Denied STEM OPT Extension in the U.S.? Here Are All the Options Students Can Consider

US STEM OPT Rules: Understanding What to Do When Your Extension Gets Rejected

Immigration laws in the United States are strict, especially for students on the F-1 visa. Even when documents are in order, many students are now facing unexpected STEM OPT extension denials, leading to confusion and anxiety. A recent post on Reddit highlighted this issue, where a student’s STEM OPT extension filed in September 2025 was denied despite having a new job offer.

While each case may differ, immigration experts say most rejections stem from violations of job requirements, errors in the training plan, or gaps in work authorization. Under OPT, students can work for one year, while STEM graduates are eligible for a 24-month extension, allowing up to three years of U.S. work experience.

Why Are STEM OPT Extensions Being Denied?

According to immigration experts, USCIS has intensified scrutiny over whether students truly meet STEM OPT requirements. Top reasons for denial include:

• Non-compliance with the I-983 Training Plan
• Working unpaid or volunteering, which is not allowed during STEM OPT
• Employer ineligibility or lack of a legitimate employer–employee relationship
• Discrepancies in payroll records or training documentation

In the Reddit case, the student worked unpaid during OPT and secured a paid job only days before the OPT period ended. While unpaid work is allowed during OPT, STEM OPT strictly prohibits unpaid or volunteer work, often leading to insufficient training history and eventual denial.

What Should Students Do After a STEM OPT Denial?

1. File a “Motion to Reopen or Reconsider” (MTR)

If the denial was due to factual misunderstanding or a legal error, students can immediately file an MTR.
This option works best when the issue involves:

• Misinterpretation of the training plan
• Missing employer details
• Payroll or documentation errors

Submitting strong evidence can reverse the decision.

2. Submit a Fresh STEM OPT Application

If the denial is valid and not due to a USCIS error, students may submit a new application within 60 days, provided the DSO issues a new I-20.
This is only possible if:

• The original OPT period ended within the allowable timeframe
• The first filing was considered “timely”

3. Enroll in a New Academic Program

Joining a new (even part-time or online) course helps maintain F-1 status.
This option gives students more time to:

• Regain work authorization
• Apply for OPT again through the new program

However, enrolling in a new course means forfeiting the remaining OPT period from the previous degree.

4. Switch Employers or Pursue H-1B / O-1 Visas

If a student has a strong job offer, alternatives include:

• Cap-exempt H-1B (via universities or non-profits)
• O-1 visa for individuals with exceptional achievements

This path is common for students in research, innovation, or high-skill roles.

5. Leave the U.S. and Re-enter on a New Visa

Some students choose to:

• Exit the U.S. voluntarily
• Return later on another visa type, such as H-1B, L-1, or J-1
• Or stay temporarily on a visitor visa (though not advised for work purposes)

Leaving and re-entering ensures immigration compliance and avoids future legal complications.

What to Do Immediately After STEM OPT Denial?

Immigration experts advise the following steps:

• Stop working immediately
• Contact the DSO to understand your grace period
• Gather documents proving employment, payroll, and training compliance
• Consult an immigration attorney without delay, since MTR and re-filing deadlines are extremely tight