STEM OPT Rules: Remote Work, Job Limits & Hour Requirements

Can You Work 20 Hours Per Week on STEM OPT? Here's What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions I get as an immigration attorney is about work requirements for students on STEM OPT. Recently, Raoul Sidique asked:

“Can I work 20 hours per week on STEM OPT?”

The real question isn’t whether you can—it’s whether you must. And the answer is yes, you must work at least 20 hours per week while on STEM OPT. Maintaining your employment authorization on STEM OPT requires meeting this minimum hour requirement, as your OPT employment authorization is contingent on working at least 20 hours per week. Let’s break it down.

Understanding OPT and STEM OPT

is a temporary work authorization for F-1 students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. There are two types of OPT:

Pre-Completion OPT: While you’re still a student
Post-Completion OPT: After you graduate

STEM OPT is a 24-month stem opt extension of the standard Post-Completion OPT, available to students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields. The extension is available to students who have completed a qualifying STEM degree, such as a bachelor's degree or higher, and the degree must be stem eligible. The stem extension based eligibility means your extension is contingent on having a prior degree in an approved STEM field—students must check if their degree is on the official list of approved stem degrees.

To begin the stem opt process, you must submit a stem opt application before your post completion opt ead expires. The 24-month stem opt extension begins the day after your post completion opt ead ends, which is known as the stem opt start date.

Eligibility Requirements for F-1 Students

To qualify for a STEM OPT extension, F-1 students must meet several important criteria set by the Department of Homeland Security. First, you must have completed a degree in an approved STEM field—Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics—from an accredited U.S. institution. Your degree must be recognized as STEM-designated by Homeland Security, and you must currently be in a valid period of post-completion OPT.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

You must be an F-1 student who has not exceeded the maximum allowed unemployment during your initial OPT period.
The STEM OPT extension is only available if you have not previously received a STEM OPT extension based on a prior degree at the same or lower educational level.
Your OPT period must be active, and your application for the STEM OPT extension must be submitted before your current post-completion OPT expires.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful STEM OPT extension application and to continue working in your STEM field in the U.S.

Work Hour Requirements for OPT and STEM OPT

Pre-Completion OPT Work Limits

If you're still a student and using Pre-Completion OPT: ✔ You can work only up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. ✔ During school breaks (winter holiday, spring break, etc.), you can work full-time (with no official maximum hours).

The limitation makes sense—you're still studying, and your primary focus should be academics.

Post-Completion OPT Work Limits

Once you’ve graduated and moved into Post-Completion OPT: ✔ No maximum limit on hours—most full-time positions will be around 40 hours per week. ✔ You must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid OPT status.

Your post completion opt ead will specify the opt ead end date, which is the last day of your initial OPT work authorization. If you submit your STEM OPT application and it is timely filed before the opt ead end date, your work authorization will automatically extend for up to 180 days while your application is pending.

STEM OPT Extension (24-Month Extension) Work Limits

If you’re on the STEM OPT Extension, the same rules apply: ✔ No maximum number of hours—you can work full-time. ✔ Minimum of 20 hours per employer—if you work multiple jobs, each employer must meet this requirement.

For example:

If you have two jobs, you need to work at least 20 hours at each, totaling 40+ hours per week.
If you have three jobs, you must work at least 20 hours per employer, meaning at least 60 hours per week. That’s a heavy workload—but legally possible.

STEM OPT employment must be with a STEM OPT employer who is an E-Verify employer, and you must be a bona fide employee receiving practical training experience as outlined in the proposed training plan. The employer signing the Form I-983 must be the same entity that employs you and provides the training. You are required to report accurate employer information, including the employer's E-Verify number, to maintain compliance. Employment must be commensurate with that of similarly situated U.S. workers, and your training plan should address the student's learning objectives. Self employment is not permitted for STEM OPT extensions.

Employer Requirements and E-Verify

Employers who wish to hire STEM OPT students must fulfill specific requirements to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. Most importantly, the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, an online system that confirms employment eligibility.

Key employer requirements include:

The employer must be an E-Verify participant and provide their E-Verify company identification number.
Employment must be directly related to the student’s STEM field of study.
The employer must offer a bona fide, paid position that provides practical training and experience in the STEM field.
Employers are required to complete and sign Form I-983, which details the training plan, learning objectives, and supervision for the STEM OPT student.
The employer must report any changes in the student’s employment status or job details to the student’s school.

By meeting these requirements, employers help ensure that the STEM OPT student’s employment is compliant with immigration services regulations and supports the student’s professional development.

Maintaining F-1 Status During STEM OPT

Maintaining your F-1 status during the STEM OPT period requires careful attention to both student and employer responsibilities. As a STEM OPT student, you must:

Report any changes in your employment, address, or personal information to your school’s designated official within 10 days.
Submit a validation report to your school every 6 months, confirming your employment details and contact information.
Ensure you do not exceed the maximum allowed unemployment days during your STEM OPT period.
Verify that your employer remains enrolled in E-Verify and continues to meet all reporting and training plan requirements.

Staying on top of these requirements throughout your OPT period is crucial for maintaining your F-1 status and avoiding any interruptions in your work authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Work Remotely on STEM OPT?

Yes, remote work is allowed. However, your employer must still provide the training outlined in the I-983 Training Plan, ensuring that the work you're doing aligns with your STEM education.

Can You Work for Multiple Employers on STEM OPT?

Yes—but with strict conditions. Each job must be: ✔ Directly related to your STEM degree. ✔ Providing training that applies and develops the skills from your field of study.

For example:

✅ Acceptable: A Computer Science graduate working as a software developer, applying programming skills learned in school.
❌ Not Acceptable: A Computer Science graduate working in digital marketing, unless the role specifically involves applying their technical programming knowledge.

Changing Employers and Notification Requirements

If you decide to change employers during your STEM OPT period, there are several important steps to follow to remain in compliance:

Notify your school’s designated official within 10 days of starting with a new employer.
Submit a new Form I-983 training plan for the new employer, outlining how the new position is directly related to your STEM field and meets all training requirements.
Ensure your new employer is enrolled in E-Verify and agrees to fulfill all reporting and training obligations.
If you work for more than one employer, each must meet the STEM OPT requirements, including providing a position directly related to your STEM degree and ensuring you work at least 20 hours per week for each employer.

Your school will review and update your SEVIS record based on the new Form I-983. Failing to follow these steps can result in the automatic termination of your F-1 status, so it’s essential to keep your records and notifications up to date whenever you change employers or add a new position during your STEM OPT period.

Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Minimum Hours: You must work at least 20 hours per employer on STEM OPT.
2️⃣ No Maximum Limit: You can work full-time (40+ hours) if you want.
3️⃣ Remote Work? Yes, if your employer meets training requirements.
4️⃣ Multiple Employers? Yes—but each position must "apply and develop" your STEM skills.

Maintaining your F-1 status requires meeting these work requirements, so make sure you're in compliance.