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• Purpose: The STEM OPT extension allows eligible students with STEM degrees to extend their period of post-completion OPT by an additional 24 months beyond the initial 12-month OPT period. This extension provides students with more time to gain practical work experience in their field of study and enhances their opportunities for employment in the USA.
• Eligibility: To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must have completed a degree in a STEM field included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Additionally, students must have a job offer from an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program and must meet other eligibility criteria for OPT.
• Application Process: Eligible students must apply for the STEM OPT extension through their designated school official (DSO) by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with supporting documentation, the Form I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation, and the required fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must be submitted before the expiration of the initial 12-month OPT period.
• Training Plan: As part of the STEM OPT extension application, students and their employers are required to develop and submit a formal Training Plan outlining the specific training objectives, learning goals, and how the practical training opportunity relates to the student's STEM field of study.
• E-Verify Requirement: Employers participating in the STEM OPT extension program must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, which is an internet-based system that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees.
• Reporting Requirements: Students on the STEM OPT extension are required to report certain information to their DSO, including changes in their employment status, employer information, and changes to their residential address or contact information.
• Travel and Reentry: Students on the STEM OPT extension who travel outside the USA must have a valid STEM OPT Extension I-20 endorsed for travel and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that is still valid for reentry into the USA.

Overall, the STEM OPT extension provides valuable opportunities for eligible international students in STEM fields to gain additional practical work experience in the USA, further enhancing their professional skills and career prospects.