STEM OPT Extension

General Eligibility Requirements

F-1 students are eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if they:

• currently hold F-1 status;
• are participating in standard post-completion OPT;
• have a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a designated STEM field conferred by an accredited, SEVP-approved US college or university;
• have a STEM OPT employer who is registered in E-Verify and agrees to the USCIS STEM OPT employer reporting requirements;
• have a STEM OPT job that will be at least 20 hours per week;
• have a paid position related to their STEM degree; and,
• will be reporting to an on-site local supervisor in the US. 
   

Eligibility for a Second Period of STEM OPT After Higher Degree

• A student may obtain up to two STEM extensions provided that the second STEM extension is for a higher qualifying degree.  
• For example: A student receives a 24-month STEM OPT extension based on their bachelor’s degree in biology. The student later earns a master’s degree in biology or another STEM eligible field. Upon completion of the master's degree, the student applies for post-completion OPT and is eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Eligibility Based on a Previously Obtained STEM Degree

• Students may also apply for STEM OPT based on a previously earned STEM degree conferred by an SEVP-approved, accredited US. college or university within the past 10 years.  
• This includes previous STEM degrees earned while in a status other than F-1 such as H-4, L-2, etc.

Unemployment

Students are allowed no more than an aggregate of 150 days of unemployment during their entire 36-month OPT period (standard 12-month OPT + 24-month STEM OPT extension).

Hours and Types of Employment Permitted

During the 24-month STEM OPT period, students must engage in regular paid employment that is directly related to their field of study. A student may work for multiple E-verified employers as long as each employer agrees to complete From I-983, and the student is working at least 20 hours per week with each STEM OPT employer.

Types of Employment Not Permitted

The following activities are not considered employment while on STEM OPT:

• Volunteer or unpaid work
• Self-employment
  • A student must have an employer who can complete and sign Form I-983.
• Part-time employment
• Employment through employment agencies
  • Exception:
    • Students may find a training opportunity with the assistance of a temporary or staffing agency, but all requirements of STEM OPT must still be maintained.
    • The agency cannot complete and sign the Form I-983. The E-Verified employer that provides the actual training relevant to the STEM degree is only authorized to complete and sign the Form I-983.
    • For more guidance on this topic, visit DHS' Study in the States website.

• As early as 90 days before the post-completion OPT end date
  • USCIS will accept STEM OPT applications up to 90 days prior to a student's post-completion OPT end date.
• Before the post-completion OPT end date
  • USCIS will not accept STEM OPT applications submitted after the current OPT end date.
• ISSS recommends students submit their STEM OPT Extension Request form in ISSS Link as early as possible. Doing so will give sufficient time for the student to receive the STEM OPT I-20 and submit the I-765 to USCIS before their post-completion OPT end date.

The Study in the States' STEM OPT Hub has a number for resources for students and their employers. These resources are especially helpful as the student and employer work together in completing the I-983 Training Plan and meeting their reporting requirements.

Resources for Students

• Students: Determining STEM OPT Extension Eligibility
• Students: STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
• Students and the Form I-983

Resources for Employers

• Employers and the Form I-983
• Why STEM OPT is Good for Small Business
• Employer Site Visits
• Employers: STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

Review the STEM OPT Online Workshop.

Topics Covered in the Workshop: 

1. STEM OPT Eligibility
2. STEM OPT Employer Eligibility
3. When to Apply
4. Application Process: Form I-983, Form I-765, Documentation Checklist, and Submit Application to USCIS
5. Reporting Requirements
6. International Travel
7. Resources
   
   
    

1. Confirm all OPT employment has been reported in ISSS Link.
   • Review the OPT Reporting Requirements section on ISSS' OPT: While Pending with USCIS, During OPT & Beyond page for what information needs to be reported and how to report this information.
      
2. Select a STEM OPT I-765 application filing method (online or by mail).
   • After receiving the STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS, there are two methods by which a student may file their STEM OPT I-765 with USCIS:
     • online using a myUSCIS account and completing the online I-765; or
     • by mail which requires completing a paper-based I-765.
   • Students should not submit both a paper and an online application as USCIS rejects or denies duplicate applications.
   • The USCIS processing time is the same for the paper and online I-765 applications. USCIS processing time varies, but the typical processing time is about 90-100 days.
      
3. Prepare the I-983 Training Plan.
   • The I-983 is a formal training plan that includes the student’s learning objectives and affirms the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those objectives.
   • Before ISSS can recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS and provide the student with the STEM OPT I-20, the student and their employer must complete and sign Form I-983.
   • I-983 Instructions:
     • Included in ISSS' STEM OPT Online Workshop
     • The Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States page also provides I-983 instructions.
        
4. Draft the I-765 application.
   • I-765 Instructions
     • Depending on how the STEM OPT application will be filed with USCIS (online or by mail), refer to one of the following ISSS resources:
       • Online: Online I-765 Guide for STEM OPT
       • By Mail: Step-by-Step Instructions
     • USCIS also provides Form I-765 instructions.
        
5. Log into ISSS Link and complete the STEM OPT Extension Request form.
   • Students without a valid Emory NetID and password can access ISSS Link using Limited Services.
     • Refer to ISSS' Limited Services Access instructions.
   • Upload the completed I-983 Training Plan (required)
   • Upload a draft of the I-765 (optional)
      
6. Receive the new STEM OPT I-20 and prepare the application for USCIS submission.
   • If the STEM OPT request is approved, ISSS will email the new STEM OPT I-20 to the student as a password protected PDF.
   • Print, date and hand sign (with an ink pen) the new STEM OPT I-20.
     • Digital student signatures (including using a stylus) are not permitted.
   • Make a copy to include with the I-765 STEM OPT application.

IMPORTANT:

60 days - USCIS must receive the I-765 OPT application for STEM OPT extension within 60 days of the date the STEM OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS by an ISSS advisor. 

For the Online I-765 

Students who plan to file their OPT application online should prepare digital files of all the required documents (listed below) and refer to the Online I-765 Guide for STEM OPT for file format requirements. A digital copy of the new, hand signed and dated STEM OPT I-20 must be submitted with the I-765 OPT application.

Required Documents:

• Signed STEM OPT I-20
  • Students must print, date and hand sign (with an ink pen) the new STEM OPT I-20.
  • Digital student signatures (including using a stylus) are not permitted.
• Current post-completion EAD and any previous EADs (front and back)
• Current I-94
• Official transcript associated with the STEM-eligible degree
• Institutional accreditation documentation (if applicable)

Recommended but Not Required:

• ID page of the most recent valid passport
• F-1 visa (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
• All previous I-20s

Optional: 

• Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing (optional) 

For the Paper I-765 (Filing by Mail)

Students who plan to file their STEM OPT application by mail should prepare single-sided copies of all the required documents listed below. Copies may be grayscale or color. Do not staple documents together. A copy of the new, hand signed and dated STEM OPT I-20 must be submitted with the I-765 STEM OPT application.

• Completed Form I-765
  • The mailing address provided on the I-765 should be valid at least four months into the future from the date USCIS receives the I-765.
  • Notices and the STEM OPT EAD will be mailed to the mailing address provided on the I-765.
• Copy of the signed STEM OPT I-20
  • Students must print, date and hand sign (with an ink pen) the new STEM OPT I-20.
  • Digital student signatures (including using a stylus) are not permitted.
• Copy of current post-completion OPT EAD and any previous EADs (front and back)
• Copy of the current I-94
• Official transcript associated with the STEM-eligible degree
• Copy of institutional accreditation documentation (if applicable)
• Copy of the ID page of the most recent valid passport
• Copy of the most recent F-1 visa (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
• Copies of all previous I-20s
• Payment for the I-765 application filing fee payable to "US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
• 2 US-style passport photos
• Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
  • Students have the option to include this form to request a text and/or email when USCIS accepts the I-765 application for processing.
  • This form is recommended but not required.
• Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing (optional)

General Information

• Submit the I-765 STEM OPT application to USCIS either online or by mail. Be sure to include:
  • Copy of the STEM OPT I-20
    • USCIS must receive the STEM OPT application within 60 days of the date the STEM OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS by ISSS.
  • Additional required documents listed in the "Supporting Document Checklists" above.
• Do not submit both the online and paper I-765 applications.
  • USCIS processing time for online and paper applications is the same.

Options for Submitting the OPT Application to USCIS

Online:

1. Create/Login to a myUSCIS account. 
    
2. Use the Online I-765 Guide for STEM OPT to learn how to prepare and submit the online I-765 application.
   • The mailing address provided on the I-765 should be valid at least 4 months into the future from the date USCIS receives the I-765.
   • Notices and the STEM OPT EAD will be mailed to the address provided .
      
3. Pay the I-765 filing fee and submit the application.
   • The last step of the online I-765 application is paying the required fee.
   • When ready to pay and submit the application to USCIS, students will click the “Pay and Submit” button and the form will redirect them to the secure government payment website, Pay.gov.
   • On Pay.gov, the student will provide their billing information as well as their credit/debit card or US bank account information. Once entered, submit the payment. The online I-765 application is considered submitted after the fee is paid.
      
4. Print and/or save a copy of the submitted online I-765 application (optional).
   • ISSS recommends students save a copy of their online I-765 STEM OPT application for their personal records.
   • To obtain a copy of the application:
     • Go to the "Review and Submit" section of the online application to print a summary of all the information provided in the application.
     • Download a draft snapshot of the application. This is the I-765 form generated with the information provided in the online application and a summary page of the files uploaded in the online application. 
        

By Mail:

1. Make a digital and/or paper copy of the entire STEM OPT I-765 application (optional).
   • ISSS recommends students save a copy of their entire application for their personal records.
   • Include copies of all supporting documents, photos and fee payment.
      
2. Select a Shipping Method (ISSS recommends using delivery confirmation and saving the confirmation with the copy of the I-765 STEM OPT application packet for the student's personal records).
   • Express Shipping Service
     • Examples: FedEx, UPS, or DHL, USPS Priority Mail and USPS Priority Express Mail.
     • These services provide tracking numbers to confirm delivery.
   • USPS First-Class Mail:
     • Less expensive than an express delivery service.
     • Does not include a tracking number.
     • Students may purchase an add-on service called "Certified Mail" to confirm delivery.
        
3. Determine the correct mailing address, decide on a return address and ship the application.
   • Paper I-765 OPT applications are mailed to a USCIS lockbox from which they are routed to a USCIS service center.
   • Determining which lockbox mailing address to use will depend on the shipping method (USPS versus express courier such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL).
   • Find the mailing address:
     • Visit USCIS' Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
     • Select the "Foreign Students" tab.
     • Locate the Category Description and Filing Location for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) [includes (c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B) and (c)(3)(C)].
     • Determine the lockbox mailing address based on the preferred shipping method (USPS versus express courier).
        
4. Confirm the application was received by USCIS and save confirmation of delivery.
   • Students should save the proof of delivery until the STEM OPT application is approved and they receive the EAD. 

Validations, Self-Evaluations, Material Changes and All Other Reportable Changes 

Students should review these reporting requirements carefully. They are not the same as the standard post-completion OPT reporting requirements. During the STEM OPT period, students are required to report/submit the following: 

1. Validations of SEVIS information regardless if there is a change (every six months)
    
2. Annual self-evaluations (12 and 24 months from start of STEM OPT)
    
   • “Evaluation on Student Progress”
     • To be submitted at 12 months from the start of the STEM OPT, not 12 months from the start of the current employment.
     • The student must complete an “Evaluation on Student Progress” (on page 5 of the current I-983)
     • The student and the supervisor must sign it before submitting it to ISSS.
        
   • “Final Evaluation on Student Progress”
     • To be submitted at the completion of the 24 month extension period, at the time an employment ends, and/or at the time a change of status becomes effective (e.g. change to H-1B).
     • The student must complete an “Final Evaluation on Student Progress” (on page 5 of the current I-983)
     • The student and the supervisor must sign it before submitting it to ISSS.

3. Material changes or deviations from the original Form I-983 (within 10 days of a change)
    
   • Any change to the following (requires the student to complete and submit a new I-983 training plan):
     • Employer name, address and/or EIN
     • Supervisor name and contact information
     • Reduction in student compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked
     • Reduction in hours worked to less than 20 hours a week
     • Duties/learning objectives (as documented on the I-983)
     • Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment (requires a "Final Evaluation on Student Progress” on page 5 of the current I-983)
        
   • Addition of an employer
     • The student and the new employer need to complete and submit a new I-983.
        
   • Change of employers:
     • Requires the student and the old employer to update the existing I-983 by completing a final evaluation.
     • Additionally, the student and the new employer need to complete and submit a new I-983.
        
4. All other reportable changes that are not considered "material changes to an existing I-983" (within 10 days of a change). These changes include:
   • Legal name
   • Student's address, email or phone number
   • Non-immigrant status (e.g. change from F-1 to H-1B or permanent resident)
   • Departure from the US without the intention of returning to continue STEM OPT
   • Ending STEM OPT to return to a new academic program
   • Any unapproved absence from work for five consecutive business days.

Employer Information

When adding an employer or making an update to an existing employer, students should have the following information available (* indicates required field):

• Employer Name*
• Employer's Employer Identification Number (EIN)*
• Job Title
• Employment Start Date*
• Employment End Date (if applicable)
• Full Time/Part Time (hours per week)*
  • Full time is defined as more than 20 hours per week and part time is 20 or less hours per week.
  • For 24-month STEM OPT, a student must engage in paid employment for at least 20 hours per week for each STEM OPT employer.
• Employer Address*
• Supervisor Information (First Name, Last Name, Telephone Number and Email Address)*
• Explanation of how the employment is related to the student's course of study (see below for more information)*

Reporting Employer Noncompliance

Students who believe that their STEM OPT employer is not complying with the terms and conditions of the 24-month STEM OPT extension regulations, the Form I-983 instructions, and/or the completed Form I-983 on file with ISSS, may:

• Contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by following the instructions found on ICE.gov.
• Report violations through this Homeland Security Investigations tip submission form.

The US Department of Homeland Security advises that students leave non-compliant employers and report their unemployment to their DSOs. A period of student unemployment, caused by an employer’s failure to comply with program requirements, on its own will not affect a student's status so long as they report changes in employment status and adhere to the overall unemployment limits.

When submitting their STEM OPT employment information, students are responsible for providing a description of how their job relates to their major area of study. The written explanation is recorded in SEVIS and should include the nexus between the duties and the degree. SEVP Policy Guidance provides sample explanations of a direct relationship which may provide students with ideas on how to explain the relationship between their position and degree.  

Examples:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering:
  • "I work full time as an Electrical Engineer at ABC Corp., a government contractor. In my job, I analyze client requirements for electrical systems and provide them with cost estimates of such systems. My work requires understanding of electrical circuit theory, which I studied in-depth at the University of ABC."
     
• Bachelor's degree in Business:
  • "I work full time as a Loan Officer at a mortgage company, Happy Homes, where I meet with clients and evaluate, authorize and recommend approval of loan applications. On a daily basis, I use the knowledge I gained in my credit analysis, sales and marketing classes that I took as part of my major program of study."
     
• Master's degree in Music:
  • "I am working at a hospital playing the harp in patient rooms. I also conduct hands-on harp beginner workshops for long-term patients. On average, I work at the hospital 35 hours a week. My duties directly utilize the skills and knowledge I acquired from my coursework and degree in music therapy."
     
• PhD in Computer Science:
  • "I am employed as a Computer and Information Research Scientist at ABC Research Institute. I work as part of a team of scientists and engineers that designs experiments to test the operation of various software systems. My work builds on research in complex algorithms and machine learning, which I studied as part of my dissertation."
     
• Master's degree in Kinesiology:
  • "I am working 25 hours a week in a health food store as a consultant for Self-Made Inc., designing and teaching exercise classes that are incorporated into a customer's overall nutrition and exercise plan. My designs and customer instruction draw upon my studies and classwork in exercise therapy and physical reconditioning."

How to Report

• Report a change in legal name by emailing isss@emory.edu. 
   
• Log into ISSS Link and submit the appropriate STEM OPT reporting e-form.
  • STEM OPT reporting e-forms:
    • STEM OPT Validation and Reporting
    • STEM OPT Employment Material Change Reporting
  • Both forms can be found under the F-1 Practical Training tab
  • ISSS will review the information submitted in ISSS Link and update the student's SEVIS record accordingly.
  • Students without a valid Emory NetID and password can access ISSS Link to meet their reporting requirements using Limited Services.
    • Refer to ISSS' Limited Services Access instructions.

ISSS Link STEM OPT Reporting E-forms

• Use the STEM OPT Validation and Reporting form to submit/report:
  • A change in address or contact information
  • The 6 and 18-month validations of employment and residential address
  • The 12 and 24-month self-evaluations
  • A final evaluation if ending STEM OPT early due:
    • a change in non-immigrant status (e.g. change from F-1 to H-1B or permanent resident);
    • departure from the US without the intention of returning to continue STEM OPT; or
    • ending STEM OPT to return to a new academic program.
       
• Use the STEM OPT Employment Material Change Reporting form to submit a new or revised I-983 and report one or more of the following:
  • End of employment (e.g. if a student is no longer working for the employer listed on their current I-983) but with the intent to secure new STEM OPT employment.
  • Change of employer or adding another employer (e.g. if a student is working for a different employer than the one on their current I-983)
  • Change to the current STEM OPT employer including:
    • Change of employer's name or EIN (e.g. the student is working for the same employer, but that employer's name or EIN has changed)
    • Reduction in salary not tied to reduction in hours worked
    • Change to weekly work hours
    • Change to duties/learning objectives (as documented on the I-983)
    • Change to employer's address/student's work location
    • Change in supervisor's name and/or contact information 

SEVP Portal

The SEVP Portal is the US government's online portal for students on post-completion and STEM OPT. This tool allows F-1 students on STEM OPT to meet some of their legal reporting requirements by submitting updates directly to the US government. Students required to submit a new or updated I-983 (including a self-evaluation) cannot use the SEVP Portal, and must use ISSS Link to meet these reporting requirements as I-983s cannot be uploaded to the SEVP Portal.

The SEVP Portal will send STEM OPT students regular email reminders, but ISSS recommends that students meet all their STEM OPT reporting requirements using ISSS Link. 

For more information on the SEVP Portal and to get help, visit the Study in the States SEVP Portal website.

The following highlights the employer's obligations and reporting requirements as they relate to employing a STEM OPT student. For more detailed information, employers should visit the Study in the States' STEM OPT Hub including their "Employers: STEM OPT Reporting Requirements" page. 

Reporting Requirements

STEM OPT Employers must email isss@emory.edu within five business days to report:

• Any voluntary or involuntary end to a student's employment
• Any unapproved absence from work for five consecutive business days 

Other STEM OPT Employer Obligations:

• Complete and certify Form I-983
  • The STEM OPT employer must work with the student to complete the Form I-983.
• Submit evaluations on student progress
  • The STEM OPT employer must review the student’s annual self-evaluation on their own progress and sign it to attest to its accuracy.
• Report material changes to an existing Form I-983
  • Employers must work with the STEM OPT student to report to the DSO any material changes to, or material deviations from, the student’s formal training plan, by filling out a new Form I-983. 

Keeping Personal Records

In addition to meeting their STEM OPT reporting requirements, students should keep documentation that proves they have maintained status during their STEM OPT period. Types of documents students can keep in their personal records include, but not limited to:

• Copies of job offer letters and agreements/contracts with all STEM OPT employers including start and end dates, if applicable.
• Copies of job descriptions including job title, duties, location, pay rate and proposed number of  hours to be worked per week.
• If working for an agency or consulting firm, evidence of the projects the student worked on.
• Pay vouchers or pay stubs for all periods of employment.
• Copies of W-2 tax forms.

Consequences of Not Reporting Employment Information or Exceeding the Maximum Number of Days of Unemployment

• STEM OPT students are required to report their employment information every six months and submit a 12 month and final evaluation
• Students can meet these requirements by:
  • using the STEM OPT Validation and Reporting form in ISSS Link; and
  • submitting the STEM OPT Employment Material Change Reporting form any time there is a significant change to their employment.
• Without this information in SEVIS, OPT students could be viewed as having failed to maintain employment and potentially considered to be out of status for exceeding the permissible periods of unemployment.
• If a student's SEVIS record is not updated, there can be short and long-term implications including setting the SEVIS record status to “terminated,” initiating EAD revocation proceedings, and negatively affecting future immigration benefits filed with USCIS.

Yes, students can request premium processing with their STEM OPT application by filing a Form I-907 with Form I-765. Premium processing provides expedited processing but there is an additional fee to request this service. Students who would like to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of adding premium processing are welcome to contact their ISSS Advisor. 

Students can access ISSS Link using Limited Services. For detailed instructions on how to obtain Limited Services Access, click here.