STEM OPT Extension in San Diego: 24-Month Work Authorization for STEM Graduates
Complete Guide to the STEM OPT Extension for F-1 Students in San Diego County
Quick Answer
The STEM OPT extension provides 24 additional months of work authorization for F-1 students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Requirements include a qualifying STEM degree, employment with an E-Verify employer, and a completed I-983 training plan. Applications should be filed 90 days before your current OPT expires, and you receive automatic work authorization while pending if filed timely.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
San Diego's thriving biotech, tech, and engineering industries employ many F-1 students on OPT. If you graduated with a STEM degree and are working in San Diego on your initial 12-month OPT, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. This extended time is valuable for gaining experience and pursuing H-1B sponsorship.
What Is the STEM OPT Extension?
- •24 additional months of work authorization (36 months total)
- •Only available for STEM-designated degree programs
- •Must work for E-Verify enrolled employer
- •Requires formal training plan (Form I-983)
- •Can be used twice if you earn two qualifying STEM degrees
- •Employer must provide training related to your degree
- •Maintains F-1 student status during extension
- •Time counts toward H-1B cap exemption (365 days requirement)
STEM OPT Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| STEM Degree | Degree on STEM Designated Degree list (CIP code) | Transcript, degree with CIP code |
| Currently on OPT | Valid post-completion OPT from STEM degree | Current EAD card |
| E-Verify Employer | Employer enrolled in E-Verify program | E-Verify company ID number |
| Job Related to Degree | Employment directly related to STEM field | I-983 training plan |
| School DSO Recommendation | DSO recommends extension in SEVIS | New I-20 with extension |
| Timely Filing | Apply while current OPT valid or within grace | Receipt notice |
| Previous STEM Extensions | Maximum 2 lifetime STEM OPT extensions | SEVIS records |
The I-983 Training Plan
- •Describes your role and learning objectives
- •Explains how employer will provide STEM training
- •Outlines performance evaluation methods
- •Lists your STEM degree and field of study
- •Includes employer's E-Verify number
- •Must be signed by you and employer representative
- •Update required if job duties change significantly
- •Keep copy for your records
- •Employer attestations include wage and working conditions
STEM OPT Application Process
- 1Complete I-983 with employer
Work with employer to fill out training plan form
- 2Submit I-983 to DSO
Give completed I-983 to your school's international office
- 3DSO recommends extension
DSO updates SEVIS and issues new I-20 with extension
- 4File Form I-765
Apply online or by mail with new I-20, fee, photos
- 5Receive receipt notice
Auto-extension begins if filed before OPT expires
- 6Wait for EAD
Processing typically 2-5 months
- 7Receive new EAD card
24-month EAD valid for STEM OPT extension
Timing: When to Apply
- •Can apply up to 90 days before current OPT expires
- •Must apply before current OPT expires
- •DSO must recommend extension in SEVIS before you file
- •New I-20 dated before current OPT expiration required
- •If filed timely: 180-day auto-extension of work authorization
- •Auto-extension allows continued work while case pending
- •Receipt notice is proof of auto-extension
- •Plan for 3-4 month processing time
Employer Requirements
- •Must be enrolled in E-Verify (verify at e-verify.gov)
- •Must sign I-983 training plan
- •Must agree to report if you leave employment within 5 days
- •Must provide training opportunities as described in I-983
- •Must pay prevailing wage for the position
- •Cannot have unfair labor practices
- •Self-employment is NOT allowed on STEM OPT
- •Staffing agencies: May work if the staffing agency is the E-Verify employer
Unemployment Limits on STEM OPT
| OPT Type | Max Unemployment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial 12-month OPT | 90 days total | Can be spread throughout OPT period |
| During STEM Extension | 60 additional days | Added to any unused initial days |
| Total with STEM OPT | 150 days maximum | Combined initial + extension unemployment |
Reporting Requirements
- •Report name/address changes within 10 days to DSO
- •Report employer changes to DSO before starting new job
- •Employer reports termination/departure within 5 days
- •Annual self-evaluation at 12 months into extension
- •Final evaluation upon completion of STEM OPT
- •DSO must validate SEVIS record every 6 months
- •Report any changes to training plan via updated I-983
- •Keep DSO informed of employment status
Transitioning from STEM OPT to H-1B
- •H-1B cap registration in March for October start
- •36 months of OPT provides 3 chances at H-1B lottery
- •Cap-gap extension: Auto-extension if H-1B selected while on OPT
- •Cap-gap extends status and EAD until October 1
- •Employer must file H-1B petition if selected
- •365 days on OPT counts toward AC21 cap exemption provisions
- •Some employers offer H-1B sponsorship - discuss early
- •Cap-exempt employers: Universities, research institutions
San Diego STEM Employment Resources
- •Major employers: Qualcomm, Illumina, Sony, Northrop Grumman
- •Biotech hub in Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley
- •UC San Diego career services for STEM students
- •San Diego State international student office
- •Tech meetups and networking events
- •Arabic-speaking immigration services available
- •SoCal Immigration Services: STEM OPT application help
- •Career fairs focused on visa sponsorship employers
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:My degree was in a related field but not STEM-designated. Can I get the extension?
A: No. Only degrees with CIP codes on the STEM Designated Degree Program List qualify. If your degree CIP code isn't on the list, you cannot apply for the STEM extension regardless of how STEM-related your job is. Check with your school to confirm your degree's CIP code. If your degree doesn't qualify, consider pursuing another STEM degree in the future.
Q:Can I change employers on STEM OPT?
A: Yes, but carefully. You must report job changes to your DSO before starting the new job. The new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled, and you'll need a new I-983 training plan with the new employer. Avoid unemployment during transitions - having the new job lined up before leaving the old one is best. Unemployment days still count toward your limit.
Q:What if my employer isn't enrolled in E-Verify?
A: You cannot work for that employer on STEM OPT. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory. You can either find a different employer that is E-Verify enrolled, or you can encourage your employer to enroll (it's free and relatively quick). Many large companies are already enrolled; smaller companies may need to sign up.
Q:My STEM OPT was denied. What are my options?
A: If denied, you typically must stop working and may need to leave the U.S. unless you have another valid status. Common denial reasons include late filing, employer not E-Verify enrolled, or incomplete I-983. You can file a motion to reopen if there was an error, but this is complicated. Some students depart and pursue new status (another degree, different visa category). Consult an immigration attorney immediately.
Q:Can I work part-time on STEM OPT?
A: Yes, but you must work at least 20 hours per week. This is the minimum to count as 'employed' and avoid accumulating unemployment days. Your I-983 should reflect the expected hours. Working multiple part-time jobs totaling 20+ hours is permitted if each employer is E-Verify enrolled and you have I-983s for each.
Q:I'm still waiting for my STEM OPT EAD. My current OPT just expired. Can I work?
A: Yes, if you filed your STEM OPT application before your current OPT expired. You receive an automatic 180-day extension of your OPT work authorization while your STEM OPT application is pending. Your receipt notice, combined with your expired EAD, serves as proof of work authorization. Show both to your employer.
Need STEM OPT Help in San Diego?
Our team assists with I-765 applications, I-983 training plans, and STEM OPT extension filings.
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