USA F-1 Visa 2026 — OPT and STEM OPT Extension Explained

F-1 visa steps: (1) Receive I-20 from DSO; (2) Pay $350 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com; (3) Complete DS-160; (4) Attend US Embassy interview. Current wait times: Delhi 2–4 weeks, Kathmandu 3–6 weeks, Dhaka 4–8 weeks, Lagos 6–14 weeks. OPT: 12 months post-graduation work authorisation in your field. STEM OPT extension: additional 24 months (36 total) for STEM graduates working for E-Verify employers. Maintain full-time enrolment and report address changes to your DSO within 10 days to maintain status.