If I am a STEM student in the USA can I stay after graduation? 

Updated on: Oct 11, 2023

As a STEM student in the USA, you may be eligible to stay in the country after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows eligible students to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing their degree. STEM students can also apply for an extension of their OPT for an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months.

To be eligible for OPT, you must be in F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year in a program that leads to a degree in a STEM field. Additionally, your employer must be registered with the E-Verify system, which verifies the employment eligibility of new hires.

It is important to note that OPT is a temporary program and does not guarantee permanent residency in the US. However, it can be a valuable opportunity for STEM students to gain work experience in their field of study and potentially qualify for other visa programs in the future. It is also possible to explore other visa options, such as the H-1B visa, which may allow for longer-term employment in the US.