STEM OPT OPT | International Services

Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved STEM field.

Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension

To qualify for the 24-month extension, you must:

Have been granted OPT and currently be in a valid period of post-completion OPT;
Have earned a bachelor’s or higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an accredited SEVP-certified school at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS;
Work for an E-Verify employer in a qualifying paid job, for at least 20 hours per week, and meeting all STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities;
Have received an updated I-20 from the DSO with the STEM OPT Extension annotated on their Form I-20, following the submission of the completed I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students and the STEM OPT extension recommended into the student’s SEVIS record;
Submit the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, in accordance with all deadlines and accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.

Steps to Apply for STEM OPT

To apply for a STEM OPT Extension, file Form I-765 with USCIS within 60 days of the STEM OPT-endorsed I-20 signature from your DSO and before your current OPT expires. Late or incomplete applications will be denied. Retain copies of all documents. If filed on time, your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the application is pending, ending upon USCIS adjudication.

Prepare the Form I-983 Training Plan, which outlines your learning objectives and demonstrates your employer’s commitment to supporting your training goals.

Submit the STEM OPT DSO Endorsement Request via the International Services Portal.
Upload your completed Form I-983.
Important: File your Form I-765 within 60 days of the DSO’s recommendation in SEVIS and before your current OPT expires.

Log in or create an account at USCIS Online Account.
Select File a Form Online and choose Form I-765, using category (c)(3)(C).

Follow the Form, I-765 Filing Instructions and upload all required documents:
- New STEM OPT I-20: Dated within 60 days of the STEM OPT endorsement.
- Most recent I-94: Download at CBP I-94 Website.
- 2×2-inch color photo: Taken within the last 30 days. Photo Requirements
- Valid Passport.
- Most recent F-1 Visa.
- Current and previous EAD card(s).
- College Degree: STEM degree diploma:
- Official transcript: Verifying your STEM degree.
- DSO STEM Program Letter: Found in your student profile.
Note: No additional document is needed for Institutional Accreditation if applying for the degree associated with your current post-completion OPT.

The fee is currently $520 (subject to change). USCIS Filing Fees
USCIS provides payment instructions during the application process

After submitting Form I-765:
- Monitor your case at USCIS Case Status Online.
- Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE), if issued.

You may work for your STEM OPT employer while your application is pending, for up to 180 days beyond the expiration of your post-completion OPT EAD. If your application is still pending more than 180 days beyond the expiration of your current approved post-completion OPT end date, you must stop working.

Estimated Processing Time: 4 months (or more). USCIS Case Processing Times.
Premium Processing: 30 business days. Current Filing Fee $1,685 (subject to change). Requesting Premium Processing Service

Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT. You can submit your application with USCIS up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires and within 60 days of the date your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record.

Maintaining Status on STEM OPT

The rules and student reporting responsibilities during the 24-month STEM extension are different from those throughout post-completion OPT. To maintain your F-1 status while on STEM OPT, it is crucial that you ensure your information is current. Below are the key requirements for maintaining your status.

You are limited to a total of 150 days without employment.
You must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verified employer in a paid position directly related to your STEM eligible field.
Keep proof of employment from all employers.
Report changes to your legal name, address, and/or employer to your DSO within 10 days of the change and every 6 months.

STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all students on STEM OPT to meet specific employment and reporting obligations for the entire duration of their STEM OPT authorization.

While on STEM OPT, both you and your employer must report information every six months and anytime a change occurs, including changes to your:

Employment
Address
Name
Immigration status

Failure to report on time is a violation of your F-1 status and may result in the termination of your STEM OPT and negatively affect future immigration benefits.

Important Reporting Reminder: All reports must be submitted through the International Services Portal at least 14 days before the due date listed in your SEVP Portal.

STEM OPT Reporting Types

Reporting Type	When to Submit	What to Report	Documents Required
6-Month Data Validation	Every 6 months from STEM OPT start date	Confirm residential address and employment information	If no changes → None If changes → New Form I-983 (Pages 1–4)
12-Month Self Evaluation	12 months after STEM OPT start date	Student progress evaluation	Top of Page 5 of Form I-983, signed by student & employer (date range: STEM OPT start → 12 months)
18-Month Data Validation	18 months after STEM OPT start date	Confirm address and employment	If no changes → None If changes → New Form I-983 (Pages 1–4)
24-Month Final Evaluation	End of STEM OPT (24 months)	Final evaluation of student progress	Bottom of Page 5 of Form I-983, signed by student & employer (entire STEM OPT period)
Material Change	Within 10 days of change	Changes to EIN, compensation, hours/week, employer name/address	New Form I-983 (Pages 1–4), signed by student and employer.
End Employment Early	Within 10 days of ending employment	Ending employment before STEM OPT end date	Final Evaluation, Form I-983 (Bottom of Page 5), signed, reflecting employment start & end dates
Add New Employer	Before or at start of new employment	Adding additional or new employer	Form I-983 (Pages 1–4), signed by student & new employer
Depart U.S. Early	After departing U.S.	Ending STEM OPT due to departure	Final Evaluation, Form I-983 (Bottom of Page 5), signed, reflecting employment dates
Change to New Immigration Status	After approval of new status	Notification of new immigration status	Final Evaluation, Form I-983 (Bottom of Page 5), signed, reflecting employment dates