After graduation, OPT is your legal runway to work in the U.S. — and to keep entering the
H-1B lottery. A STEM field unlocks a 24-month extension on top of the standard 12. Pick a job to see
whether it's typically STEM-eligible and how much longer that lets you stay.
Standard OPT
12 months
Every F-1 graduate gets one year of OPT in their field.
STEM OPT (with 24-mo extension)
36 months
A STEM-designated degree adds a 24-month extension — three years total.
OPT STEM eligibility is set by the CIP code of your degree on the DHS STEM Designated
Degree Program List — not by your job title. The labels below are an approximation from the occupation, to
give you a sense of the field. Always confirm your specific program with your DSO and official DHS sources.
For information only — not immigration or legal advice.
