergraduate graduation + 1-year OPT + 2-year extension + Graduate graduation + 1-year OPT + 2-year extension.

• Undergraduate graduation + 1-year OPT + 2-year extension + Graduate graduation + 1-year OPT + Ph.D. graduation + 1-year OPT + 2-year extension.

• Graduate graduation + 1-year OPT + 2-year extension + Ph.D. graduation + 1-year OPT + 2-year extension. And so on.

Q3: If you have used the full duration of regular OPT during the first master's degree (STEM), can you still use the remaining two years of STEM OPT Extension for a second master's degree (STEM)?

No, you cannot. As explained earlier, each degree level is eligible for OPT only once. If you have already applied and received approval for OPT during your first master's degree, you will not be able to use OPT for a second master's degree unless you pursue a Ph.D. and obtain a higher degree. This would provide you with a new opportunity for OPT. In this case, you can continue using any unused OPT Extension from the graduate stage. However, remember that splitting one OPT into two stages is not allowed. If you wish to divide your OPT into two periods, you can apply for Pre-Completion OPT during your academic program and apply for Post-Completion OPT after graduation. This way, you can split the total one-year OPT duration into two parts.

Important Note: Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT are different. Pre-Completion OPT allows F-1 students to engage in internships or work before completing their academic program. It has certain restrictions, such as limitations on weekly working hours or workplace restrictions. Pre-Completion OPT is granted before completing all required courses, whereas Post-Completion OPT is granted after completing the degree. The time used for Pre-Completion OPT affects the time available for Post-Completion OPT. Therefore, students should carefully plan their OPT usage to maximize the opportunities within the regulations.