24-Month STEM OPT Application

F-1 students with degrees in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) may apply for a 24-month extension of their current post-completion OPT status based on several requirements, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C). The 24-month STEM OPT extension may not be divided and may be used twice in non-consecutive periods. The second STEM OPT request must be based on a higher education level than the one used for the first STEM OPT extension. Go to STEM OPT Hub for more information. An appointment to review your documents is not necessary because any corrections that need to be made to the I-983 and I-765 will be emailed to you.
   

• Eligibility
• When to Apply
• Continuing Employment
• Important Information
  • Travel
• Reporting Requirements
• How to Apply for A 24-Month STEM OPT Extension
  • Online Filing
  • Checklist
  • Mailing Your Application to USCIS
  • Premium Processing
• Options After STEM OPT End Date or Ending Your STEM OPT Early

Eligibility

• Applicant must currently be in a 12-month period of post-completion OPT.
• Applicant has completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a current STEM eligible field from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application:
  • Students in the thesis/dissertation stage that have completed all coursework are eligible to apply for STEM OPT.
  • Degree must have been earned within the 10 years of applying for STEM OPT and has not been previously used to apply for an STEM OPT extension.
  • Use the CIP code from your I-20 (6-digit code next to your major, XX.XXXX).
  • The STEM OPT request may be based on a previously‐obtained STEM degree (different degree than what is being used for the current 12-month OPT).
    • Employment will have to be for the STEM degree.
• Student must have at least 20 hours per week paid employment at a job in the U.S. directly related to their STEM degree.
• The employer must be enrolled in USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
• The employer must provide the student with formal training and learning objectives.
• Students must be physically present in the U.S. when USCIS receives the application.

When to Apply

• Students may apply for an extension up to 90 days before the expiration date of their current 12-month OPT EAD card.
• The application must be received by USCIS before the end of your 12-month OPT.

Continuing Employment

• Students who file in a timely manner will have their post-completion OPT automatically extended while the STEM OPT application is pending until a final decision on the STEM OPT request is processed or for 180 days, whichever is first.
  • Your STEM OPT recommendation I-20 and the expired 12-month EAD card (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/complete-correct-form-i-9/completing-section-1-employee-information-and-attestation/foreign-academic-students) or Receipt Notice are proof of the timely filing.

Important Information

• The STEM OPT extension application(s) must be for the employer(s) you will have when your STEM OPT period starts (starts after the end of your 12-month OPT).
• Students may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment from the start date on their 12-month EAD card during their 12-month post-completion OPT or up to 150 days with a STEM OPT extension.
• Students cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or take class toward a degree-seeking program while on STEM OPT.
  • Students may engage in incidental studies.
• Although it is possible to change employers and/or have multiple employers during the STEM OPT extension period, all employers must be enrolled in E-Verify.
  • All employment must be paid and at least 20 hours per week.
• If a student changes employers during the STEM OPT extension period, they must submit a new Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) within 10 days of leaving the previous employer. If the time between employers is longer than 10 days, the student must report the loss of employment to the OISS advisor and submit the I-983 later.
• F-1 students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions if they are self-employed. Students must be bona fide employees of the employer signing the Form I-983 because F-1 students may not provide employer attestations on their own behalf.
• Students may file for STEM OPT with pending H-1B or I-485 applications or pending or approved I-140.
• International students are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes for the first 5 calendar years they hold F-1 status but are required to pay all federal and state taxes.
• Refer to Tip Sheet: How F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Can Avoid Form I-765 Delays for tips from USCIS.

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Travel

We advise that you do not travel if your STEM OPT is pending and your 12-month OPT has ended. To return to the U.S. during STEM OPT, you’ll need the following documents:

• STEM OPT I-20 signed for travel (valid for 6 months) on the 2^nd page;
  • If you cannot come to OISS for the signature, complete the Student I-20/DS-2019 Request Form to request a new I-20 with a travel signature;
• Valid visa (it is possible to renew a visa after STEM OPT approval but difficult with a pending application);
• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date you re-enter;
• If your STEM OPT has not been approved - Form I-797C (Receipt Notice);
• If your STEM OPT has been approved – STEM OPT EAD card and employment letter or contract;
  • If your STEM OPT is approved while you are out of the country, you will need to have your EAD card and an employment letter or contract in order to return;
• Please note: re-entry after travel out of the country is never guaranteed. If your application is denied while you are out of the country, it may not be possible for you to return on the F-1 visa or to resume STEM OPT.

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Reporting Requirements

• Employers are responsible for reporting the termination or departure of the student to the OISS within 5 business days after the student leaves employment. Employers must consider a worker to have departed when the employer knows the student has left employment or if the student has not reported to work for a period of 5 consecutive business days without the employer’s consent, whichever date is earlier.
• EVERY 6 months starting from the date the STEM OPT extension starts and ending when the student’s F-1 status ends or the STEM OPT extension ends, whichever is first, students must submit the 24-Month STEM OPT Validation Report to OISS.
  • We highly recommend you add reminders to your calendar to remember to submit the validation reports.
  • This is also a good time to review the I-983 you submitted for your STEM OPT application to make sure all the information is still the same.
    • If anything has changed, upload a new completed I-983 with the appropriate signatures to the validation report.
  • Students must complete the “Evaluation on Student Progress” portion of the Form I-983 for the 12-month validation report. At the end of the STEM OPT extension period, student must complete the “Final Evaluation on Student Progress”.
    • Students may only submit the evaluation page for the validation report if there are no other changes to the I-983.
• You may use the OISS Portal to report changes to your contact information - phone number, email address, and/or physical/mailing address.
• To view information regarding your STEM OPT, you may use the OISS Portal and the SEVP Portal. Reporting deadlines are listed in the SEVP Portal.
• If your employment changes (add employer, change employers, stop/lose employment), you change your status during your STEM OPT authorized period, or you end your STEM OPT early, you must report any changes to OISS within 10 days of the change by submitting the 24-Month STEM OPT Update Form and any required supporting documents.
  • If you have multiple employers, you must work at least 20 hours per week for EACH employer.
  • If you change employers during STEM OPT, submit the “Final Evaluation on Student Progress” evaluation for the previous employer with the 24-Month STEM OPT Update Form.
• Both the student and employer are obligated to report to the OISS advisor any material changes to, or material deviations from, the student's formal training plan.
• Go to Students: STEM OPT Reporting Requirements for detailed reporting requirements.

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How to Apply for A 24-Month STEM OPT Extension

 

• Go to STEM eligible field to verify that your major is STEM OPT eligible using the CIP Code.
• Make sure your employment, mailing and physical addresses, phone number, and email address are current and correct in the SEVP Portal.
  • If you cannot update your employment in the SEVP Portal because it is past the 10-day reporting timeline, submit the 12-Month OPT Update Form.
  • If you need to change your email address, use the Change of Address Form.
• Complete the checklist items below.
  • Allow 7 business days for the I-20(s) to be issued once all the correctly completed required documents are received then follow the directions in section B below to file your application with USCIS. It may take longer during peak times.
  • Read each question carefully to make sure you are providing the correct information.
  • An appointment to review your documents is not necessary because any corrections that need to be made to the I-983 and I-765 will be emailed to you.

Online Filing
USCIS Form I-765 is available for online filing for STEM OPT applications. Go to USCIS File Online and Benefits of Filing Online for more information.

• You may file your application online if you choose to do so.
• You will still need to follow the steps below to request a STEM OPT recommendation I-20 to upload to your online Form I-765 application.
• Read and follow the online I-765 instructions and questions carefully.
  • Don’t enter “None” or “N/A” in fields that don’t apply to you – leave them blank.
• Go to Sample STEM OPT I-765 for help completing the I-765.
  • You should be able to receive mail at the mailing address you enter on the I-765 for up to 6 months after USCIS receives your application. If you change your address while your application is pending, you will have to update it directly with USCIS. We advise against this because the address change might cause problems with receiving mail from USCIS.
• You will need:
  • a digital passport photo (2" x 2") taken within 30 days of filing your application;
  • copy of most recent I-94 record;
  • copy of government-issued identity document (i.e. passport), if not previously issued an EAD;
  • copy(ies) of any F-1 EAD(s), if applicable;
  • copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages of your most recent 12-month OPT I-20;
  • copy(ies) of I-20(s) with previous SEVIS ID, CPT, OPT, and/or STEM OPT authorization, as applicable;
  • copy of the proof of your STEM degree and major (official or unofficial transcripts or diploma);
    • if the STEM OPT extension is not based on your current 12-month post-completion OPT, include a copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages (or 1^st and 3^rd pages for I-20s issued before July 2015) of the I-20 for the STEM degree;
      • if the I-20 is not available, request a letter or a screenshot of your SEVIS record from the previous school.
• Download the PDF of your filled in online I-765 to upload to the OPT Application below.
  • The "View draft snapshot" link to get the PDF is found in "Review and Submit" under "Your application summary".
    • The PDF will have an “Electronic Form Only” watermark.
• DO NOT pay the filing fee and submit the online application before getting the STEM OPT recommendation I-20.
  • You will need to upload the STEM OPT recommendation I-20 to your online I-765 application.
  • Upload only the supporting documents requested on the online I-765; they will be different from what is listed below.
  • Pay the filing fee of $470⁰⁰ (four hundred and seventy) after you upload the STEM OPT recommendation I-20.
• If you file online, DO NOT mail in an application as well; use only one filing option.
• NOTE: the online fling recognizes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) for the submission time of your application. Keep that in mind when filing to ensure you file on time.
  • For assistance with converting the time, refer to https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.

Checklist

1. Login to international.unr.edu using the "Log in with Portal Account" option to submit the "STEM OPT Extension" request in order to request the STEM OPT recommendation I-20.
   • If you are requesting for more than one employer, submit an application for each employer.
2. Upload the following documents to the STEM OPT Extension request.
   • I-765
     • If you will file online, upload a copy of the draft I-765.
     • If you will mail your application to USCIS, upload the completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) - all 7 pages. Read and follow the I-765 instructions carefully.
       • Make sure you are using the correct edition and including the correct filing fee otherwise USCIS will reject your application. Check for any alerts and "Edition Date" at Form I-765.
       • Go to Sample STEM OPT I-765 for help completing the I-765.
         • You should be able to receive mail at the mailing address you enter on the I-765 for up to 6 months after USCIS receives your application. If you change your address while your application is pending, you will have to update it directly with USCIS. We advise against this because the address change might cause problems with receiving mail from USCIS.
       • Print single-sided.
       • We recommend you type your responses on the form to avoid any handwriting confusion.
         • If any response does not fit when typed, you may type in what will fit then type it fully on page 7 or handwrite it clearly in black ink.
       • Instructions state if a question does not apply to you, type or print (handwrite) “N/A” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a numeric response is zero or none, type or print “None” unless otherwise directed.
         • Some browsers will not let you type “N/A” or “None” so type as much information as you can then print the form and handwrite legibly in black ink.
       • Signatures must be original or may be reproduced original signatures. "This means that a document may be scanned, faxed, photocopied, or similarly reproduced provided that the copy must be of an original document containing an original handwritten signature, unless otherwise specified" (https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-announces-flexibility-in-submitting-required-signatures-during-covid-19-national-emergency).
   • Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students)
     • Completed with all 5 pages included. Read and follow the I-983 instructions carefully for detailed information on how to complete each section.
       • The completed form is to be kept by OISS and you. You DO NOT mail it to USCIS unless they specifically request it.
       • We recommend you type your responses on the form to avoid any handwriting confusion.
         • If any response does not fit when typed, you may handwrite it clearly in black ink.
       • Signatures may be original or electronic.
         • Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign all signature fields on the Form I-983 using electronic signatures produced with software programs or applications.
         • Electronically reproduced copies of a signature. Students and employers may sign all signature fields on the Form I-983 using digitally reproduced copies of a signature. A digitally reproduced copy may be a scanned image of a physical signature.
       • Student must complete Section 1 and work with their employer to complete Sections 2-6.
         • Make sure all the text is visible, there should be no "+" signs in any of the completed boxes.
       • Section 1:
         • The SEVIS School Code is in the “School Information” on your most recent I-20.
         • Enter the DSO’s (OISS advisor) full contact information as the instructions state: name, address (1664 N. Virginia St., MS 0074, Reno, NV 89557), phone, email.
         • The STEM OPT requested date should start on the date right after your current 12-month OPT ends and end 2 years later.
         • Major and CIP Code: Enter the major as shown on your diploma or transcript and CIP code as found on your I-20 (6-digit code next to your major, XX.XXXX).
         • Enter the qualifying degree level only i.e., Doctorate, Master’s, Bachelor’s.
         • “Based on Prior Degree”
           • Check "No" if your STEM OPT application is for the same degree your current 12-month OPT is based on.
           • Check “Yes” if your STEM OPT participation is based on a previously‐obtained U.S. STEM degree (bachelor's level or higher) earned within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension with USCIS.
             • Submit a copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages (or 1^st and 3^rd pages for I-20s issued before July 2015) of the I-20 for the STEM degree.
             • If the I-20 is not available, request a letter or a screenshot of your SEVIS record from the previous school.
         • Enter the USCIS # on the EAD card for the “Employment Authorization Number”.
       • Section 3:
         • Enter the date your STEM OPT training period will start for “Start Date of Employment”, not a past date.
       • Section 5:
         • Make sure to provide all the specified information in each question.
       • The self-evaluations are not to be completed until within 12 months after the listed STEM OPT start date and at the end of the STEM OPT extension with that employer or when you change your status.
         • Submit the blank pages.
   • Copy of your current EAD card (front and back).
   • If your STEM OPT is based on a prior degree from another institution, upload a copy of the I-20 for the STEM eligible program.
3. The OISS advisor will review your STEM OPT Extension request and recommend the extension in SEVIS if all requirements are completed. You will receive a new I-20 with the STEM OPT extension recommendation on page 2.

1. Refer to the “Where to File” section of the I-765 Application page to determine the appropriate mailing address based on the eligibility category you entered in Item 27 of the I-765.
   • We advise that you request tracking information for your mailing and make a copy of everything.
2. Arrange the documents to be mailed in the following order, you may attach the documents with a paper clip or binder clip. (Form I-983 must not to be sent to USCIS). If you do not mail ALL the required documents, USCIS could deny your application. You are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of your STEM OPT application:
   1. Optional: Students may attach Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) as the 1^st page of the application packet to request an e-Notification of the receipt of the application at the USCIS Lockbox facility. There is no filing fee for this service.
      • Make sure you are using the correct edition at "Edition Date" at Form G-1145.
   2. *Money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions in U.S. currency for the filing fee payment of $520⁰⁰ (five hundred and twenty). *Filing fee subject to change. Check Filing Fee at Form I-765 for the fee.
      • Use the Fee Calculator on the date you mail your application to ensure you are paying the correct fee.
        • We recommend you print the USCIS fee calculation page and include it with your application. Make certain the printout includes the date of printing.
      • Form G-1450: Make sure you are using the correct edition otherwise USCIS will reject your application. Check "Edition Date" at Form G-1450.
      • Make checks and money orders payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with “STEM OPT filing fee” in the memo line.
      • Sign the money order, personal check, or Form G-1450.
   3. 2 identical passport photos (2” x 2”) taken within 30 days of filing your application with your name and I-94 number lightly written on the back of the photos in a small envelope; Go to Passport Photos for specifications.
   4. Original Form I-765 completed and signed.
   5. Copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages of your new 24-month STEM OPT I-20 signed by the OISS advisor and you.
      • If I-20s are issued for dependents, do not send copies or originals to USCIS.
   6. Copies of:
      • the bio page of your current passport (include extension page if applicable, do not include expired passports that are not current),
      • current visa (even if it is expired or in a passport that is not current), and
      • I-94 - go to I-94 Retrieval to print an electronic I-94.
   7. Copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages of your most recent 12-month OPT I-20.
   8. Copy of your current EAD card (front and back).
   9. Copy of the proof of your STEM degree and major (official or unofficial transcripts or diploma).
      • If you have not completed your program, a letter from your program or Graduate School stating you have completed all requirements to graduate except thesis or dissertation.
   10. If the STEM OPT extension is not based on your current 12-month post-completion OPT, include a copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages (or 1^st and 3^rd pages for I-20s issued before July 2015) of the I-20 for the STEM degree.
       • If the I-20 is not available, request a letter or a screenshot of your SEVIS record from the previous school.
   11. If you previously had a STEM OPT extension, include a copy of the 1^st and 2^nd pages (or 1^st and 3^rd pages for I-20s issued before July 2015) of that I-20 and front and back of the EAD card.
   12. Copies of any other supporting documents for information on Page 7 of the I-765.

TO REDUCE CHANCES OF YOUR APPLICATION BEING DENIED, THE APPLICATION PACKET MUST:

• USE USCIS FORMS WITH THE CORRECT EDITION DATE AND CORRECT FILING FEE AMOUNT

• NOT BE RECEIVED MORE THAN 90 DAYS BEFORE THE END DATE OF YOUR CURRENT 12-MONTH OPT

• BE RECEIVED BY USCIS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE I-20 ISSUE DATE LISTED ON THE 1^ST PAGE OF YOUR I-20 OR BEFORE THE END OF YOUR CURRENT 12-MONTH OPT, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST

OPTIONAL: Premium Processing
Students may concurrently file Form I-907 online or by mail for premium processing of their STEM OPT application. With premium processing, USCIS has 30 calendar days to adjudicate (process) the I-765 application after they determine that they have all the necessary documentation to process the I-765 application. If an RFE or RFI is issued, the 30-day period begins again. The fee is $1,685⁰⁰; in addition to the Form I-765 filing fee. If you file online, you will submit Form I-907 after submitting your I-765. If you file by mail, you may mail both forms at the same time with two separate payments.

OISS recommends you consider USCIS I-765 processing times before deciding to file for premium processing. STEM OPT Form I-765 applications are processed at the Potomac Service Center.

Note:

• In 2 to 4 weeks USCIS will mail Form I-797C, Notice of Action (Receipt Notice) with a Receipt Number and Received Date confirming that they have received your STEM OPT application. This does not indicate STEM OPT approval.
  • Note: USCIS is currently taking longer than 2 to 4 weeks to send Receipt Notices.
  • If you included Form G-1145 with your application packet, you will get an email and/or text message notification with your receipt number within 24 hours of USCIS accepting your application – you will still get a receipt notice in the mail.
• Go to Check Case Status on the USCIS website to check the status of your application.
  • You may sign up for an account to receive email updates on your case.
  • After your Receipt Notice is mailed, the status message will remain the same unless USCIS requests more evidence/information or makes a decision on your application.
• You should receive your EAD card within 90 days of the received date on the Receipt Notice if your application is approved.
  • Email the OISS advisor a copy of the front and back of your EAD card. 

IF YOU RECEIVE A REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE (RFE) OR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FROM USCIS, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN OISS ADVISOR BEFORE RESPONDING

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Options After STEM OPT End Date or Ending Your STEM OPT Early

If you do not use more than the allowed 150 days of unemployment for the 36 months of OPT (12 months OPT and 24 months STEM OPT), you are allowed a 60-day grace period following your STEM OPT EAD card expiration date to:

• leave the United States;
• change your status
  • if you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I-20. Please consult with the immigration legal counsel working on your case;
• start a new program at UNR
  • you must be admitted and the I-20 issued by the end of your grace period;
• transfer your SEVIS record to a new school
  • you must be admitted and transferred by the end of your grace period
  • the new program must begin at the next available term or within 5 months of the expiration date on your EAD card, whichever is earlier
  • submit the Transfer Out request in the OISS Portal to request that your SEVIS record be released
    • your STEM OPT automatically ends on the SEVIS release date if you select a release date before your EAD card expiration date
    • you may request a future SEVIS release date within your grace period.

In some cases, you may want to start the process of pursuing these options before the end of your STEM OPT. If you remain in the United States past the end of your 60-day grace period without pursuing any of the above options, you may begin accruing days of Unlawful Presence, which has serious consequences depending on the length of the overstay. Review Reporting Requirements for information you need to report when your STEM OPT ends or if you end it early.

If you use more than 150 days of unemployment for the 36 months of OPT, you do not have a grace period. Please consult with an OISS advisor.
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