STEM OPT Extension & E-Verify Guide

A STEM OPT extension buys another 24 months of US work authorisation, but only if your degree qualifies, your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, and your Form I-983 holds up. This guide walks founders and grads through every step, plus the timing rule most people find out about too late.

What's inside:

• Who qualifies for the 24-month extension, including the degree code detail people get wrong
• How an employer enrols in E-Verify, step by step. It's free and takes 2 to 3 business days
• What makes a Form I-983 training plan compliant, and the mistakes that sink it
• What happens if your current EAD expires while USCIS is still processing
• Fillable templates for the I-983 and the 12-month and final evaluations

One thing worth checking today: the extension cannot begin until your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, and USCIS processing runs 3 to 5 months. If your OPT expires within the next six months, this is the week to start.

Want us to look at your specific situation? Book a time and we'll tell you what's possible.