OPT made simple: A Nepali graduate’s 36-month roadmap to STEM work in the U.S.
For many Nepali postgraduate students studying STEM in the U.S., optional practical training (OPT) is the clearest path to staying and working legally after your degree. But the process can feel overwhelming. You have to apply on time, choose the right employer and understand how the STEM OPT extension works, all while preparing for life after university.
Whether you’re still studying or close to finishing your master’s program, here’s how to use the full 36 months available through OPT and get the most out of your U.S. work experience.
How OPT works for international STEM students
OPT is a U.S. work authorization for international students program for international students on F-1 visas. It lets you work in a job directly related to your degree, first for up to 12 months after graduation, and then for an additional 24 months if you studied a STEM subject and meet certain requirements.
That means you could legally work in the U.S. for up to three years after finishing your degree.
Here’s what that timeline typically looks like:
- First 12 months: Apply for standard post-completion OPT. You can apply up to 90 days before finishing your degree and no later than 60 days after. You need to have completed at least one academic year.
- STEM OPT extension: If your degree is on the U.S. government’s STEM-designated list and your job qualifies, you can apply for a 24-month extension. This gives you a total of 36 months of work time in the U.S.
You don’t need a job offer to apply for the first 12 months. But for the STEM extension, your job must meet specific requirements, including being with a company enrolled in E-Verify and offering formal training and supervision.
Why OPT is important for Nepali students
For students from Nepal, OPT jobs for international students can offer more than just work experience. It can give you:
- Time to earn and save before loan repayment begins
- Professional connections to help you stay through H-1B sponsorship
- A pathway to prove yourself in a U.S. job without needing a green card
- Space to explore career fit without immediately returning home
This is especially helpful if your family helped support your education through loans for study abroad, or if you’re using a no-cosigner loan and want to start repayment with income from the U.S.
Many Nepali students say they feel anxious about repaying education loans. OPT can reduce that stress by giving you time and income to prepare. But only if you plan carefully and stay within the rules.
What to do before applying
It’s easy to miss deadlines or misunderstand the process, especially when English isn’t your strongest language or you’re juggling coursework, housing and job applications. Here’s what you should do before applying for OPT:
- Check your program’s eligibility. Not every STEM field qualifies. Look up the DHS list or ask your school’s designated school official (DSO).
- Understand the visa timeline. You can’t start working until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) arrives. Apply early.
- Talk to your DSO. They’ll help you with Forms I-765 (application) and I-983 (training plan).
- Research employers. For STEM OPT, your job must be full time, paid and offer training. Freelance or contract roles aren’t eligible.
Choosing the wrong job or waiting too long to apply could make you ineligible. And for Nepali students with limited support abroad, that could mean returning home before you’re ready.
Finding the right job and employer
If you’re planning to use the full 36 months of OPT, you need to be strategic about where and how you apply. Here’s what to look for:
- E-Verify status: Your employer must be registered in the U.S. E-Verify system to sponsor your STEM OPT extension.
- STEM relevance: Your job duties must clearly connect to your degree. It’s not enough to work at a tech company. You must use your STEM skills.
- Structured training: Your employer must provide mentorship or a training plan as part of your OPT extension paperwork.
- Reliable documentation: Avoid employers who hesitate to fill out Form I-983 or don’t understand the process.
Companies that have hired international students before, especially in IT, data science, health care and engineering, are more likely to qualify. Start your search early. Use your university career center, networking groups and online job boards that filter for OPT eligibility.
If you’re from Nepal, don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni from your region who’ve gone through the process. Their advice can help you avoid common mistakes and save time.
How MPOWER Financing can support your OPT goals
Many Nepali students worry about two things after graduation: how to repay their loans and how to stay in the U.S. long enough to build a career.
MPOWER Financing offers private student loans that are specifically designed for international students who don’t have a cosigner or collateral. That makes it a good fit for Nepali students who want more control and fewer family pressures.
What makes MPOWER a helpful option during and after OPT?
- No cosigner and no collateral required
- Loans available for 500+ universities across the U.S. and Canada
- Fixed student loan interest rates and no prepayment penalties
- Support through Path2Success, which includes OPT visa guidance, job search resources and tips for working in the U.S.
MPOWER student loans are based on your future earning potential, not your financial past. That’s important if you come from a family that can’t offer land or property as security. If you want a funding option that respects your independence and gives you room to grow, it’s worth exploring.
Staying compliant during all 36 months
Once you’re approved for OPT, you must maintain your status. That means:
- Reporting your job and employer details to your school
- Avoiding unemployment longer than 90 days (or 150 days total if using STEM OPT)
- Updating your address and job info whenever it changes
- Making sure your job duties match your degree
Even small errors, like forgetting to update your employer info, can impact your visa status. Nepali students often say the hardest part isn’t getting approved, but keeping up with the rules after.
Overall, OPT can be a great springboard for Nepali STEM graduates, giving you valuable U.S. work experience, professional growth and a stronger path toward your long-term career goals. By understanding the rules, applying on time, and choosing the right employer you can make the most of every stage.
