Companies That Sponsor STEM OPT

Companies that sponsor STEM OPT span 17 industries, from technology and healthcare to aerospace and biotech. Search by industry or by company name to find employers actively hiring F-1 STEM OPT graduates across consulting, engineering, finance, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does STEM OPT require employer sponsorship?

STEM OPT doesn't require visa sponsorship the way H-1B does, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must sign Form I-983, your training plan. They don't file a petition with USCIS. Your role must directly apply your STEM-designated degree, and the employer commits to providing structured training. Migrate Mate's industry filters surface E-Verify enrolled employers actively hiring STEM OPT graduates, so you can target the right companies.

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is an extension of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) for graduates with degrees in STEM-designated fields. It lets you stay and work in the U.S. for up to 36 months total after graduation, combining your initial 12-month OPT with the 24-month STEM extension. To qualify, your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and your role must directly apply your degree.

Which industries sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT roles?

Technology, healthcare, aerospace and defense, automotive, and biotech consistently sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT roles in the U.S., driven by demand for software engineers, data scientists, mechanical engineers, and research scientists. Consulting, manufacturing, and finance also have substantial sponsorship activity, particularly for quantitative and analytics roles. Migrate Mate surfaces active STEM OPT employers across 17 industries, so you can search companies and roles by category.

How long can I work in the U.S. on STEM OPT?

You can work in the U.S. for up to 36 months total under F-1 OPT and the STEM OPT extension combined: 12 months of initial post-completion OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension. The STEM OPT extension is only available once per degree level, but you can use it again if you earn another qualifying STEM degree at a higher level. You must also stay within the 150 cumulative days of unemployment limit across both periods.

When should I apply for the STEM OPT extension?

You can apply for the STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires, and your application must reach USCIS before the expiration date. Apply as early in the 90-day window as possible to leave room for USCIS processing, which typically takes 2 to 4 months. You'll need a signed Form I-983 from your E-Verify enrolled employer and a DSO recommendation in SEVIS before you can file Form I-765.