OPT STEM extension timeline after PhD anyone been through this? I'm finishing up my PhD this summer and trying to plan out the visa timeline for staying in the US. My understanding is I get 12 months of OPT initially and then can apply for the 24 month STEM extension, giving 36 months total. But the actual logistics are kind of confusing. Specifically: When do you actually apply for the STEM extension? Like how far in advance? Does the employer have to be E Verified at the time you apply or at the time you start? If I'm doing a postdoc at a university, is that usually straightforward or do universities sometimes drag their feet on the paperwork? H1B lottery timing relative to all of this? Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's navigated this recently. My ISA office is helpful but they're so swamped that getting appointments is like a 3 week wait.