Basics:
STEM extension is a 24 month extension to OPT
Granted by USCIS
Max 2 in a lifetime
Eligibility:
Have been approved for and be in a period OPT
Have reported through iStart their physical and employer address while on OPT
Have completed a Bachelor’s level or higher in STEM field, OR, for thesis-track graduate students, have completed all course requirements and are completing thesis or dissertation
Major/field of study CIP code must appear on STEM designated degree list
STEM Designated Degree Program list is based on Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes and includes designated STEM fields
The CIP code associated with student’s field of study must be on the list in order for student to be eligible for STEM
Actuarial Science is qualified for this
Have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment while on OPT
Are currently working, or have a job offer to work, in a position directly related to the degree obtained and for an employer who participates in the USCIS E-Verify system
E-Verify is an employment eligibility verification program
Must ask employer directly if they are a participant in program
Not all employers participate
Employer must be fully E-Verified
Participation is voluntary
Employer must provide student with E-Verify number so that students can apply for STEM
Cannot have previously obtained more than one OPT STEM Extension
Application must be received before the EAD for OPT expires
Must have a valid passport
A job offer is required to apply for STEM OPT
Application Window:
USCIS will accept STEM OPT applications up to 90 days before current OPT end date
USCIS must receive your application no later than the last day of OPT or your application will be denied
Start Date:
STEM OPT beings automatically the day after Post-Completion OPT ends
USCIS processing time is approximately 90 to 120 days (See the last point of the “About Employment Section”)
Application Materials:
I-983 Training Plan and I-20 E-Form
I-983 Training Plan:
Formal training plan completed by the employer and employee for STEM OPT employment
Must outline learning objectives and affirm employer’s commitment to helping student achieve objectives
Submitted to Designated School Official (DSO) at ISSS as part of request for OPT STEM Extension I-20
ISSS only checks document for completeness and is required to keep an update copy on file at all times
Material changes should be reported to DSO while on STEM OPT
I-20 E-Form:
Access iStart → Login under “Client Services” → Under “F-1 Student Services” click on OPT STEM Extension 3.6.2 e-form
Submit OPT STEM Extension e-form/Pay SEVIS OPT STEM Management Fee → ISSS create I-20 in five business days → Pick up/receive I-20 & send application to USCIS shortly after
USCIS must receive OPT application within 60 days of I-20 issue date
Review I-20 for any errors
Keep all previous I-20s for your records
Personal check, money order OR credit card payment with use of form G-1450 for $410.00 payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
Be sure to check USCIS I-765 website for current fees, and only submit one form of payment
Two identical immigration-style photos taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765.
If filing by mail, lightly print your NAME and SEVIS ID on the back of the photos. Place photos in a clear Ziploc-type bag.
If filing online, follow the instructions to upload
ISSS recommends photos be taken professionally/locally to comply with photo regulations
Photocopy of pages 1 & 2 of your new OPT I-20.
Make sure you have signed your I-20
If applicable, you must also include evidence of:
All previously used SEVIS numbers;
Form I-765
Download from USCIS website & type answers, if filing by mail or complete online via online application: http://www.uscis.gov/i-765
Save a copy for your completed I-765 for your own records
Follow guidelines provided by USCIS
Additional guidelines available on ISSS website
Print most recent I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
If you have an I-94 card, photocopy the front/back of your I-94 card
Photocopy of passport identity AND most recent F-1 entry visa page
Photocopy of all previous EAD cards
Photocopy of diploma or transcripts showing completion of eligible degree level and program of study
Optional G-1145 form: include to receive e-mail/text message updates about your case (available on uscis.gov)
About Employment:
Must be directly related to the field of study and appropriate for your degree level. It is the responsibility of the student to justify
Must work min of 20 hours per week
Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify employment eligibility verification program
Only paid position (min of 20 hours per week) are allowed with employers that are in the E-Verify Program
Student and employer must complete and submit an I-983 training plan to a Designated School Official (DSO), which explains how the training opportunity has a direct relationship to the student’s qualifying STEM degree (See Application Material for more details)
The OPT employer does not need to be the same as the OPT STEM Extension employer
An employer must have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
The employer must attest to this fact by signing the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience
Keep good, detailed documentation of all employment while on OPT/STEM OPT
Employment must be reported in iStart in order to maintain your F-1 status
6/12/18/24-months STEM OPT participation reporting/final evaluation is required while on STEM OPT
While USCIS is processing an OPT STEM Extension application, work may continue for up to 180 days after the Post-Completion OPT end date if your application was timely filed
Application:
Once you have assembled all materials, mail them to USCIS. Instructions is the same as OPT application