STEM OPT is a 24-month “extension” of Post-Completion OPT If you are just completing your degree in a STEM field, visit the pages on Optional Practical Training to learn about the first 12 months of OPT.
Extension of OPT also means an extension of your F-1 status - you'll still have a SEVIS record which has to be kept updated, you'll still need a travel signature on your I-20 and have a valid F-1 visa to return after a trip abroad, you'll still be under the jurisdiction of Pomona College.
To apply, you will work with your employer/supervisor to fully complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT students, and obtain requisite signatures from an appropriate individual in the employer's organization. Access the form and instructions at Study in the States website.
- Page 2 of the I-983 can be completed by the head of the company or a designee, sometimes the HR manager or the company’s legal officer. That person does not have to work in the same physical location as you – could be a headquarters in another city
- Page 3, Employer Site Information – This must be specific to you work location. Again, if your company is large and headquarters are in another city, this page needs to be about “your” work site and preferably provide your supervisor’s name and contact information. Sometimes employers don’t provide your supervisor’s name and details on this page. If that is your situation, don’t be concerned. Just provide this information by separate email to iss@pomona.edu.
- Page 5 of the form is for evaluations to be executed later, during your employment
Both you and your employer should keep a copy of the completed I-983. This is the only formal place wherein you give the employer the ISA’s contact information – email and phone number – which they may need for reporting purposes. For the ISA contact information, please put down: Kathy Quispe, Kathy.Quispe@pomona.edu, (909)607-2313.
The STEM OPT application (also known as the I-765 application) is an online application. You will complete an online form (click file online) and upload documents online. For this this reason, you will make a Zoom appointment with the ISA prior to paying and submitting your application. When you schedule your meeting, you should email the completed, signed I-983 form to the ISA at Pomona College. Submission can be by email attachment, but must have actual signatures. At your meeting, you will screen-share your application to show page by page what you put in and then also show the documents you upload. The ISA will review for accuracy and will go into your SEVIS record to recommend the STEM OPT and email you a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation. You must include this I-20 in your application.
NOTE: The online application allows you to submit incomplete applications. For example, it is possible for a student to submit their application without the STEM I-20 with the recommendation. However, since that application was not completed correctly then the student will need to reapply again and repay the application fee of $410. For this reason, don't forget you need the STEM OPT I-20 to submit your application so don't submit your application until the ISA provides you the I-20. You can fill out the online form and save it so you can show the ISA how you have filled out the digital application so far. You can find step by step instructions on completing the online application here.
Your application must be filed online before your current OPT expires. It can sometimes take 24 hours to process so give yourself extra time to submit the application