STEM Extension

Overview

Students who hold degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total of 36 months of OPT.  Please check that the Major code from your Form I-20 appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List to determine if you are eligible to apply for an extension.  You must also be working for an E-Verify employer.

Application Timeline

An OPT STEM extension application MUST be received by USCIS before your current OPT ends.  You can submit your application to USCIS no earlier than 90 days prior to your OPT end date.

STEM Eligible Employment & Other Important Reminders

For your employment to qualify as STEM OPT-eligible employment it must be:

  • Full-time (at least 20 hours per week of work)
  • Paid work (unpaid employment is not permitted on STEM OPT)
  • Employment which is directly related to the STEM-eligible field of study
  • Employment must be with an employer enrolled in E-Verify
  • The employer and student must have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship throughout the employment
  • Employment must be tied to a fully completed I-983 form (*see related links below)
  • The employer agrees to comply with the STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities (USCIS website)

*Before beginning the STEM OPT application process, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below.

 

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  • Can I work for multiple employers while on STEM OPT?

Students may change employers during STEM OPT, and/or work for more than one employer simultaneously, but all employment must meet all the above criteria of STEM OPT-eligible employment.

  • How do I report a change of employment while on STEM OPT?

Any changes in STEM employment must be reported to OISS within 10 days through the OPT STEM Employment Update e-Form in eOISS.

  • Can I be self-employed while on STEM OPT?

F-1 students cannot be self-employed while on STEM OPT. F-1 students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extension unless they are bona fide employees of the employer signing the Form I-983. The employer who signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that employs the student and maintains the training plan and practical training experience.

  • Can I work remotely on STEM OPT?

Yes, students may work remotely while on STEM OPT as long as they continue to comply with F-1 STEM OPT requirements and maintain the bona fide employer-employee relationship and the training plan as indicated on the Form I-983.

For fully remote employment, students and employers should indicate the employer address on page 2 of the Form I-983 and the site address on page 3 (Section 5) of the I-983 should reflect the remote location.

If you have a hybrid schedule (in the office sometimes, at home sometimes) report your employer’s address as the site address.

  • How many unemployment days do I have on STEM OPT?

Students are permitted an additional 60 days of unemployment under the STEM OPT period in addition to the 90 days of unemployment allowed under the 12-month post-completion OPT period. This means you may have up to 150 days of total unemployment.

  • Can I apply for STEM using a previous STEM degree from a US university?                                                     

It might be possible to apply for a STEM extension based on a prior U.S. degree. The prior degree must have been within the past 10 years from an accredited and SEVP-certified school. Please contact your OISS advisor to find out if you are eligible.

  • Can I begin working on STEM OPT after my post-completion OPT authorization period ends before I receive my STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

Yes, you may start (or continue) working for your STEM OPT employer as long as USCIS has received your application and it is in Pending status before your post-completion OPT EAD end date. In other words, if you have a “timely filed” STEM OPT application, your F-1 status and work authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days. This will be outlined on your STEM OPT application Receipt Notice.

Step 1

Carefully review the Frequently Asked Questions above before proceeding

Step 2

Complete and submit OISS's online OPT STEM Extension Request eForm

Step 3

  • An OISS Advisor will review your eForm and contact you with any questions. This may take 3-5 business days.
  • If appropriate, the OISS Advisor will issue a new Form I-20 with a recommendation for a STEM OPT Extension on page 2 and send it to you along with your application instructions.

Step 4

Get a scanned copy of your new STEM OPT Requested I-20 from OISS and sign it.

Step 5

Prepare your documents for your application: Gather scanned copies of the following documents and have the files organized on your computer: 

  • 2x2 color passport-style photograph (no less than 30 days old) 
    • OISS recommends that you use the USCIS photo tool to prepare your photo scan for the USCIS website.
  • I-94 record
  • A scanned copy of your new STEM OPT-recommended I-20 signed and dated by you and your OISS advisor 
    • *If you do not have a new I-20 with a STEM OPT Request listed on page 2, please STOP and complete the eForm request below. You must have this document for your application. 
    • Login to  eOISS 
      • Under F-1 Practical Training, choose "OPT STEM Extension Request"  
  • Photocopy of your passport bio-page 
  • Photocopy of your F1 visa 
  • Photocopy of previous EAD (front & back) 

*Notice that you do not include your Form I-983 in your application to USCIS.  

Step 6

Create your myUSICS online account and apply online 

*You cannot submit your application any earlier than 90 days before your post-completion OPT end date. 

Once you have created your myUSICS account:

  • Go to uscis.gov/i-765, and Sign In. 
  • Click on myUSCIS 
  • Click on File a Form Online 
  • Select “Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)” and then click Start Form 
  • Click Next on the following page 
  • Click Start to begin your application 
  • Follow the OISS STEM OPT Online Filing Instructions for a step-by-step guide to completing the application. ***Your OISS advisor will send you these instructions along with your STEM OPT Requested I-20.
  • *Important: Your eligibility category: 
    • Select (c)(3)(C) STEM Extension 

NOTE: Once authorization to engage in STEM OPT has been granted and an EAD has been issued, authorization may not be rescinded or canceled. Consult with OISS before taking any action that may jeopardize your STEM OPT. 

Throughout a student’s STEM OPT Extension authorization period, the student must:

  • Report any changes to the Form I-983 on file within 10 days
  • Report any changes in US address within 10 days through the Update Local U.S. Address e-Form in eOISS
  • Report if his/her employer is not abiding by the terms of the Form I-983
  • Every six months you must confirm your employer and local living address information
    • Login to eOISS and complete OISS's online OPT STEM 6 Month Reporting eForm
  • Within 10 days of accepting a new job offer:
    • Login to eOISS and complete OISS's online OPT STEM Employment Update Form
  • Submit a fully completed self-evaluation (on Form I-983) at the end of the first and second twelve-month periods of the STEM extension
    • Login to eOISS and complete OISS's online OPT STEM Evaluation eForm