Clear planning and documentation are helping students navigate tighter reviews.
Rising scrutiny of STEM OPT extensions in 2025 has led to an increase in denials, but immigration experts say the trend is pushing students toward better preparation and stronger compliance rather than closing doors entirely.
USCIS has tightened its review of STEM OPT applications, focusing closely on training plans, employer eligibility, supervision structure, and payroll consistency. Many recent denials have stemmed from correctable issues such as incomplete I-983 training plans, unpaid roles carried over from initial OPT, or unclear employer employee relationships.
Importantly, a STEM OPT denial does not mean immediate loss of legal status. Students typically enter a 60-day F-1 grace period, during which multiple options remain open. These include filing a Motion to Reopen, refiling a corrected application, transferring to a new academic program, or exploring cap-exempt H-1B or O-1 pathways where eligible.
Immigration attorneys note that students who act quickly, coordinate closely with their DSO, and present clear documentation often find viable routes forward. The current environment rewards preparation, transparency, and alignment between academic training and employment roles.
For Indian students and other international graduates, the message is clear. STEM OPT remains achievable, and those who plan carefully are still well positioned to build long-term careers in the U.S.
