微信扫一扫
A STEM Extension is an extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization available to F-1 students who graduated with degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). As of May 10, 2016, the STEM OPT Extension is expanded to 24 months. Previously, the STEM Extension was only for 17 months. Please review our STEM OPT Updates and FAQ page for more information about the changes and application procedures.
As of fall 2015 there is a $175 OPT Administrative Fee for all OPT extension applications. The fee is charged even if your employer will file the OPT application on your behalf.
Eligibility and Submission Deadline
- The primary major CIP code, found on page 3 of the I-20 (old version) or page 2 (new version), must appear on this list of approved codes.
- In some cases a prior degree that is on the list may be used. Check on the STEM OPT Updates and FAQ page or with an international student advisor for more information.
- Applicant must be working on post-completion OPT.
- Applicant must be working for an E-Verify employer. USCIS has created an online E-Verify Employer Search Tool.
- Deadline: USCIS must receive the application no later than the expiration date of the original OPT.
- Applicants may apply for an extension up to 90 days before expiration of the original OPT authorization.
- Once an application is submitted, applicants may work up to 180 days beyond the expiration date of their EAD while the STEM application is pending with USCIS.
- USCIS processing times may take two to six months to process STEM OPT applications - so apply early!
How to apply
- Pay the OPT Administrative Fee at least 24 hours prior to your appointment with an international student advisor. Begin the fee process
- Schedule an appointment for an international student advisor to issue your OPT extension I-20 and review your application.
- Bring the following documents during your appointment:
- Typed Form I-765, signed in black ink
- Include company’s E-Verify number on the I-765, number 17 (usually five or six digits)
- Passport, F-1 visa, Form I-94, and copies of your previous EADs
- Check or money order for $380 made payable to: Department of Homeland Security (do not write or make corrections in the upper portion of the check).
- Two recent, passport-style photos on white background. The photos must be 2 x 2 inches; the images must be 1 inch from the hair to the chin and 1.25 inch from eye height to the bottom of the photo. Your name and I-94 number must be printed in pencil or pen on the back of the photos.See an example photo.
- Copy of certification of degree awarded showing the applicant’s major field of study or a final transcript showing the major. Both can be obtained at the Registrar’s Office in the Main Building.
- Please note that it is best to provide both the final transcript showing degree awarded and a copy of your diploma to avoid potential questions from USCIS. The diploma alone does not always contain the details required by USCIS.
- Recent employment report for the 12 month post-completion OPT period. You may report your employment using our secure reporting tool.
- USCIS will need to see that you did not reach the 90 day unemployment limit as part of your eligibility requirements for STEM. For this reason it is important that we have a complete record of your OPT employment history.
- Applications filed after May 10, 2016 will need to include a completed form I-983. Check theSTEM OPT Updates and FAQ page for detailed information about applying for the expanded STEM extension.
- Typed Form I-765, signed in black ink
- Mail your application to USCIS. ISSS will give you mailing instructions during your appointment.
What if I’m no longer in Austin?
If you are not in Austin, you may use the secure STEM OPT remote application apply remotely. Your case will be assigned to an international student advisor who will work with you via email. The advisor will review your documents and let you know if any edits need to be made. Normal processing time is up to 2 weeks. When ready, the ISSS advisor will issue your STEM OPT extension I-20 and email you instructions on how to compile your application.
If you wish to speak to an advisor, you may schedule a phone appointment. Indicate in the reservation that you require a phone appointment and list the phone number where we can reach you in the comment section. An advisor will call you at the scheduled appointment time.
STEM OPT CHANGES AT A GLANCE
STEM Changes Quick View
This table is a summary of changes for the STEM expansion. The table is not comprehensive. Please contact ISSS if you have detailed questions about the new regulations or how they apply to your specific situation.
Check out or presentation on the STEM Extension changes.
|
|
17 Month STEM Extension |
24 Month STEM Extension |
| Reporting Requirements |
Employment report to ISSS required at 6 and 12 months and anytime employer changes |
Formalized employment reporting with I-983 form. The I-983 must be submitted with the STEM OPT application and submitted anytime the employer changes or there is a substantial change in your position. You must also submit an employment report to ISSS every 6 months. The I-983 self-evaluation must be completed at 12 months and 24 months. |
| Eligibility by Major |
||
| Eligibility for Prior Degrees |
Can only apply based on degree completed most recently |
Can apply based on a previous STEM degree IF you have approved post-completion OPT for the most recent degree level. The STEM eligible degree must be conferred no more than 10 years before the recommendation of the STEM extension. |
| Multiple Participation |
One time extension |
Can have two STEM extensions if another qualifying STEM degree is achieved at a higher degree level. You must first apply for a 12 month period of OPT before applying for a second STEM extension. |
| Employer Responsibility |
No formalized reporting requirement |
The employer must assist you to complete and update the I-983when you apply for STEM and during your STEM OPT period. Employers must retain a copy of the I-983 in their records. The employer must report to the school if you stop working with them. The U.S. government may conduct work site visits. |
| Unemployment Limit |
30 day limit on unemployment (120 day aggregate with post-completion OPT) |
60 day limit on unemployment (150 day aggregate with post-completion OPT) |
| Non-Traditional Employment |
Regulations not clear |
Volunteering and self-employment are specifically excluded for STEM OPT |
FAQ
What if I have an approved 17 month STEM Extension? Am I eligible for the 24 month expansion?
You are eligible to apply for 7 additional months of STEM OPT if:
- You have an approved 17 month extension
- You have at least 150 days left in your current period of OPT at the time you submit the application for 7 additional months of STEM OPT
- You must file between May 10, 2016 and August 8, 2016
ISSS will need to assist you with this application. To apply for the additional 7 months of STEM OPT:
- You may schedule an appointment to meet with an international student advisor. If you are no longer in the Austin area, indicate in the reservation that you require a phone appointment and list the phone number where we can reach you in the comment section. An advisor will call you at the scheduled appointment time.
- Or, you may submit the required documents via the secure upload tool (processing can take 2 weeks) for an advisor to review your application remotely and assist you by email.
The required documents include:
- Completed I-983
- Completed Form I-765
- Passport, F-1 visa, Form I-94, and copies of your previous EAD cards
- Check or money order for $380 made payable to: Department of Homeland Security (do not write or make corrections in the upper portion of the check).
- Two recent, passport-style photos on white background. The photos must be 2 x 2 inches; the images must be 1 inch from the hair to the chin and 1.25 inch from eye height to the bottom of the photo. Your name and I-94 number must be printed in pencil or pen on the back of the photos. See example photos.
- Copy of certification of degree awarded showing the applicant’s major field of study or a final transcript showing the major. Both can be obtained at the Registrar’s Office in the Main Building.
- Please note that it is best to provide both the final transcript showing degree awarded and a copy of your diploma to avoid potential questions from USCIS. The diploma alone does not always contain the details required by USCIS.
I have 17 months of STEM OPT, do I have to apply for the additional 7 months of STEM OPT under the expansion?
You are not required to apply for the additional period of the STEM OPT expansion (7 months if you already have the 17 month period of STEM OPT). If you do not apply for the remaining period of STEM OPT your work eligibility will end automatically on the end date shown on your current EAD card. Please note you are still required to complete the 6 and 12 month STEM OPT Employment Reports.
What if I have a pending STEM application as of May 10, 2016?
If your STEM OPT application is pending on or after May 10, 2016, you will be issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS. You will need to provide additional information to ISSS to assist with the response to the RFE. USCIS will need the following:
- Completed I-983
- Copy of certification of degree awarded showing the applicant’s major field of study or a final transcript showing the major. Both can be obtained at the Registrar’s Office in the Main Building.
- Please note that it is best to provide both the final transcript showing degree awarded and a copy of your diploma to avoid potential questions from USCIS. The diploma alone does not always contain the details required by USCIS.
- New form I-20 from ISSS
You can submit your required documents for ISSS to review in advance. Please use the secure upload tool to submit your documents. Please note that ISSS cannot issue a new I-20 with the expanded 24 month STEM recommendation until after we have received the RFE and reviewed the completed I-983. We will give you instructions after issuing the I-20 and you will be responsible for submitting the documents to USCIS.
I received a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, what do I do?
If you or your company receives the RFE, then you will need to submit a copy along with the RFE response documents to ISSS using the secure upload tool. USCIS only sends the RFE to the address that is listed on the I-765. If you receive this, then ISSS will not receive a separate copy and it will be your responsibility to submit a copy to us for review.
What if my 12 month post-completion OPT expires before May 10, 2016?
If your 12 month period of post-completion OPT expires before May 10, 2016, and you are eligible to apply for the STEM extension, then you must do so before your current period of OPT expires as listed on your EAD card. You should expect the RFE process in this case to receive the 24 month STEM expansion period.
If you do not apply for the STEM extension before your current OPT expires, then you will not be eligible for STEM OPT.
Should I wait to apply for the STEM Extension after May 10, 2016?
We encourage students to apply as early as possible for the STEM extension. Government guidance indicates that students should apply as soon as they are eligible. If your application is still pending on or after May 10, 2016, then you will receive an RFE and will be eligible for the 24 month expansion upon meeting the RFE response requirements and adjudication from USCIS.
Can I apply for STEM based on a previously earned degree?
Under the new regulations you may use a previously awarded degree to apply for STEM OPT if:
- You received the previous degree no more than 10 years prior to the date STEM OPT is recommended by the international student advisor
- The prior degree must be STEM eligible and from an SEVP-certified, U.S. institution
- You must have approved 12 month post-completion OPT
- Your work must relate your previously awarded STEM degree
