OPT & STEM OPT 2026: 12 + 24 Months, the New F-1 Stay Rule & Cap-Gap
Published 2026-08-11 · Sources: USCIS — OPT, ICE / SEVP, Federal Register
For most international students, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the first real work authorization they get in the U.S. It is a 12-month benefit for F-1 students in a degree program, and STEM graduates can stack a 24-month STEM OPT extension on top — up to 36 months of authorized work. In 2026 the rules also sit inside a major shift: a finalized DHS rule that ends the open-ended “Duration of Status” admission for F-1 students. This guide explains the timeline, the new stay rule, cap-gap, and the fees that apply today.
OPT at a glance
| Stage | Length | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-completion OPT | Part of the 12 months | Before degree completion; part-time during school |
| Post-completion OPT | Part of the 12 months | After degree completion; full-time |
| STEM OPT extension | +24 months | STEM degree, E-Verify employer, Form I-983 |
| Total (STEM) | Up to 36 months | Sequential, not separate |
Applying: Form I-765 and the 2026 fee
OPT is requested with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The verified 2026 fee is $520 if filed on paper or $470 if filed online, per USCIS Form G-1055 (Edition 02/17/2026, verified 2026-08-11). STEM OPT is a second, separate I-765 filing with the same fee. You generally file the post-completion OPT application up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after, and USCIS must receive the STEM OPT application within the 60-day post-completion OPT window and before your current EAD expires.
The 2026 F-1 “Duration of Status” change
Historically, F-1 students were admitted for “D/S” — Duration of Status — an open-ended stay tied to the study program plus a grace period. A DHS final rule published July 17, 2026 and effective September 15, 2026 replaces this with a fixed Authorized Stay (AUD) date. Per the rule as published:
- The authorized stay is generally capped at 4 years (shorter limits apply to certain citizenships).
- The post-program grace period drops from 60 to 30 days.
- Extending or changing status requires Form I-539 ($420) rather than resting on D/S.
- School transfers and program changes face tighter timing windows.
Cap-gap extension
If you are on OPT and your H-1B is selected in the lottery with an October 1 start date, a “cap-gap” can automatically extend your F-1 status and employment authorization so you do not lose work permission between your OPT expiry and the H-1B start. Your designated school official (DSO) records the cap-gap in SEVIS. The automatic cap-gap itself needs no separate USCIS petition, though the underlying H-1B petition is filed by the employer on Form I-129.
Unemployment limits
OPT status is violated if you exceed the unemployment cap. The limits are 90 days during the initial 12-month OPT, plus an additional 60 days during the STEM OPT extension — a combined 150 days across the whole OPT + STEM OPT period. Authorized volunteering that meets the training plan counts; gap days do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is OPT and the STEM extension?
Optional Practical Training gives 12 months of work authorization tied to your degree. STEM graduates can add a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. You must be employed (or have a training offer) and, for STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify with a signed Form I-983 training plan.
What changed with F-1 'Duration of Status' in 2026?
A DHS final rule published July 17, 2026 and effective September 15, 2026 replaces the open-ended 'D/S' admission with a fixed Authorized Stay (AUD), generally capped at 4 years (shorter for some citizenships). The post-program grace period drops from 60 to 30 days, and extending or changing status requires Form I-539 ($420). Confirm the exact effective details on the ICE/SEVP and Federal Register pages before relying on them.
What is the cap-gap extension?
If your H-1B is selected in the lottery with an October 1 start date and your OPT would otherwise expire first, cap-gap automatically extends your F-1 status and employment authorization to bridge you to October 1. Your DSO records it in SEVIS; no separate USCIS filing is needed for the automatic cap-gap itself.
How much unemployment is allowed?
During the initial 12-month OPT you may be unemployed up to 90 days. The STEM OPT extension adds another 60 days, for a combined cap of 150 days of unemployment across the full OPT + STEM OPT period. Days over the limit violate status.
What is the OPT application fee?
OPT is requested with Form I-765. The verified 2026 fee is $520 if filed by paper or $470 if filed online (USCIS Form G-1055, Edition 02/17/2026; verified 2026-08-11). STEM OPT is a separate I-765 filing with the same fee.