Are you a STEM student pursuing a degree in culinary arts and looking to extend your Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain more work experience in the United States? Navigating the OPT extension process can seem daunting, but with proper guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the basics of the OPT extension for STEM students. OPT allows international students with F 1 visas to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a field related to their major. For STEM students, there is an additional 24 month extension available, bringing the total OPT period to 36 months.
To qualify for the OPT extension, your degree program in culinary arts must be classified as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. Culinary arts may not seem like a traditional STEM field, but it can fall under the category if your degree program includes coursework in subjects such as food science, nutrition, or food technology.
Once you have confirmed that your degree program qualifies as a STEM field, the next step is to secure a job offer from an employer who is enrolled in E Verify, a program that verifies the employment eligibility of workers in the U.S. This job offer must be directly related to your major and must provide you with at least 20 hours of work per week.
After securing a job offer, you will need to work with your designated school official (DSO) to complete and submit Form I 983, which outlines your training plan with your employer. Your DSO will then recommend the OPT extension in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you will need to submit Form I 765 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required supporting documents and fees.
It is important to note that the OPT extension for STEM students comes with certain reporting requirements, such as submitting regular evaluations of your training progress to your DSO and updating any changes to your employment or contact information in SEVIS.
Overall, navigating the OPT extension for STEM students in culinary arts may require some extra steps compared to traditional STEM fields, but with proper planning and guidance from your DSO, it can be a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in your chosen field. Take advantage of this opportunity to further your career and culinary skills in the U.S.!