STEM OPT Extension

The STEM OPT Extension is for students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS.  This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT and can only be used at a maximum of two degree levels.  For example, if a student uses STEM OPT at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, they may not use STEM OPT at the doctoral level.

A student with a qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics(STEM) bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, who is in a valid period of standard post-completion OPT, may be eligible to apply for an additional 24-month extension of OPT.

Eligibility
To qualify for STEM OPT, you must:

• Be maintaining F-1 Status
• Hold a passport valid at least 6 months into the future
• Currently, be on Post-Completion OPT
• Be applying for STEM OPT Extension for the first time at the current level of education
• Currently, be holding an OPT I-20 reflecting a degree in an eligible STEM field
• Currently be working for or have an employment offer:
  • From a company that is registered with E-Verify;
  • For a paid position. Unpaid positions do not qualify;
  • That is not considered self-employment.
• Complete the I-983 Training Plan with your employer when you apply for STEM OPT and every 12 months thereafter.

To qualify for STEM OPT, your employment must:

• Be related to your major area of study, either for your most recently received degree or for a previous degree in which you did not receive STEM OPT approval.
• Be with an e-Verified employer.
• Be full time, more than 21 hours/week.
• Be a paid position.
• Be with an employer willing to complete the I-983.

When should you apply for STEM OPT Extension? 
If qualified, you can submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS up to 90 days before your current OPT end date. It is important to note however that the STEM application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the date on which the ISS office made the recommendation for STEM OPT in your SEVIS record and before your current OPT expires.

 
What is required while on STEM OPT? 

Throughout the STEM OPT extension period, the student and employer must comply with the reporting, training, supervision, evaluation, wage, documentation, and other obligations specified in the regulations and on Form I-983.

While on STEM OPT, you are still maintaining F-1 status.  This means you must continue to comply with F-1 Requirements until you complete STEM OPT and leave the US or change your visa status.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

While participating in STEM OPT, you have mandAtory reporting deadlines to meet:

• 6 MONTHS (after STEM OPT start date)
  • Report to ISSS to validate that your Employer information is correct.  The validation should confirm the accuracy of your name; your physical and mailing addresses; your employer’s name and address; and the status of your employment. This six-month validation report is due to ISS within 10 business days of each reporting date.
• 12 MONTHS (after STEM OPT start date)
  • Report to ISSS to validate your Employer information is correct AND complete the Self Evaluation on Student Progress in the I-983.
• 18 MONTHS (after STEM OPT start date)
  • Report to ISSS to validate that your Employer information is correct.  The validation should confirm the accuracy of your name; your physical and mailing addresses; your employer’s name and address; and the status of your employment. This six-month validation report is due to ISS within 10 business days of each reporting date.
• 24 MONTHS (after STEM OPT start date)
  • Report to ISSS to validate your Employer information is correct AND complete the Final Evaluation on Student Progress in the I-983.

You can use the ISSS STEM OPT Date Calculator to determine when you need to submit your reporting.

Maintain Employment

Throughout the STEM OPT extension period, the student and employer must comply with the reporting, training, supervision, evaluation, wage, documentation, and other obligations specified in the regulations and on Form I-983.

• Don't forget your reporting requirements!
• Unemployment- while on STEM OPT, you receive an additional 60 days of unemployment, which means a total of 150 days of unemployment between OPT and STEM OPT combined.
• Report any change or addition of employment to ISSS within 10 days of the change. This includes adding an additional employer, leaving an employer, or changing employers.
• Report any change to your name, address, or contact information within 10 days of the change.
• Make sure that ISSS has a copy of your STEM OPT EAD.

Travel

While on STEM OPT you may travel, but be sure to carry the following documents:

• Valid STEM OPT I-20 with valid Travel Signature, good for 6 months
• Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future
• Valid F-1 visa
• Valid EAD Employment Authorization Document) card
• Recommended: Proof of employment, such as letter from employer or pay stubs

Update the I-983

Work with your employer to update the I-983 when needed.

Submit an I-983 when:

• You are requesting a STEM OPT recommendation I-20 to apply for STEM OPT
• At your 12-month reporting requirement (complete Evaluation on Student Progress)
• At your 24-month reporting requirement (complete Final Evaluation on Student Progress)
• When you start with a new employer on STEM OPT
• When you leave an employer on STEM OPT (complete Final Evaluation on Student Progress)

ISSS has put together a Sample I-983 for you to reference when you fill out the I-983.

Always be sure to visit the ICE official website to download the most up-to-date version of the I-983 document.

To report any employer updates or to submit changes on the I983  please log in to you ISSS portal and on tab 4 submit a OPT- STEM OPT employer report request. For any Contact information update, please submit a Contact Information Update request in the portal as well.
 

Application Procedure
Please read carefully and review the following steps in regard to the STEM OPT application procedure:

1. Log in to the ISSS Portal.
2. Go to Tab 4.
3. Click on STEM OPT Extension Request.
4. Select the employer with whom you plan to apply for STEM OPT.
5. Complete the request, including reading the information, taking the quiz, filling out the questionnaire, and uploading the I-983.

1. Only after ISSS has received and reviewed your request and I-983 will the STEM OPT I-20 be issued.
2. ISSS will upload the STEM OPT I-20 to the Documents section on Tab 4 of your ISSS Portal.

1. You will gather the documents that are required for your OPT Application: Passport Style Photographs
2. Scanned copy of the most recent valid Passport ID Page
3. Scanned copy of your most recent F-1 visa or Change of Status Approval Notice if you changed your status inside the US
4. Most recent I-94
5. Scanned copy of a transcript or diploma showing degree completion
6. Scanned copy of the EAD card
7. Scanned copy of STEM OPT I-20
8. Copy of offer letter or pay stubsSave these documents in an easily accessible place on your computer.

• ISSS has information for creating an online USCIS account and completing the online I-765.
• Follow the instructional videos at the above link for step-by-step instructions to complete the online I-765.
• DO NOT PAY THE FEE OR SUBMIT THE APPLICATION UNTIL YOU REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION.

• Watch the video to ensure that you have completed the application correctly. Make sure that you have your STEM OPT I-20 attached before you pay and submit

Note: If you pay and submit and are rejected for failing to attach required documents or for missing information, USCIS will not refund your money and you may miss out on the opportunity to reapply. Be sure to review your application very carefully

1. Make any suggested corrections to your online I-765 and supporting documents.
2. Finalize the online I-765.
3. Pay the fee and submit.
4. You should immediately receive a Receipt Notice of Action.
5. Report your STEM OPT Application Receipt number to ISSS by logging in to the ISSS Portal, navigating to Tab 4, and clicking OPT/STEM OPT Receipt Number request. 

 

• Students are authorized to continue working for 180 days after the initial OPT end date, as long as the STEM OPT application was properly filed on time.
• You can work with your employer to update your I-9 document.
  • For Section 2, List A: students should use their current EAD information, and under additional information write: “180-day ext.”
• For more information about the I-9, visit Handbook for Employers and FAQ’s about I-9.

USCIS Processing Times

USCIS Processing TimesUSCIS processing times can vary. Always check the official USCIS website for the current processing time.

Check the processing time with the following information:

• Form: I-765
• Form Category: Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]
• Field Office of Service Center: Potomac Service Center