Post Completion OPT and STEM OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for F-1 students that allows for temporary employment directly related to their major field of study. It provides valuable hands-on experience in the United States.

There are two types of OPT:

Pre-Completion OPT – May be used during your program of study after completing at least one full academic year.
Post-Completion OPT – Begins after you complete your program and also requires at least one full academic year of enrollment.

As an F-1 student, you may apply for up to 12 months of Post-Completion OPT. This benefit is granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — not by the Immigration & International Support Services (IISS) office.

Applying for Post-Completion OPT

OPT Application Process

Complete Online Workshop
Completion Post-Completion OPT Workshop by logging into IISS Portal, clicking on (3) Student Documents and Requests, and then click on Post-Completion OPT workshop icon in in lower right quadrant. Take notes during the presentation. You will need this information to complete the OPT application and during your OPT authorization period.
Submit a Request to IISS
Log in to the IISS Portal and submit an OPT - Optional Practical Training request. Once approved, you will receive a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation and instructions for submitting your application to USCIS.
Submit Your Application to USCIS
Following instructions received with new I-20, complete the online Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS. Be sure to include all required documents, including your new OPT-recommended I-20. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the OPT recommendation date listed on your I-20.

Notes about filing OPT

The application fee is $470.00.
Processing time is typically 90–120 days.
You cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the "OPT Card."
Working before receiving your EAD is a violation of F-1 status and may result in the termination of your SEVIS record.

For more information, please visit OPT – Study in the States and attend an IISS workshop offered during the fall and spring semesters.

Reporting Requirements while on OPT

Once you receive your EAD card, you must:

Submit the EAD Report online via IISS Portal (as an MCPHS alumni).
Report your OPT employment using the OPT Employment Update form via IISS Portal.
- Submit this only after you have accepted a position.
- You are required to report employment updates within 10 days of starting a new position or leaving an existing one.

Maintaining your F-1 status during OPT depends on meeting these reporting requirements.

STEM Optional Practical Training (24-Month Extension of Post-Completion OPT)

You may be eligible for a one-time 24-month STEM OPT extension if:

You are currently in a period of authorized Post-Completion OPT.
You have earned a qualifying STEM degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate only) within 10 years of the STEM extension recommendation by DSO (IISS Immigration Advisor).
Your STEM degree's CIP code (found in the “Program Information” section of your I-20) must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
You have not already had a STEM OPT extension of any duration based on the qualifying STEM degree.
Are or will be working for an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.

Applying for STEM OPT

STEM OPT Application Process

Submit a Request to IISS
Log in to the IISS Portal and submit an STEM Extension request. Read the instructions carefuly and submit necessary documentation, including a Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students completed by your employer. Once approved, you will receive a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation and instructions for submitting your application to USCIS.
Submit Your Application to USCIS
Following instructions received with new I-20, complete the online Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS. Be sure to include all required documents, including your Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students and your new STEM OPT-recommended I-20. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the STEM OPT recommendation date listed on your I-20 and before the end date of your current OPT authorization (see EAD card).

Notes about filing STEM OPT

The application fee is $470.00.
Processing time is typically 90–120 days.
You MUST obtain a STEM OPT recommendation from IISS prior to filing your STEM application with USCIS.
Submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS within the 90 days before your current OPT end date (see your EAD card).

For more information, please visit STEM OPT – Study in the States.

Reporting Requirements for STEM OPT

After your STEM OPT application is approved you will be responsible for additional reporting requirements. Failure to meet these requirements can negatively affect your F-1 status and employment authorization. We recommend that you place reminders on your calendar and pay attention to your personal email account for IISS notifications.

You must submit the following to the IISS portal under the (3) Student Request and Documents section:
Upon Receipt

Copy of your STEM OPT EAD card - submit an EAD Report

Within 10 days of change
Any changes to your:

legal name - submit Demographic Update request
residential address - submit My Contact Information Update request,
change of employer, material change to your existing Form I-983 Training Plan at same employer or change to employment status (e.g. loss of employment, but no new employer) - submit STEM OPT Employment Update and Participation Report

Every 6 months (6, 12, 18 months)

STEM OPT Validation Report - submit STEM OPT Employment Update and Participation Report (even if there are no changes to your employment)

Every 12 months (12 and 24 months)
STEM OPT Self-Evaluation - submit submit STEM OPT Employment Update and Participation Report (even if there are no changes to your employment)

Submit a new or updated Form I-983 in the following cases:

Every 12 months (annual self-evaluation).
When changing employers (including a final evaluation for the previous employer and a new Form I-983 for the new employer).
For any material changes to your training plan (such as job title, responsibilities, or location).

Additional Reminders for STEM OPT

Employers must report if an F-1 student leaves their position within 5 days of the student’s departure.

Need Help?

If you have questions about OPT or STEM OPT, please contact the IISS team at
📧 internationalservices@mcphs.edu
Or visit us during walk-in hours or schedule an appointment with your International Student Advisor.