How To Get Ready For STEM OPT Extension For Students On F1 Visa?
For F-1 students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), there is currently a way to extend your work permit considerably further. In March 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued another rule for F-1 students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. F-1 students are ordinarily qualified for a post-graduation work permit called Optional Practical Training (OPT). For STEM students, before March 2016, they were qualified for an extra 17 months of OPT work authorization. This was a huge advantage for students looking for employers who are happy to support them. In March 2016, the Department of Homeland Security issued the last guideline changing the OPT extension for STEM students from 17 months to two years. Basically, the new two years extension rule will replace the 17-month extension rule uncertainly.
Normally students on OPT status find it difficult to land a job that can secure their future. But in the case of STEM OPT extension, many of the OPT students find reliable jobs till the end of the extension period. But sometimes they do face the problem of getting an H1B visa. Because they had not been demanded H1B visa sponsorship at the time of the joining. But worry not Here comes My OPT Jobs an OPT Job platform that helps you get the desired OPT jobs which will eventually lead to an H1B visa. Now coming back to the article.
For STEM students this additional time has huge advantages. Students on an F-1 visa and who are focusing on the STEM fields of study can now possibly remain and legitimately work in the U.S.A for 3 years following graduation. This duration of time can prove vital for students looking for more work experience or students seeking more permanent status in the U.S.A. As per the Department of Homeland Security, in order to be eligible for the 24-month extension, students need the following:
· Have been authorized OPT or right now enlisted in an OPT program — they can’t give you an extension without having OPT in the first place. When you complete your first year doing OPT you can apply for the extension.
· Got a doctorate, bachelor’s, or Masters’s certificate from an accredited college AND one that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
· Work for an employer that meets the STEM OPT employer responsibility — this includes having the business be registered with E-Verify.
· Present the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization as long as 90 days before your present OPT employment authorization terminates, and within 60 days of the date, your DSO processes his permission of OPT into your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
· Plan to work at least 20 hours out of each week with the designated employer.
· Submit form I-983
I-983 Form
As a trait of the new guidelines, students looking for the two years OPT extension should submit form I-983 to their Designated School Official (DSO). Students must submit a completed Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students to the DSO before the DSO can suggest the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS. The form must be completed by the student and his assigned employer. On the I-983, the student and business need to build up a training plan and cling to it during the two year extension period. On the off chance that anytime, the students go amiss from the training plan or doesn’t explain DHS of any material changes, DHS claims all authority to terminate or revoke the OPT expansion period. The form requires both the students and the employer to guarantee the I-983 training plan and conditions.
It is likewise vital to take note of that students who move on from a non-STEM field can be eligible for 24 month OPT extension if:
· They have previously received a STEM degree — for instance, in the event that you are completing a master’s in business yet recently got a bachelor’s in mathematics, you can still get the two-year extension; AND
· The work is related to the STEM degree — in the earlier example, the job would need to be related to his mathematics degree and not his business degree.
Likewise, you can meet all requirements for two years of OPT expansion in the event that you get two qualifying degrees. For instance, you can get a two year OPT expansion following your bachelor’s STEM degree and afterward an additional two-year extension after you complete a Master’s STEM degree. USCIS highly suggests sending transcripts with the STEM OPT application if the extension depends on an earlier degree. Students who wish to finish both bachelor's and a Master’s or doctorate should know about their STEM OPT expansion alternatives when planning out their schooling in the U.S.A.
For students who are as of now in their 17-month STEM OPT extension, you can apply for an extra 7 months. On the off chance that you fall inside this class, you should have at least 150 calendar days left on your EAD (Employment Authorization Document.
For F-1 students considering science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, this rule can give more chances to progress and can prove helpful for those looking for a full-time position and sponsorship.
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