STEM OPT | International Services

Eligible F-1 students who have earned a degree in an approved STEM field, are currently participating in post-completion OPT, and are employed in a paid position directly related to their field of study with an E-Verify employer may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

When to Apply

You may submit your STEM OPT application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Up to 90 days before your current OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires, and
Within 60 days of the date your Designated School Official (DSO) enters the STEM OPT recommendation into your SEVIS record

Important: You must apply while your OPT is still active. Applications submitted during the 60-day grace period following OPT expiration are not permitted.

Processing Times

Standard Processing: Approximately 4 months or more
Premium Processing: 30 business days (additional fee required)

If your STEM OPT application is filed on time, you may continue working for up to 180 days beyond the expiration of your post-completion OPT EAD while your application is pending.

If your application remains pending beyond the 180-day extension period, you must stop working until it is approved.

STEM OPT Eligibility

To qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension, you must:

Be currently authorized for and actively participating in post-completion OPT
Have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in an eligible STEM field from an accredited, SEVP-certified school
Be employed in a paid position that:
- Is directly related to your field of study
- Requires a minimum of 20 hours per week
- Is with an employer enrolled in E-Verify
Work for an employer that meets all STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities
Submit a completed Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) and receive:
- DSO review and approval
- A new Form I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation noted
File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS:
- Within required deadlines
- With the appropriate fee and all required supporting documentation

Steps to Apply for STEM OPT

Follow the steps below to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension:

Before beginning the application process, ensure you meet all STEM OPT eligibility requirements, including:

Active post-completion OPT
Qualifying STEM degree
Employment with an E-Verify employer

Work with your employer to complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.

This form outlines:

Your learning objectives
How your employer will provide training and supervision
How your role is directly related to your STEM degree

Both you and your employer must sign the form before submission.

Submit your STEM OPT request through the International Services Portal and upload:

Completed and signed Form I-983
Copy of your current EAD card

Once your request is approved:

Your Designated School Official (DSO) will recommend STEM OPT in SEVIS
You will receive a new Form I-20 with the STEM OPT Extension notation

You must apply to USCIS within 60 days of the I-20 issuance date.

Submit your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS:

Form I-765 Filing Instructions

Include:

Copy of your STEM OPT I-20 (signed and dated within 60 days of DSO endorsement)
Form I-983 (keep for your records; submit only if requested)
Copies of current and previous EAD card(s)
Most recent I-94 record
2×2-inch passport-style photo (taken within the last 30 days)
Valid passport
Most recent F-1 visa
STEM degree diploma
Official transcript confirming your STEM degree
DSO STEM Program Letter (located in the documents section of your student profile)
USCIS filing fee

Note: No additional document is needed for Institutional Accreditation if applying for the degree associated with your current post-completion OPT.

You may file:

Online through your USCIS account, or
By mail to the appropriate USCIS lockbox

After submission:

Receive a Receipt Notice (Form I-797)
Monitor your case status through USCIS Case Status
Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), if issued

If your STEM OPT application is filed on time:

Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while your application is pending

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