17-Month Extension of OPT for F-1 Students
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new F-1 STEM OPT extension rule which went into effect on May 10, 2016. The 17-month STEM OPT rule discussed on this page remains in effect only for those who were already approved for it. Going forward, if you are interested in applying for a STEM OPT extension, you must apply under the 24-month rule.
During the extension, you have to continue working at least 20 hours a week.
During your first 12 months of standard OPT, you have a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. When your 17-month extension is approved, another 30 days of unemployment is added to the original 90-day allowance. That's a total of 120 days for the entire 29-month period.
24-month STEM OPT rule | 17-month STEM OPT rule (for previously approved F-1s only)
Reporting requirements
During your 17-month STEP OPT extension, you'll need to report:
- Any change to your non-immigrant status within 10 days by emailing isss@emory.edu
- Any change to your legal name within 10 days by emailing isss@emory.edu
- Change of your address within 10 days by logging in to OPUS
- Change of employer or work address, including end of employment, within 10 days by logging in to ISSS Link and filling out the correct OPT employer information e-form
You also need to confirm this information is correct every 6 months, even if there are no changes.
Your employer will need to report:
- Any voluntary or involuntary end to your employment within 48 hours by emailing isss@emory.edu
- Any unapproved absence from work for five consecutive business days within 48 hours by emailing isss@emory.edu