OPT & STEM OPT
Work in America for 1-3 years after graduation
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the post-graduation work authorization that makes studying in the US uniquely valuable. All F-1 students receive 12 months of OPT, and STEM degree holders receive an additional 24-month extension — totaling 36 months (3 years) of authorized employment in the United States. This is the longest post-study work period offered by any major study destination, giving graduates ample time to gain professional experience, build their careers, and potentially transition to H-1B work visas or other immigration pathways.
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Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our OPT & STEM OPT program.
Georgia Institute of Technology
QS #85Atlanta, GA
Nearly all programs are STEM-designated. Excellent industry connections for OPT placement. Strong career services.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
QS #64Champaign, IL
STEM powerhouse with strong OPT employment outcomes. Many graduates placed at top tech companies.
Purdue University
QS #99West Lafayette, IN
Strong engineering and CS programs. Comprehensive career center with international student support for OPT job search.
University of Texas at Dallas
Top 200Dallas, TX
Many business programs with STEM designation (Business Analytics, IT Management). Dallas job market is strong for tech.
Northeastern University
QS #375Boston, MA
Co-op (paid internship) model integrates work experience into the degree. Students graduate with 1-2 years of US work experience before OPT.
San Jose State University
Top 500San Jose, CA
Heart of Silicon Valley. Engineering and CS graduates have excellent OPT placement rates at tech companies.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year
- Completed degree at a SEVP-certified institution
- Apply for OPT up to 90 days before or 60 days after degree completion
- Employment must be related to your field of study
- For STEM OPT extension: degree must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
- STEM OPT employer must be enrolled in E-Verify program
- Maximum 90 days of unemployment during 12-month OPT (150 days for STEM OPT)
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Apply for EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
During your final semester, apply for OPT through your university's International Student Office. They issue a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. Then file Form I-765 with USCIS. Include: completed I-765, passport photos, I-20 with OPT recommendation, I-94, passport copy, previous EADs (if any), and $410 filing fee. Processing time: 1-3 months.
Receive EAD Card & Start Working
USCIS mails your EAD card to your address. You can only start working after: 1) your EAD card arrives, 2) your OPT start date (no earlier than degree completion). Start job searching early — career fairs, LinkedIn, Handshake, and networking are key. Many students secure jobs before graduation through CPT internships and campus recruiting.
Work During 12-Month OPT
You can work for any US employer in a position related to your field of study. Full-time or part-time. You can change employers freely. You must report employment changes to your university within 10 days. Track your unemployment days — do not exceed 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period.
Apply for STEM OPT Extension (if eligible)
If your degree is STEM-designated, apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT expires. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. File I-765 again with updated I-20 showing STEM extension recommendation. Continue working on your current EAD while the extension is pending (if filed before expiry).
Work During STEM OPT (24 additional months)
STEM OPT has additional requirements: employer must provide a formal training plan (Form I-983), you must receive comparable wages to US workers, and your employer reports your status every 6 months. Total work period: 36 months. This gives you 3 full years of US work experience.
Transition to H-1B or Other Visa
During your OPT/STEM OPT period, your employer can sponsor you for an H-1B visa. H-1B is a lottery-based system — employers file petitions in March for October start. If selected, you transition from OPT to H-1B. If not selected, you can try again (up to 3 attempts during STEM OPT). Alternatives: O-1 visa (extraordinary ability), EB-1/EB-2 green card, or company transfer to another country.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
OPT and STEM OPT are work authorization programs, not academic programs. You have already completed your degree. The only costs are the EAD application fee ($410 per application — once for OPT, once for STEM extension) and potential USCIS premium processing fee ($2,805 for 15-day processing, optional).
OPT/STEM OPT workers earn market-rate salaries. Entry-level salaries for international graduates: Computer Science: $80,000-120,000. Engineering: $70,000-100,000. Business Analytics: $65,000-90,000. Finance: $70,000-100,000. Accounting: $55,000-75,000. These salaries comfortably cover living expenses in any US city and allow significant savings.
During OPT, you are a professional earning a salary. Many Nepali graduates in the US earn $70,000-150,000 during their OPT period. This is significantly higher than starting salaries in Nepal or most other countries. The 3-year STEM OPT period alone can result in total earnings of $200,000-450,000, which more than covers the cost of education.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
OPT marks the transition from student to professional. You are now working in America, earning a competitive salary, and building your career. For many Nepali students, OPT is the realization of the dream that motivated them to study in the US. You are contributing to the American economy, developing professional skills, and building a global career.
The OPT period is also a critical window for immigration planning. If you want to stay in the US long-term, use this time to: build relationships with your employer, demonstrate your value, and position yourself for H-1B sponsorship. Many companies start the H-1B process within 6-12 months of hiring an OPT worker.
The Nepali professional community in the US is strong and growing. Organizations like the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Nepali professional networks in tech, finance, and healthcare, and city-specific Nepali groups provide community, networking, and support. Many successful Nepali professionals in the US are happy to mentor newer graduates.
OPT & STEM OPT — Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot find a job during OPT?
Can I start my own company on OPT?
Which degrees qualify for STEM OPT?
Can I change jobs during OPT?
What is the H-1B lottery and how does it work?
Ready to OPT & STEM OPT?
Get free, expert counseling from StudyUSA Nepal. We will help you with university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processing. Call +977-9849998031 or book online.