A student in certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is able to obtain OPT employment authorization for a total of 29 months. The STEM extension is an extension of the student’s 12 months OPT for an additional 17 months period. The student’s school recommends the grant of employment authorization for both the 12-month OPT and the 17-month extension. That means, he will be able to work for 29 months after graduation. You will have an opportunity to apply for an H-1B on his behalf. If the H-1B petition is not chosen in the H-1B April 1 lottery, you will have an opportunity to try again next year.