STEM OPT Extension

If you completed a double-major where only one major was a STEM major, your STEM OPT employment must relate to the STEM major.

If you completed a double-major where both are STEM majors, your employment can relate to either major.

Your STEM OPT employer(s) are enrolled in E-Verify and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN).

You must have an employer-employee relationship with your employer(s) and cannot be self-employed.

You may still work for multiple employers if each employer is registered on E-Verify and each job is more than 20 hours per week. You must have a separate I-983 for each employer (refer to “Reporting Obligations” on this page).

All employment must be paid.

On STEM OPT, you gain 60 days of unemployment. In addition, all unused unemployment days from post-completion OPT carry over into STEM OPT.

For example, if you used 0 of the 90 allowed unemployment days during post-completion OPT, you will have a total of 150 allowed unemployment days during STEM OPT.

See the “Reporting Obligations” section further down this page for information about your reporting obligations. Failure to turn in your reports may result in the termination of your STEM OPT and your F-1 status.

1. Fill out an online I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) application no earlier than 90 days before your Program End Date. Save the application as a draft and do not submit. You will need to receive a new I-20 from the ISSS Office to complete the application. Submitting the application without the I-20 will result in you needing to reapply and repay the application fee.
   1. If you put your mailing address as the ISSS Office address when applying for Post-Completion OPT, be sure to change it to your current U.S. address for this application.
2. Complete a Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Student) with the support of your STEM OPT employer. See instructions on how to complete the Form I-983.
3. Schedule an online appointment with the ISSS Office.
4. Send your completed I-983 to the ISSS Office at least 2 business days in advance of your online appointment. The I-983 will be reviewed for completion.
5. During the appointment, screen-share your online application. The Designated School Official will review for completion and inform you of any incomplete areas of your I-983.
6. After confirming the completion of your I-983, the ISSS Office will email you a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation notated.
7. Print and sign the new I-20.
8. Upload a scan of the signed I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation to your I-765 application.
9. Submit the application and pay the filing fee.

When USCIS receives your electronic application, you will receive an email notification with a receipt. You will also receive your official receipt as a physical copy in the mail. Both will have your individual receipt number, which you can use to track the status of your application online on the USCIS Case Status website.

If there is any mix-up on your SEVIS record related to your STEM OPT application, scan the official physical receipt and send it to the ISSS Office so a correction request can be sent to USCIS. The electronic notification will NOT be enough to process the request.

You may receive a request for evidence (RFE) if there is a correction or clarification that needs to be made with your application. RFEs can either be issued on your USCIS portal or physically in the mail.

If you receive an RFE, read it carefully and follow its exact instructions. Be sure to respond with all the information requested and within the designated timeframe to avoid further delays with your application. If you need further guidance or support, contact the ISSS Office.

If you file your application on time and your post-completion OPT period expires while your STEM OPT application is still pending, you will be allowed to work for up to 180 days after your post-completion OPT end date while your application is pending.

Once a decision is made on your STEM OPT application, this extension period ends.

Validation reports to confirm your personal and employment information are required every 6 months during STEM OPT (e.g. 6 months after start date, 12 months after start date, etc.). To make this report, complete the STEM OPT Report Form and send it to the ISSS Office.

You will receive a reminder email about these reports to the email listed on your SEVP account approximately one month before the due date.

A self-evaluation is due 12 months after your OPT starts, and a final self-evaluation is due 24 months after your STEM OPT starts. To make this report to the ISSS Office, complete the appropriate self-evaluation on the last page of your Form I-983 and send the updated I-983.

You will receive a reminder email about these reports to the address listed on your SEVP account approximately one month before the due date.

You must report both the completion of employment and the beginning of new employment no later than 10 days after the change.

To make this report, send the following documents to the ISSS Office.

1. A completed copy of the STEM OPT Employment Report Form (choose “Change of Employer”)
2. The Form I-983 for your previous employer with a completed final self-evaluation on Page 5
3. A new Form I-983 with information related to your new employer

You must provide the following documents to the ISSS Office within 10 days of a material change to any field included on the I-983 (i.e. your formal training plan). See Study in the States for more information about material changes.

1. A completed copy of the STEM OPT Employment Report Form (choose “Material Changes to Form I-983”)
2. An updated Form I-983

If you choose to end your STEM OPT period early (e.g. due to transferring to new academic program, returning abroad permanently, etc.), you must provide the following to the ISSS Office:

1. A completed copy of the STEM OPT Employment Report Form (choose “Report Termination of STEM OPT”)
2. A Form I-983 with a completed final self-evaluation on Page 5
3. Any other documents requested per the instructions on the STEM OPT Employment Report Form

You will need to have the following documents to re-enter the country.

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 showing your pending STEM OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT)
• Unexpired Post-Completion EAD card
• Proof of employment (if you are currently employed)
• The official, physical USCIS-issued receipt notice for your STEM OPT application

You may also want to arrange for someone to check your physical mail in case you receive a Request for Evidence or your new EAD card while abroad. Some Requests for Evidence may only be answered/completed while physically in the U.S.

Traveling during this time is risky and is not recommended. Risks include the following:

• If your STEM OPT is denied while outside of the U.S., your F-1 status will end, and you will not be able to re-enter in F-1 status.
• If you are issued a Request for Evidence or other updates that need your prompt attention, it may be difficult to respond while abroad. Some Requests for Evidence may only be answered/completed while physically in the U.S.
• If your EAD card is issued when you’re abroad, you’ll be expected to re-enter the country with it in hand.
• If your visa will expire while abroad, renewing your visa may be difficult without proof of your approved STEM OPT application.

If you must travel, be sure to carry the following:

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 showing your pending STEM OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT)
• Expired Post-Completion EAD card
• Proof of employment or evidence of job offer
• The official, physical USCIS-issued receipt notice for your STEM OPT application

Note that an attempt to enter the U.S. in any status other than F-1 during this period will end your F-1 status and invalidate your OPT application.

You will need to have the following documents to re-enter the country.

• Unexpired passport and F-1 visa
• Form I-20 with STEM OPT authorization and an unexpired travel signature (note that travel signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT)
• STEM OPT EAD card
• Proof of employment (if you are currently employed)

Note that an attempt to enter the U.S. in any status other than F-1 will end your F-1 status and your STEM OPT.