Can you use unused STEM OPT after starting a PhD?

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Hey all, got a quick (kinda hypothetical) question about STEM OPT and wanted to check this with folks here.

Let’s say someone finished a Master’s in Data Science and used up their regular OPT but didn’t apply for the STEM OPT extension yet. If they then start a PhD program (also STEM-eligible), would they still be able to use that unused STEM OPT at some point? Or is the STEM OPT only tied to the degree you originally earned it with (in this case, the MS)?

Basically: does starting a new degree “reset” your ability to get STEM OPT or nah?

Thanks!

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I think you can use STEM OPT based on the PhD program, but not the one tied to your master’s.

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nooo im pretty sure you can still use your masters’ stem opt, you just need to make sure you’re still eligible, and you can only
extend your opt once per level

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No, you can’t use the unused STEM OPT from the master’s once you’ve moved on to a new degree. STEM OPT must be used immediately after the regular OPT of the same STEM degree. If you finish OPT without applying for the STEM extension, that opportunity is lost.

Since a PhD is a higher-level STEM degree, you’d become eligible for a new round of OPT and STEM OPT after completing the PhD—but that’s a fresh cycle, not a continuation of the one tied to your MS.

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So if I do a non-STEM PhD, can I still use my master’s STEM extension after the PhD OPT?

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Thanks for linking this! This is exactly the information I was looking for.

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