Check the CIP code
STEM eligibility depends on the program's CIP code on your I-20, not just its name. Ask the university before you accept.
USA · After graduation
OPT and STEM OPT for Indian Students
Optional Practical Training lets F-1 students work in the US in their field after graduating — 12 months for any degree, plus a 24-month extension for eligible STEM degrees. It's a big part of why Indian students choose STEM master's programs in the USA.
- 12 months of OPT
- +24 months for STEM
- Apply up to 90 days before
- Rules can change — check DHS
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Quick answer
OPT and STEM OPT for Indian Students
OPT gives F-1 students up to 12 months of work authorisation related to their field after completing a degree. Graduates of degrees on the DHS STEM list can apply for a 24-month STEM extension, for up to 36 months in total. File Form I-765 from 90 days before to 60 days after your program end date, after your DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS. The I-765 fee is $470 online or $520 on paper. STEM OPT needs an E-Verify employer and a Form I-983 training plan.
Ask on WhatsAppUpdated · Reviewed by the Visa Edu Loans admissions desk
Official sources: Study in the States (DHS) — OPT and STEM OPT · USCIS — Optional Practical Training for F-1 students
OPT at a glance
- Post-completion OPT
- Up to 12 months per degree level
- STEM OPT extension
- 24 months more, for degrees on the DHS STEM list
- Filing window
- 90 days before to 60 days after your program end date
- I-765 fee
- $470 online, $520 paper (premium processing optional, extra fee)
- Unemployment allowed
- 90 days on OPT; 150 days in total with STEM OPT
- STEM employer
- Must use E-Verify; Form I-983 training plan required
How to apply
Applying for OPT
- 01
Request a recommendation from your DSO
Your international student office updates SEVIS and issues a new I-20 recommending OPT.
- 02
File Form I-765 with USCIS
Apply online through a USCIS account within 30 days of the DSO recommendation and within the filing window.
- 03
Wait for the EAD card
You can start work only on or after the start date on your Employment Authorization Document.
- 04
Report employment
Report your employer and address changes through the SEVP portal or your DSO within 10 days.
Plan ahead
Choosing an MS with OPT in mind
Budget for the gap
EAD processing takes time. Keep funds for a few months between graduation and your first salary.
Loan repayment
Most Indian lenders start EMIs after the moratorium; OPT income is how many students begin repaying.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
It's an established benefit for eligible F-1 students, but rules are set by DHS and USCIS and can change. Check Study in the States and USCIS before relying on it.
Those whose CIP code is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List — commonly computer science, data science, engineering, many analytics programs and some business programs.
Yes, as long as the work relates to your field and you report the change. On STEM OPT, the new employer must use E-Verify and you need a new I-983.
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