STEM OPT Extension

Students participating in a period of post-completion OPT (initial 12 months) in a qualifying STEM major are eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the end date of the initial EAD. Approvals grant an additional 24 months of employment authorization.

Are You Eligible?

DHS grants STEM OPT extensions to eligible F-1 students once per degree level, and now allows eligible students to participate in the STEM OPT extension twice over the course of their academic career. To participate twice in the STEM OPT extension, a student must earn a second qualifying degree at a higher education level, and be participating in an initial period of OPT at the time they apply to USCIS for their second STEM OPT extension. Students may not apply for a STEM OPT extension during the 60-day grace period following an initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT.

Degree Requirement

You must currently be working in a period of post-completion OPT and must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP certified school that is accredited at the time you submit your application to USCIS. Please check the CIP code on your I-20 when determining whether your degree is designated as STEM degree and talk to OIS if you have questions.

Employer Requirement

You must pursue practical training at least 20 hours a week through an employer that is enrolled at USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. You must have each employer complete the Form I-983 training plan and submit this to OIS before the start of employment.

 

Important updates to note:

  • OPT/STEM OPT applicants may receive a USCIS notice to attend a Biometrics Services Appointment per new USCIS photograph requirements. If you receive such a notice, contact OIS.  

Application Process

Step 1. Complete Forms with Your Employer

The Form I-983 is a formal training plan which must clearly articulate the STEM OPT student’s learning objectives and affirm the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those objectives.

Common I-983 Questions:

  • SEVIS School Code: located on page 1 of your I-20
  • DSO Contact Information: use the name of the advisor listed on your last I-20 and 541-737-6310, [email protected]
  • CIP Code: 6 digit code located next to your major on your I-20
  • Based on a Prior Degree: unless you are applying for STEM based on a degree other than the one you most recently completed, check "No" here
  • Employment Authorization Number: 9 digit USCIS number located on your EAD card
  • Keep a copy of the I-983 with “wet” (handwritten) signatures in your personal records. Scan a copy for electronic upload to IPConnect.
  • More clarification on Form I-983

Step 2. Request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIS

Submit the following forms to OIS in order to request a new I-20:

Upon submission of the materials above, an international student advisor will review your application. If eligible, the advisor will issue a new I-20 for you to submit with additional required materials to USCIS to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

Step 3. Submit Materials to USCIS

Prepare the other materials required for submission to USCIS. You have the option to mail paper application materials to USCIS or to file online. Keep in mind that your application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the signature date on the STEM OPT I-20 and before the end of your EAD. You may wish to have your materials reviewed by an international student advisor prior to submission.

Processing time of your STEM OPT application with USCIS may be 2-5 months. You can check USCIS case processing times.

 

Resources for filing:

USCIS Instructions & Checklists

OIS Online Filing Checklist  Refer to our online filing checklist as you fill out your OPT application draft with USCIS.

 USCIS File Online Guide

OIS Appointments and Virtual Drop-ins We highly recommend that you meet with OIS to review your OPT application prior to filing

 

Step 4. Monitor for updates, and Complete Biometric Photo Appointment Requirement

  • Check your mailbox, email, and your MyUSCIS account frequently for updates.
    • Save a copy of your USCIS receipt notice for your records. It can be found in your pending myUSCIS cases under "Documents." You may check the status of your application in your your MyUSCIS account
    • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), rejection, or denial notice, contact OIS immediately. 
      • Email [email protected] and include a copy of the notice. We can assist with next steps. 
         
  • A request to appear for a Biometric Services Appointment (fingerprints, photograph, etc.) is becoming increasingly common for OPT applicants. 
    • If asked to do this, you will receive a notice in the mail followed by a second notice with the date/time/location of your appointment. 
    • The closest USCIS Application Support Center to Corvallis is in Portland, OR. 
    • Do your absolute best to attend the appointment date/time assigned to you! 
    • If necessary, you can reschedule your appointment via your myUSCIS account if it’s more than 12 hours before the appointment time. 
    • If you miss the appointment, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or chat with Emma.
    • After the biometric services appointment, mail the cover sheet and notice to the address provided. Ask an international student advisor for help if you need guidance. 

Step 5. Update your information with OIS during STEM OPT

While on STEM OPT it is your responsibility to comply with reporting requirements. Using IPConnect, you must: 

  • Upload a copy of the front and back of your STEM OPT EAD card
  • Report any employment changes no later than 10 days after the change
  • Keep your I-983 up to date and submit updated version to OIS
  • If you move, update your residential address with OIS no later than 10 days after the change 
  • Every 6 months, submit a Validation Report via IPConnect to check in with OIS throughout the duration of the extension to validate Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) details and report changes made to the training plan

OPT Reporting Requirements  IPConnect OPT Updates Forms

Department of Homeland Security STEM OPT HubDepartment of Homeland Security STEM OPT Hub

Additional Information about STEM OPT

Automatic extension of employment authorization during pending STEM OPT

Timely filed applicants will receive an automatic extension of employment authorization for up to 180 days while the application is pending in accordance with 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv). Students should provide their employers with the following documents to continue their employment during this period:

  • Proof of your timely filed application for category C03C (Notice of Action Receipt Form I-797C with receipt date before the end of your current EAD)
  • Expired EAD for category C03B (current OPT period)
  • Form I-20 endorsed by a DSO recommending the STEM extension on page 2

Students who are granted a STEM extension may not accrue an aggregate of more than 150 days of unemployment during the total period of OPT, including both the 12-month post-completion period and 24-month extension period. If you change employers during your STEM OPT period, remember to make all necessary updates to your I-20 by submitting a final evaluation for your previous employer and a complete Form I-983 for the new employer with your eform submissions to OIS.

 

Health insurance

It is also important to maintain adequate health insurance while in the US after you complete your program. In some cases, students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be eligible for health insurance from an employer. However, while job hunting or moving between positions you may want to have health insurance that can cover you and any family members. Find health insurance options as needed during OPT and STEM OPT.

 

Resources for Employers of STEM OPT students

 

Specific information for OSU employers