OPT Extension Eligible STEM Designated Programs

Four RIT student researchers working in a lab.
 

OPT Extension Eligible
STEM Designated Programs

What is a STEM Designated Degree Program?

A STEM designated degree program is an academic program that falls under one or more of the approved categories from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
 

STEM OPT Extension

F-1 international students who completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in STEM designated programs and are currently working with post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension of 24 months of additional employment, for a total of 36 months.

900+

international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are currently completing 1-3 additional years of post-graduation training at companies in the U.S.

4,545+

students gained practical employment experience in the past year

$65M

Last year, co-op students earned more than $65 million through employment.

2,065

co-op employers across the U.S. and overseas.

47,858

total jobs posted through RIT Career Services last year

944

total interviews held on campus last year

Why STEM at RIT?

A closeup a researcher's hands working with equipment on a lab bench.

STEM is in Our DNA

RIT is the third largest producer of undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) degrees among all private universities in the nation.

RIT offers Unmatched career preparation and work opportunities

including a world-renowned cooperative education program that lets you gain valuable experience from and exposure to potential employers and earn money while not paying tuition.

RIT is a “high research activity institution”

Most of that research being conducted in the STEM fields. As a result, students benefit from career-enhancing research opportunities. The University offers more than 50 research centers and laboratories dedicated to these research pursuits.

RIT has been ranked among the top U.S. schools for international students to engage in post-graduation employment in both STEM and non-STEM fields.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program named RIT one of the top 100 schools in two lists related to pre- and post-graduation optional practical training.

STEM designated degree programs offered by RIT  Admission for International Students

The Process

  • Work with RIT’s International Student Services to get a Social Security number if you do not already have one.
  • Seek employment offers before you graduate. There are several opportunities to meet with prospective employers through our Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
  • Three months before graduation you apply through RIT’s International Student Services for this employment benefit – which is granted by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off campus work (whether it is paid or unpaid), such as internship or co-op, for F-1 international students to receive further training

Testimonials

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Definitions of Key Terms

  • STEM
    science, technology, engineering, and math
     
  • OPT
    Optional Practical Training is a 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
     
  • 24-Month Work Extension
    international students receiving a graduate degree in a STEM-designated program qualify to apply for a 24-month work extension to their OPT (Optional Practical Training) period.
     
  • STEM Extension
    A model in the United States where international students graduating with certain degrees in STEM can remain in the country. As of 2020 it can be up to 24 months. This can be combined with OPT for up to a 36 month visa extension.
  • CPT
    Curricular Practical Training is off campus work (whether it is paid or unpaid), such as internship or co-op, for F-1 international students to receive further training.
     
  • H-1B
    The U.S. H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ graduate level workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as in IT, finance, accounting, architecture, engineering, mathematics, science, medicine, etc.
     
  • Co-op
    Short for cooperative education. It is a model in American education where students work for a semester instead of taking classes. During that time, students are paid by the company or organization they are working for and do not pay tuition. Learn more about co-op

The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Due to frequent government updates, RIT may make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on this page at any time without prior notice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on OPT applications.