How does the 3-Year STEM OPT extension work for F-1 students?

Graduates from STEM-designated degree programs (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) receive an initial 12-month OPT plus an additional 24-month extension when working for E-Verify enrolled US employers.

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Official North America Destination

Study in United States

The global hub for innovation, Silicon Valley technology, and Fortune 500 business networks. F-1 STEM graduates benefit from 3 years of OPT work authorization in the USA.

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Why Pakistani Students Choose United States

Up to 3-Year STEM OPT post-graduation work permit for CS, Tech & Engineering majors

Generous university Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA) covering 100% tuition + stipend

Unmatched career networking with Silicon Valley, Wall Street & Fortune 500 leaders

Holistic admissions evaluating SOPs, project portfolios, and leadership achievements

Admission Intakes & Academic Entry Standards

Major Intakes

Fall (August / September) & Spring (January)

English Benchmark

Overall 6.5 – 7.0 (or TOEFL iBT 80+ / Duolingo 115+)

Min CGPA / Score

2.8 / 4.0 CGPA (GRE required for top-tier CS programs)

Popular Degree Programs & Majors

Data Science & Machine LearningSoftware Engineering & Computer ScienceSTEM MBA & Financial TechnologyBiotechnology & Health Informatics

Top Recognized Universities & Tiers

Northeastern University

Arizona State University

University of Illinois Chicago

USC (University of Southern California)

University of Texas at Dallas

Tuition Fees & Financial Requirements (2026)

Annual Tuition Fee

$22,000 – $42,000 / Year (State Universities & Private Institutions)

Living Expenses

$12,000 – $18,000 / Year depending on state and city

Bank Holding Rule

Form I-20 proof of funds covering 1st full year of tuition + living costs

Post-Study Work Permit & PR Policy

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) & STEM Extension

Work Permit Duration12 Months Standard OPT + 24 Months STEM Extension (36 Months Total)

PR Transition PathwayEmployer-sponsored H-1B lottery visa leading to EB-2/EB-3 Green Card

Part-Time Student Job Rules

Allowed Term Hours

20 Hours per week on-campus during semester terms

Average Minimum Wage

$15.00 – $20.00 / Hour for on-campus student positions

Embassy Visa Document Checklist for Pakistanis

1Valid Pakistani Passport and SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt

2Form I-20 issued by SEVP-certified US University

3DS-160 Visa Application Confirmation & US Embassy Appointment in Islamabad/Karachi

41-Year Bank Financial Proof & Sponsor Tax Returns (FBR)

5HEC Attested Degree & Academic Transcripts

Frequently Asked Questions

Country Advisory

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Speak directly with our senior counsellors for university shortlisting, offer letter processing, and visa filing.

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Admissions Open 2026

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