On October 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an interim final rule that ends the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain categories of individuals who apply for renewal. 

This change does not impact F-1 alumni applying for the STEM OPT extension. 

F-1 alumni continue to qualify for an automatic 180-day extension of employment authorization if their STEM OPT extension application is received by USCIS prior to the expiration date on their Post-OPT EAD.  

F-1 Alumni with questions should contact OGS directly.