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If you have a STEM degree, you can extend your work authorization by 24 additional months—giving you 36 total months and three shots at the H-1B lottery instead of one. This is the single biggest advantage STEM graduates have. But the paperwork is complex and the reporting requirements are strict. Get this wrong and you lose the extension.
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Sign Up FreeWorking on STEM OPT
Working on the STEM OPT Extension is more than just a job, it’s a supervised training program. Because the government is giving you an extra two years, they expect a higher level of accountability. Think of this phase as a partnership between you, your employer, and the U.S. government to ensure you are truly gaining advanced skills in your field.
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Maintaining your STEM OPT status is all about navigating the unexpected with a plan. While the initial OPT period is flexible, the 24-month extension has much stricter boundaries. Think of these rules as a guardrail, they are there to keep your career on track so you can focus on your professional growth in the U.S.
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