A recent post on Reddit has drawn attention within the international student community, as a user on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) shared concerns about the impact of accepting a job outside their field of study on future visa and STEM OPT extension prospects.
A recent post on Reddit has drawn attention within the international student community, as a user on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) shared concerns about the impact of accepting a job outside their field of study on future visa and STEM OPT extension prospects.
The user, who holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology Management (ITM) from a Day 1 CPT university in the U.S., revealed that after months of job searching in IT without much success, they recently received a contract job offer in a role more aligned with their Bachelor’s degree in electro-mechanical engineering from India.
The job description, which the user included in part, involves developing test procedures, working alongside design and software engineering teams, and assisting with test fixture activities. While it includes some technical tasks, the poster acknowledged that the job is not directly in the IT domain, raising red flags about OPT and future STEM extension compliance.
Under U.S. immigration regulations, jobs held on OPT and STEM OPT must be directly related to the student’s most recent degree. This requirement is especially strict during the 24-month STEM extension period, which also mandates employer participation in E-Verify and submission of a completed Form I-983.
The Reddit user, who transferred universities early in their academic journey—from a program in Industrial Engineering to the Day 1 CPT college for ITM—expressed hesitation about accepting the position, fearing it may jeopardize their legal status or future applications.
“While this job may involve some overlap with technical skills, it isn’t a direct fit for my Master’s in IT,” the user wrote. “I want to be cautious about anything that could cause problems later with my STEM extension.”
Other users and immigration-aware members of the community weighed in, advising the original poster to consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) and an immigration attorney. Many emphasized the importance of having a job offer letter and Form I-983 that clearly connect the job duties to the student’s field of study—something that could prove difficult with the current role described.
The case sheds light on a growing issue faced by many international graduates navigating the narrow definitions of “related field” under U.S. immigration policy, especially in a tight job market.
As the user prepares to file for their STEM OPT extension in the coming months, the decision to accept or decline the offer could have significant implications for their career and stay in the U.S.