F-1 / OPT / STEM OPT Eligibility Analyzer — Free Assessment 2026

USVisaStack Editorial

Your Current F-1 Status

Tell us about your visa status and degree so we can assess OPT eligibility.

Are you currently in F-1 status?

Yes — enrolled full-time in a degree program Yes — graduated / recently completed my degree No — other status (may not qualify for OPT)

Degree Level

Bachelor's Master's Ph.D. Associate's (not eligible for OPT extension)

Program End Date / Graduation Timing

Within 1 month 1–6 months 6–12 months Already graduated (within 60 days)

OPT & STEM Details

Your degree field and employer status determine whether you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension.

STEM OPT Extension: A qualifying STEM degree + an employer enrolled in E-Verify can unlock 24 additional months of OPT work authorization (36 months total).

Is your degree a qualifying STEM degree?

Yes — Engineering (any discipline) Yes — Computer Science / IT / Data Science Yes — Mathematics / Statistics / Actuarial Science Yes — Physical / Life Sciences / Biological Sciences No — Non-STEM degree (business, arts, social sciences, etc.)

Your employer or intended employer's E-Verify status

Has active E-Verify enrollment ✓ E-Verify status unknown — need to confirm Does NOT have E-Verify (STEM extension requires E-Verify) Still job searching — no employer yet

Have you used any OPT before?

Never used OPT Used pre-completion OPT (reduces post-completion OPT months) Used 12-month OPT (can still apply for STEM extension if STEM degree)

H-1B Transition & Cap-Gap

Cap-gap protection automatically extends your F-1 status and EAD if your OPT expires before H-1B takes effect on October 1.

Cap-Gap: If your H-1B petition is timely filed and your OPT/EAD expires between April 1 and September 30, INA 214(g)(4) automatically extends your status and work authorization through September 30 — protecting against any gap in work authorization.

Has your H-1B been filed for the upcoming April lottery?

Yes — selected in the H-1B lottery Yes — filed, awaiting lottery result Not yet filed for this cycle No — not pursuing H-1B Already have H-1B approval

Your OPT/EAD expiration timing relative to October 1

Expires before October 1 (may have a gap — cap-gap critical) Expires October 1 or after (may have cap-gap protection) Not sure of exact expiration date

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F-1 / OPT / STEM OPT
Eligibility Analyzer

Partial Results Ready

Track Your OPT Timeline

Professional Plan — $97/mo

F-1 / OPT / STEM OPTEligibility Analyzer

Partial Results Ready

Track Your OPT Timeline

Professional Plan — $97/mo

F-1 / OPT / STEM OPT
Eligibility Analyzer