Does a STEM MFin in the USA offer the full 3-year OPT stay-back for international students?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Yes , a STEM-designated MFin in the US does allow international students to stay for up to three years after graduation. The first 12 months come from regular OPT, and the extra 24 months are added through the STEM extension. Every STEM MFin program qualifies the same way, so the benefit applies regardless of electives or track.
This longer stay is a major reason students pick STEM programs, because it gives enough time to build experience and switch roles if needed. Many graduates use this period to work in investment banking, quant roles, corporate finance, or fintech since these employers regularly hire students on OPT.

S Raghav · Answer

A STEM MFin does provide the full three-year work period, which is why it&rsquo;s a popular choice for international students.
&bull; The timeline is one year of standard OPT plus a two-year STEM extension. &bull; The benefit applies as long as the program itself is officially STEM, no matter which concentration a student chooses. &bull; Companies feel more confident hiring when they know the student can work for multiple years without immediate visa pressure. &bull; The three-year window also improves the chances of securing H-1B sponsorship, because it covers multiple H-1B lottery cycles.
So yes, a STEM MFin offers the complete 36-month stay-back period in the US.
For more details you can read this blog  on  "STEM MFin Programs in USA"