#Stem Opt Extension

Big changes to OPT and STEM OPT are coming in 2026, and international students need to pay attention. Proposed chnges may include: • Fewer degrees qualifying for STEM OPT • A shorter STEM OPT extension than the current 24 months • Stricter limits on how long you can remain unemployed while in F-1 status None of this is final yet, but the direction is clear: less flexibility, more scrutiny, and higher risk if you are not planning ahead. If you are an international student, a recent graduate, or an employer relying on OPT or STEM OPT talent, now is the time to understand your options and protect your status. Waiting until the rules change is often too late. ⸻ CONTACT INFORMATION: Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein 45 Broadway, 15th Floor New York, NY 10007 📞 212-227-8933 🌐 www.lawsb.com #STEMOPT #OPTStudents #F1Visa #InternationalStudents #ImmigrationLaw

🎯 Think the days after your STEM OPT 180-day extension count as unemployment? Let’s clarify. If you filed on time, the 180-day automatic extension keeps you authorized while USCIS reviews your case. After that, you must stop working until approval. These waiting days do not count as unemployment if filed properly. STEM OPT allows a total of 150 unemployment days. Keep your receipt and track your case to stay compliant. Call ☎️ +1 (216) 463-4051 for legal assistance in all kinds of U.S immigration matters👨🏻‍⚖️🇺🇸

Want to apply for STEM OPT Extension? Here is the simple step-by-step process. To apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, first make sure your degree qualifies and that your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS and DHS both make those part of the eligibility rules. Then work with your employer to complete Form I-983, the training plan. DHS says the student and employer must complete and sign this form before applying, and the student must submit it to the DSO. After that, ask your DSO for the STEM OPT recommendation in SEVIS and the updated Form I-20. Then file Form I-765 with USCIS for the STEM OPT extension. USCIS says this category can be filed online through a USCIS account. Simple version: I-983 with employer → DSO recommendation → I-765 with USCIS Save this reel so you do not forget the steps. Comment STEM if you want part 2 on the documents needed for STEM OPT. #STEMOPT #OPT #F1Visa #InternationalStudents #StudyInUSA

Got RFE on Stem- OPT 📝 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #rfe #stemopt #susmithapasam #usa #f1 #uscisnews #instagram #india #reels #america #students #masters #opt #stemoptjobs #uscis #opt #stemopt #students #job #america #usa #masters #masterslife

STEM OPT RFE😱 Comment “Opt” to get link in your dm🔥

Applying for your STEM OPT extension? Here’s what you need to know (Part 1)

Losing Stem opt Extension! don’t make this mistake! #stemopt #i983form #optstudents #f1visa #f1opt #mastersinusa #usaindians #studyabroad

🚨 OPT expired but STEM OPT pending? Read this carefully 👇 Most students don’t know this ⬇️ If you apply for a STEM OPT extension on time, you automatically get a 180-day work extension while your application is pending. ✅ That means: Even if your OPT EAD expires, you can KEEP WORKING legally until: - You receive your STEM OPT decision, OR - The 180 days end (whichever comes first) — ⚠️ BUT here’s the part no one talks about… ❌ If your STEM OPT gets DENIED: 👉 Your 180-day extension stops immediately 👉 You must STOP working the same day — 📌 What happens to your status? 👉 If your OPT is already expired: You are out of status immediately after denial 👉 In some cases, you may get a 60-day grace period (but don’t rely on this blindly—it depends on your case) — 🚨 Big mistake to avoid: Don’t assume you can keep working after a denial—you CANNOT. — 🎯 What should you do instead? - Transfer to another program 🎓 - Apply for change of status 📄 - Or prepare to leave the U.S. ✈️ — 💡 Bottom line: STEM OPT pending = you’re safe (temporarily) STEM OPT denied = everything stops immediately — ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is for general information only and not legal or immigration advice. Always check with your DSO or an immigration attorney for your specific situation. Save this & share with a friend who’s on OPT . . . #stemopt #nri #internationalstudentsusa

Let’s talk about STEM-OPT! 👇 If you’re on post-completion OPT and have a degree in a STEM field, you could qualify for a 24-month extension of work authorization. Here’s what you need to know: 💼 Steps to Apply: 1️⃣ Complete Form I-983 with your employer (it’s a training plan). 2️⃣ Request a new I-20 from your university (mine cost $200). 3️⃣ Submit Form I-765 to USCIS ($470 fee). 📸 You’ll also need a passport-sized photo (about $10). 💵 Total Cost: Around $600-$800 to apply, or add $1,685 for premium processing if you’re in a rush! ⏰ Timelines: • Apply 90 days before your current OPT ends. • Submit your STEM-OPT application within 60 days of your new I-20 being issued AND before your OPT expires. • If you apply on time, you can keep working for up to 180 days while waiting for approval. 🚨 Unemployment Rules: You get 60 more days of unemployment on STEM-OPT, but it’s combined with the 90 days from your regular OPT. That’s 150 days total—plan wisely! 💡 Pro Tip: Stay on top of deadlines and keep your DSO updated with any changes. Follow for more international student tips! #roam #internationalstudents #stemopt #uscis #visa #usa

I had a trip to India planned for months… and still cancelled it 24 hours before the flight. I kept waiting till the last moment..! Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. I filed my STEM OPT extension on paper, and unlike online filings, you don’t get an instant e-receipt. Sometimes it comes in a few days… sometimes much later. And until that receipt is issued, you technically have no proof that your application was accepted. The problem? If you leave the U.S. before your application is “filed” (that receipt from USCIS serves as proof) your STEM OPT can be treated as “not properly filed / abandoned” And that’s a risk I couldn’t afford to take. So even though my packet was delivered, I had no confirmation from USCIS, and that uncertainty alone was enough to cancel the trip. 🙂 Annoying? Yes. But losing work authorization would be way worse. If you’re on OPT/STEM OPT and planning to travel, please understand this part clearly.

Here are the 3 things you might not know about studying abroad which we talked during the meetups 1️⃣ Using OPT and using OPT & stem extension to pay back loan as soon as possible. H1b is not a guarantee. It’s a lottery process and you shouldn’t be not paying your debt in the hope that you will be pay your loans over a long period of time. Get rid of the debt quickest and be stress free. 2️⃣ Linkedin is your best resource to find reliable information from seniors. Not only the students who just went to the US but people who have been there before. These students have gone through the journey and will be able to tell your the ground hitting reality of America. Use the alumni tab from the university page and get the most amount of info you can from there. 3️⃣ Don’t rush into the process. I met so many 22-23 even 25 year old who told me they are ready to chose a bad university this year because they don’t want to wait anymore to study abroad. And I told them all the same thing, please don’t use your age and put it as a barrier to rush through studying abroad process. It’s expensive and a long haul so take your time with the process. What are your questions about studying in 🇺🇸

STEM OPT #important#reels#instagram#instagood