STEM OPT Extension Eligibility
An active F-1 student is eligible for STEM OPT Extension if:
- The student must be participating in an initial period of OPT at the time they apply.
- The student must apply for STEM OPT prior to the OPT EAD end date.
- The student must hold a bachelor's degree or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school .
- The student must pursue their practical training through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
STEM OPT Extension Application Stages
Stage 1: Student and employer complete the form I-983 and student submit the Request STEM OPT Recommendation I-20 from the University (I-20 valid for 30 days)
Stage 2: Student file application (Form I-765) with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
Stage 3: USCIS approved, student continues working and submit the STEM OPT Reporting Form every 6 months.
STEM OPT Extension Application Process
- All forms and documents are accessible via Westcliff Email Account. As soon as you complete the form, you will be in the queue for processing.
- Submit this STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request form 90 days before your EAD end date.
- Step 1: Check the STEM OPT Checklist in the attachment.
- Step 2: Compete the I-983 form and refer to the I-983 form instructions and I-983 form FAQ answers.
- Step 3: Submit the STEM OPT Extension Recommendation I-20 Request Form.
- Step 4: Submit your I-765 application to the USCIS.
- If you receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) from the USCIS, please submit the RFE form here.
- Step 5: Update your employment using your SEVP portal as needed including an updated I-983 training plan.
- Step 6: Upon STEM OPT Approval: Follow the STEM OPT reporting requirement and submit the STEM OPT Extension Reporting Form every 6 months.
STEM OPT Extension Application Timeline
1.Deadline: USCIS must receive your application by the end date of your current initial OPT (end date/expiration date can be found on your EAD card).
2.The earliest date for filing : 90 days before your current OPT end date.
3.Check USCIS case processing times here : https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Choose "I-765" and "Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]".
4.Form I-765 online filing link : https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online
5.(Optional) File Premium Prcoessing Form I-907 together when filing I-765 online. If the premium processing is requested, USCIS will review your appliation within 30 business days. The filing fee for premium processing is $1,965. The premium processing the Form I-907 online filing link: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online
6.180 days rule. Graduated students who filed their STEM OPT application by the end date of their current initial OPT may continue working at their current STEM employment while their application is pending, until USCIS informs them of their decision or 180 days after your OPT EAD expiration date (whichever is earlier).
Form I-983
Before filling out the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request form, please complete the I-983 form together with your employer. The I-983 form, the I-983 instructions and the I-983 FAQ Item answer are available on the attachments section.
STEM OPT Extension Recommendation I-20
- STEM OPT Extension recommendation I-20 is valid for 30 days. Please note that once your STEM OPT Extension recommendation I-20 has been issued, you must submit your application to USCIS within 30 days of the date the I-20 has been issued. The issued date is shown on page 1.
- Failure to submit within 30 days will result in the denial of your STEM OPT Extension application.
- If the STEM OPT Extension Recommendation I-20 is expired, please submit this form again.
Academic Records-Verfication of Gradudation (Official Transcript or Diploma)
University Accreditation
STEM OPT Extension Checklist
The STEM OPT Extension Checklist is available on the attachments section.