On March 11, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule allowing certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees, and who meet other specified requirements, to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. The 24-month extension will replace the 17-month STEM OPT extension previously available to STEM students. Eligible students may begin applying for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on May 10, 2016. For more information regarding the New Rule for STEM OPT extension and the eligibility requirements, please visit the STUDY in the STATES – STEM OPT Extension. For information regarding how to transition to the New STEM OPT Rule, please click here. Read more