STEM OPT extension filing window calculator.

The two clocks

8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C) allows a student who meets the 24-month STEM extension requirements to request the extension by filing Form I-765 "up to 90 days prior to the expiration date of the student's current OPT employment authorization". The student "must properly file" the form within 60 days of the date the DSO enters the recommendation for the extension into SEVIS. The first clock sets when the window opens and when it ends if you filed in time; the second can close it sooner, if the DSO entered the recommendation early.

Worked example

An EAD expires September 30, 2027. The window opens July 2, 2027 and, on the expiry date alone, closes September 30. If the DSO enters the recommendation on August 15, the 60-day limit runs to October 14, which is later, so the EAD expiry still binds. If the DSO enters it earlier, on July 20, the limit is September 18 and that date binds, 12 days before the EAD expires.

The automatic extension

If a student timely and properly files and the EAD expires before USCIS decides, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C) and 274a.12(b)(6)(iv) extend the EAD automatically. The employment runs from the day the old EAD expires to the date of USCIS's written decision "but not to exceed 180 days", and the old Form I-766 is treated as unexpired when paired with a Form I-20 endorsed by the DSO recommending the extension. For the September 30, 2027 example that is October 1, 2027 to March 28, 2028 at most. The tool shows this range, which assumes a filing that is timely and proper.

That extension comes from 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv). A separate October 14, 2026 final rule (91 FR 65306) ended the automatic renewal extensions found in 8 CFR 274a.13(d) for the categories it covers; the text of 274a.12(b)(6)(iv) quoted above is still in the eCFR current to October 29, 2026. Confirm with your DSO that it covers your filing.

After the September 2026 rule

For students in the duration-of-status transition group, 8 CFR 214.1(m)(1)(i) says a student recommended for STEM OPT who files Form I-765 before the current EAD expires, on or before March 18, 2027, does not need to file Form I-539. If approved, the student may remain in F status until the new EAD expires plus 60 days. Other students should expect to follow the Form I-765 instructions and DSO guidance on extension of stay.

Points that trip people up

• Form I-983. The DSO may recommend the extension only if the training plan has been completed and signed by you and the employer, so start it before the 60-day clock.
• Using the program end date. The window is measured from the EAD expiry, not from graduation.
• Waiting for the last day. The automatic extension depends on a timely and proper filing, so file early inside the window.
• Unemployment. The 150-day total unemployment limit covers the whole OPT period including the extension; see the OPT unemployment days calculator.

What this does not cover

Whether your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, employer E-Verify and training-plan requirements, fees, or the second STEM extension. It does not decide whether your filing is timely.

Sources

• eCFR: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C) and (f)(11)(i)(C) — the 90-day and 60-day rules. Read November 1, 2026.
• eCFR: 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv) — automatic extension of up to 180 days.
• eCFR: 8 CFR 214.1(m)(1)(i) — the March 18, 2027 date for the transition group.
• Federal Register: 91 FR 65306 (October 14, 2026) — removal of certain automatic EAD extensions.

Retrieved November 1, 2026.