STEM OPT Full Guide — Eligibility, E-Verify Employers & I-983 Training Plan Explained

📘 STEM OPT Full Guide — Eligibility, E-Verify Employers & I-983 Training Plan Explained (2025 Edition)

The STEM OPT extension allows eligible F-1 students to work in the United States for up to 36 months, giving them significantly more time to build technical experience and pursue long-term career opportunities.
Yet many students remain unsure about how E-Verify works, how to complete the I-983 Training Plan, or whether their major qualifies under the STEM list.

1️⃣ What Exactly Is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is an extension of post-completion OPT that grants an additional 24 months of work authorization to students who earned a degree in a DHS-approved STEM field.
When combined with the initial 12-month OPT, students can work in the U.S. for up to 36 months total.

For many students aiming for long-term employment — including H-1B, higher-level technical positions, or industry specialization — STEM OPT is often viewed as a critical stepping stone.

2️⃣ Eligibility Requirements — 2025 Rules

You must meet all three criteria below:

🟦 ① Your degree must be on the DHS STEM list

This includes majors such as Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Data Analytics, Biochemistry, and many others.
Your DSO will verify the CIP code listed on your I-20.

🟦 ② You must apply while your initial OPT is still valid

STEM OPT can be filed as early as 90 days before your OPT end date but must be received by USCIS before OPT expires.

🟦 ③ Your employer must participate in E-Verify

This is mandatory. No exceptions apply, regardless of company size or job type.

3️⃣ Employer Requirements — E-Verify Is Not Optional

Because STEM OPT is designed as a structured training program, employers must show they can supervise and develop the student, and they must be enrolled in E-Verify.

✔ Employers must meet these conditions

• Active enrollment in E-Verify
• Clear supervision and mentoring structure
• Willingness to complete and sign the I-983 Training Plan
• Work duties must align closely with the student’s STEM degree
• The student must receive pay and working conditions equivalent to U.S. workers

4️⃣ I-983 Training Plan — Key Sections Explained

The I-983 Training Plan is central to your STEM OPT approval. It defines how your role relates to your degree and how your employer will help you develop professionally.

🟦 Major Components of the I-983

• Section 1: Student information
• Section 2: Employer details + E-Verify ID
• Section 3: Learning objectives and training goals
• Section 4: Supervisory methods and evaluation structure
• Section 5: Annual evaluations (midpoint & final)

The strongest applications clearly demonstrate the connection between academic training and job responsibilities.

5️⃣ STEM OPT Work Rules — Violations Can Trigger SEVIS Termination

STEM OPT comes with strict rules. Breaking them can result in the loss of status.

🟥 Rules You Must Not Violate

• No more than 150 days total unemployment (90 during OPT + 60 during STEM)
• No work unrelated to your STEM degree
• No employment with non–E-Verify companies
• No self-employment or contractor arrangements
• Must work 20+ hours per week (part-time is not allowed)
• Any employer change requires an updated I-983 and report to your DSO

📘 Example — A Smooth Approval Case

📎 Internal & External Links

🔑 Final Takeaways & EA Notes

STEM OPT is far more than an extension of work authorization — it is one of the most important opportunities an international student has to build a U.S. career.
Eligibility is straightforward, but success depends heavily on selecting an E-Verify employer, completing a strong I-983, and following all compliance rules.

⬆️ Back to Top