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F-1 OPT STEM Extension

What is the OPT STEM-Extension?

The Optional Practical Training STEM Extension gives students an additional 24 months of OPT authorization if they have a U.S. degree in an approved science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field.

For a current list of degrees approved for the STEM Extension by DHS, students should refer to two resources:

Graduates on OPT STEM-Extension are only permitted a total of 150 days unemployment which includes any days taken during the initial year of post-completion OPT.

 

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the STEM-OPT Extension, you must be maintaining your F-1 status and satisfy the following requirements. You must have:

  • Been approved for your initial allocation of up to 12 months of post-completion OPT
  • A major that appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. You can find the CIP code for your major in the “program of study” section of your I-20.
  • Have an offer of paid employment for at least 20 hours per week from an employer listed in the governmental E-verify system. Students cannot be self-employed or volunteer, nor can they start their own business to satisfy the STEM-extension requirements.
  • Have completed the Form I-983 Training Plan.
  • Have not exceeded more than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT.
  • Have kept ISA updated with your physical address and employer address, as per the reporting requirements for OPT.

 

Dates and Deadlines

  • You may apply for your STEM Extension up to 90 days before your initial OPT period ends
  • The deadline to apply for a STEM Extension is the end date listed on your initial post-completion OPT EAD card.
  • USCIS must receive your STEM Extension application no later than 60 days after the OPT STEM I-20 issue date
  • You should plan on starting the process of applying for the STEM Extension no later than 2 weeks prior to the end date on your OPT card to ensure time for processing through the ISA office.

 

How to Apply for the STEM-OPT Extension

 

Complete the I-983 Training Plan

Complete the Department of Homeland Security’s I-983 training plan with your work supervisor. For help filling out the I-983, you can refer to these DHS ICE I-983 instructions and the DHS’s online I-983 tutorial. You can find more information about the I-983 on the Study in the States website.

Request a STEM OPT I-20

Through the International Student Portal, submit a request for the OPT STEM-Extension I-20 Endorsement. Upload a scanned copy of your I-983 in this request form.

Please account for five business days for processing of the OPT STEM-Extension I-20 endorsement. Once your new I-20 has been generated, you will receive an email alerting you. You will be able to download a copy of the I-20 from the International Student Portal.

Know the Payment Required

The I-765 Filing fee is currently $470, payable to USCIS through the I-765 application process.

Students are also permitted to request “Premium Processing” for an additional $1,685 which ensures that USCIS reviews their I-765 OPT Application within 30 days of the receive of the application.

Compile Your Documentation

  • One recent digital passport sized photograph. This photo should not have been used for any other purpose and should follow the guidelines for passport photos outlined on this U.S. Department of State website. Use this photo tool to see if your photo complies.
  • Scan of OPT STEM-Extension-endorsed I-20, signed by a DSO in ISA
  • Scan of EAD (Employment Authorization Document): Front and Back
  • Scan of most recent I-94
  • Scan of your passport photo page
  • Scan of your most recent visa
  • Scan of your complete official academic transcript
  • Scan of DePauw’s Institutional Accreditation (email ISA for a copy)
  • Scan of Explanation of Econ major CIP Code (if applicable; email ISA for copy)

Complete the I-765 Form

Students will submit the I-765 form through the USCIS website, using the account they would already have created in submitting their OPT application.

For additional guidance in filing the I-765, students can refer to this DePauw guidance.

Please make sure to supply a mailing address where you can consistently receive mail. You should not use the DePauw CDI mailing address.

FAQs

When USCIS receives your OPT STEM-Extension application, your current OPT work authorization will be extended until USCIS makes a final decision or for 180 days, whichever comes first. 

Please refer to this Reporting Requirements page for more information about your obligations as a STEM OPT student. There are reporting requirements both for you and your employer while you are on the STEM-extension.

If you change jobs, you need to report the change in the SEVP Portal and in the International Student Portal within 10 days of starting your new employment. 

OPT STEM-Extension applications can take up to 3 months to process and for the new OPT card Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to be issued. 

Notice of Receipt (I-977): Once your case has been received and is being processed, you will receive a notice of receipt (I-797) in the mail. Please read the notice carefully as it contains important information. It’s important that you ensure that the details on the form (especially your name) are correct, as well. Once you receive the receipt, you can begin tracking your case online.

Extension of OPT: Once USCIS receives your OPT STEM-Extension application, your OPT work authorization will be extended until USCIS makes a final decision or for 180 days, whichever comes first.