OPT Extension Eligible STEM Designated Programs
How OPT-STEM Extension Works
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to stay and work in the US for 1 year after graduation
OPT is a 1-year 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. OPT is usually completed after graduation and is not a part of the admissions process.
OPT-STEM Extension allows you to extend your OPT for an additional 2 years
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 2 years of additional employment, for a total of 3 years.
RIT has among the most international students per capita on CPT and OPT/STEM authorizations in the United States; currently over 500 students.
800+
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.
4,412
students gained practical employment experience in the past year
$67.7M
Last year, co-op students earned more than $58 million through employment.
1,881
co-op employers across the U.S. and overseas.
19,350
total jobs posted through RIT Career Services last year
944
total interviews held on campus last year
The OPT Process and Support
- Seek employment offers before you graduate from. 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.
- Up to three months before graduation, request an OPT recommendation from RIT’s International Student Services office for this employment benefit with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
- Once OPT is approved and you have a job offer, work with RIT’s International Student Services office to get a Social Security number if you do not already have one.
Testimonials
During my co-op experience at Retail Business Services, Boston, Massachusetts, I was responsible for designing and developing data pipelines and design interactive dashboards that help the company drive its business. It was really fun and a great learning experience.
Information Sciences & Technologies MS student
India
Retail Business Services
My internship experience has been pretty amazing. I was transitioned to a pilot project which was building a system from scratch. Now, my project is live and my internship is extended to Fall semester (and a full time offer for joining in May ’21).
Computer Science MS student
India
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
This Co-op of mine was not just my first Co-op at RIT, but my first work experience outside the confines of my academic life. I was exposed to a plethora of technologies and frameworks which I can now add to my experience.
Computer Science MS student
India
Retail Business Services
I was on a co-op at Apex Analytix in NC for Spring and Summer 2020. I started working on live projects and over time was trusted with bigger and better work items. By the end, I had made some good friends, established a trustworthy relationship with the management and got to learn a lot. It was an amazing experience.
Computer Science MS student
India
APEX Analytix
I am gaining so much exposure and I am getting a lot of experience. I have developed my skill in programming and I have developed three applications so far.
Information Sciences & Technologies MS student
India
Community Bank System
This was my second internship with Tesla and without a doubt it was AMAZING! I had the best time working with them. They offered me a full-time position starting Jan 2021.
Computer Science MS student
India
Tesla
I worked for RIT's controller's office doing tax reports, reviewing financial statements, and preparing Federal forms for RIT. I worked with excellent people with advanced skills in different fields and perspectives and learned skills in using different software such as Oracle and Dynamo.
Finance BS student
China
RIT Controller’s Office
My co-op started in July and I picked up a lot of new skills. It was interesting and helpful seeing concepts from my analog electronics class being used in real life.
Electrical Engineering BS student
India
Vicor Corporation
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. OPT is usually completed after graduation. Learn more about OPT - STEM Extension
- F-1 students on post-completion OPT who have completed a STEM-designated degree can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT work permission. This means up to 36 months of work experience in the US after graduation. Learn more about STEM OPT 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 get practical experience as part of their degree. Learn more about CPT
- 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.