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.

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.

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

Requesting the OPT DSO Endorsement

To obtain a new I-20 recommending STEM OPT employment, necessary to file the Form I-765 with USCIS, you must:

Complete the Form I-983 Training Plan, which is a formal training plan for STEM OPT students which articulates the STEM OPT student’s learning objectives and affirms the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those objectives.
Submit the STEM OPT DSO Endorsement Request via the International Services Portal, uploading the completed I-983 Form.
Please be aware that you must file your Form I-765 within 60 days of the date that your DSO enters the recommendation for STEM OPT into your SEVIS record or your OPT application will be denied and before your current OPT expires.

Complete the following steps within 60-days of the signature on your STEM OPT endorsed I-20 from your DSO and before the expiration date of your current approved post-completion OPT.

Create a USCIS Account or Sign In to your already existing account.
Select File a Form Online, choosing the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and using the Code: (c)(3)(C)
Complete the I-765 Form, in accordance with all filing deadlines and accompanied by the required fees and supporting documents as described in the form instructions. Form, I-765 Instructions
Required Documents to Upload:
- New STEM OPT I-20: dated within 60 days of your STEM OPT endorsement
- Most recent I-94 Arrival Document
- 2 X 2 inch color photo taken within 30 days: Photo Requirements
- Valid Passport
- F-1 Visa (most recent one)
- Current and any previous EAD Card(s)
- College Degree: Copy of diploma indicating STEM degree
- Institutional Accreditation: You don’t need to upload anything for this section if you are applying for STEM OPT for the degree on your current approved Post-completion OPT.
- Official Transcript
- DSO STEM Program Letter (available in the documents section of your student profile)
Pay the Required Application Fee: The current fee is $520 (this is subject to change). USCIS Filing Fee
Check Your Case Status: Sign In to your already existing account for details on the status of your case.
Track Your Application: Use this tool to track your application status. USCIS Case Status Online
USCIS will notify you if you need to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE).

After Receiving the STEM OPT Extension

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.

Maintaining Status on STEM OPT

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

12-Month Evaluation: Upload your I-983 Training Plan with the Evaluation of Student Progress section completed.
Final Evaluation: Upload your I-983 Training Plan with the Final Evaluation of Student Progress section completed.
New Employer: Upload pages 1-4 of the I-983 Training Plan
Material Changes: Upload your updated I-983 Training Plan
Change of Visa Status (e.g., to H-1B): 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)
Change in Residential Address: Update your address through your My Student Profile in eCampus
Employer Noncompliance: Report violations through Homeland Security Tip Form on ICE.gov.