STEM OPT OPT | International Services

Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved STEM field.

Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension

To qualify for the 24-month extension, you must:

Have been granted OPT and currently be in a valid period of post-completion OPT;
Have earned a bachelor’s or higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an accredited SEVP-certified school at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS;
Work for an E-Verify employer in a qualifying paid job, for at least 20 hours per week, and meeting all STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities;
Have received an updated I-20 from the DSO with the STEM OPT Extension annotated on their Form I-20, following the submission of the completed I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students and the STEM OPT extension recommended into the student’s SEVIS record;
Submit the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, in accordance with all deadlines and accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.

Steps to Apply for STEM OPT

To apply for a STEM OPT Extension, file Form I-765 with USCIS within 60 days of the STEM OPT-endorsed I-20 signature from your DSO and before your current OPT expires. Late or incomplete applications will be denied. Retain copies of all documents. If filed on time, your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the application is pending, ending upon USCIS adjudication.

Prepare the Form I-983 Training Plan, which outlines your learning objectives and demonstrates your employer’s commitment to supporting your training goals.

Submit the STEM OPT DSO Endorsement Request via the International Services Portal.
Upload your completed Form I-983.
Important: File your Form I-765 within 60 days of the DSO’s recommendation in SEVIS and before your current OPT expires.

Log in or create an account at USCIS Online Account.
Select File a Form Online and choose Form I-765, using category (c)(3)(C).

Follow the Form, I-765 Filing Instructions and upload all required documents:
- New STEM OPT I-20: Dated within 60 days of the STEM OPT endorsement.
- Most recent I-94: Download at CBP I-94 Website.
- 2×2-inch color photo: Taken within the last 30 days. Photo Requirements
- Valid Passport.
- Most recent F-1 Visa.
- Current and previous EAD card(s).
- College Degree: STEM degree diploma:
- Official transcript: Verifying your STEM degree.
- DSO STEM Program Letter: Found in your student profile.
Note: No additional document is needed for Institutional Accreditation if applying for the degree associated with your current post-completion OPT.

The fee is currently $520 (subject to change). USCIS Filing Fees
USCIS provides payment instructions during the application process

After submitting Form I-765:
- Monitor your case at USCIS Case Status Online.
- Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE), if issued.

You may work for your STEM OPT employer while your application is pending, for up to 180 days beyond the expiration of your post-completion OPT EAD. If your application is still pending more than 180 days beyond the expiration of your current approved post-completion OPT end date, you must stop working.

Estimated Processing Time: 4 months (or more). USCIS Case Processing Times.
Premium Processing: 30 business days. Current Filing Fee $1,685 (subject to change). Requesting Premium Processing Service

Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT. You can submit your application with USCIS up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires and within 60 days of the date your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record.

Maintaining Status on STEM OPT

The rules and student reporting responsibilities during the 24-month STEM extension are different from those throughout post-completion OPT. To maintain your F-1 status while on STEM OPT, it is crucial that you ensure your information is current. Below are the key requirements for maintaining your status.

You are limited to a total of 150 days without employment.
You must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verified employer in a paid position directly related to your STEM eligible field.
Keep proof of employment from all employers.
Report changes to your legal name, address, and/or employer to your DSO within 10 days of the change and every 6 months.

How to Report STEM OPT Requirements

Upload your I-983 Training Plan with the Evaluation of Student Progress section completed.

Upload your I-983 Training Plan with the Final Evaluation of Student Progress section completed.

Upload pages 1-4 of the I-983 Training Plan

Upload your updated I-983 Training Plan

Upload your I-983 Training Plan with the Final Evaluation of Student Progress section completed and evidence of your new status (e.g. I-797 Approval Notice)

Update your address through your My Student Profile in eCampus.

Report violations through Homeland Security Tip Form on ICE.gov.

Students should remain in the U.S. during the entire time the application for employment is pending.

A student who is engaged in post-completion OPT who travels outside the United States temporarily (i.e., less than 5 months) can be readmitted to resume employment for the remainder of the period authorized on their EAD card, provided:

The student has not exceeded the limits on unemployment while outside the United States and is returning to resume employment.
The student presents a valid Form I-20 endorsed by the DSO within the preceding 6 months.
The student presents an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
The student presents a valid Passport and F-1 visa (unless exempt from the visa requirement).
The student presents a letter indicating they are currently employed.
It is important to be aware of the requirements and limitations of traveling outside the United States while maintaining F-1 status during the period in which your OPT is in requested, pending, and approved status. Please review the ICE travel requirements for additional information.

STEM OPT employment types include paid work that’s directly related to a student’s STEM field of study. STEM OPT employment must meet certain requirements, including

Salary: Students must be paid a salary, not by a third party
Supervision: Students must be directly supervised by their employer
Hours: Students must work at least 20 hours per week
Employer: The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student
Training plan: The employer must complete Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
For more information, please see “The Employer’s Training Obligation: Staffing and Temporary Agencies” on the USCIS Website.