One of the significant advantages of participating in OPT is the opportunity it provides students to secure employment positions directly aligned with their field of study. This invaluable provision enables students to gain hands-on experience, broaden their professional network, and enrich their resume while simultaneously earning a salary that can help alleviate the financial burdens associated with their education. Moreover, employers greatly benefit from the OPT program as they gain access to a diverse and highly skilled workforce that brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and talent to the workplace.

In 2008, the US Department of Homeland Security introduced a noteworthy extension to the standard 12-month OPT period exclusively for students majoring in specific Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This extension, commonly referred to as the STEM OPT extension, grants eligible students an additional 24 months of employment authorization, ultimately allowing them to participate in a total of up to 36 months of OPT. To qualify for this extension, students must hold a degree in a designated STEM field, secure employment with an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program, and collaborate with their employer to develop a formal training plan. This training plan must outline how the employment opportunity will provide the student with practical experience directly related to their field of study, and it must be approved by their DSO.