24-MONTH STEM OPT EXTENSION
(This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: stemopt.ucsd.edu)
The STEM OPT Extension is a work authorization that extends the 12-month post-completion OPT for additional 24 months. F-1 students who are currently on post-completion OPT, who also earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are eligible to apply for STEM OPT. Review all information below to understand how to request STEM OPT Extension and how it may affect your status.