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. Let’s break it down.

Understanding OPT and STEM OPT

Optional Practical Training (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 an extension of the standard Post-Completion OPT, available to students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Got more questions about OPT or STEM OPT? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!

Need Immigration Help?

If you're navigating the complexities of student work authorization or other immigration issues, let's talk. Schedule a consultation today.

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