What types of employment are allowed for 17 month STEM OPT extension?
17-month STEM OPT employment must be in a paid position that is related to your STEM degree program. The employer MUST also be enrolled in E-Verify. (www.uscis.gov/E-Verify) and be a participant in good standing in the E-Verify program, as determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the employer is using a designated agent to perform the E-Verify queries, a valid E-Verify client company identification number is required. This employment may include: Multiple employers. You may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to your STEM degree program and be with an E-Verify employer. Unemployment Students on 17 month STEM OPT extension are limited to a maximum of 120 days of unemployment. Please note that you may not accrue an aggregate of more than 120 days of unemployment during the total OPT period (29 months). This total OPT period includes the standard/initial post-completion OPT, 12 months and the subsequent 17- month OPT
