How long can I work in the US after completing my Master's in Electrical and Electronic Engineering?

The 36 month figure depends on one specific technical detail that trips up otherwise eligible students: your program's official Classification of Instructional Programs code, not simply whether the degree title contains the word engineering.

How the Work Authorisation Stacks Up

• Standard OPT: up to 12 months of post-completion work authorisation for F-1 students in any field.
• STEM OPT extension: an additional 24 months if your specific degree's CIP code is on the STEM designated list.
• Total: up to 36 months combined, provided you meet both sets of requirements.

Requirements for the STEM Extension

Electrical and Electronic Engineering is generally STEM designated, but eligibility is determined by your program's official CIP code as recorded by your university, not by the degree name alone, so confirm this with your Designated School Official before assuming. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, the federal employment verification system, for the STEM extension to apply.

What Comes After the 36 Months

Once your OPT and STEM extension period ends, you generally need another immigration status to keep working in the US, most commonly an H-1B work visa, which requires employer sponsorship and involves its own separate eligibility and selection process rather than being an automatic next step.

My Advice

Confirm your exact CIP code with your university's international student office as soon as you enroll, not at graduation, since some Electrical and Electronic Engineering tracks are more clearly STEM coded than others depending on how the program is classified. Start discussing E-Verify status with potential employers during your job search, since a strong offer from a company that is not enrolled in E-Verify would cost you the STEM extension entirely.

This Information Is Also Available On

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.