I came across the term “F-1 STEM OPT” and didn’t understand what it means. Is it some kind of extension of regular OPT for those who studied on an F-1 student visa? How does it work, and does it offer any advantages when applying for a US visa later?
OPT is for F-1; the STEM extension is also for F-1 — it’s basically just a 24-month extension if your major is in STEM, so you can work for three years total without changing status. It’s processed through USCIS; processing times are random, but for an extra $1,750 they’ll do it in 30 days. For the visa itself there aren’t any direct benefits — it’s an internal work authorization, not an immigration category. But three years of U.S. work experience really helps later when you apply for an H-1B through a sponsor or consider EB-2 NIW.
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