overview and definition
The 24 month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension is for F-1 students who have an approved Post-Completion OPT and have completed a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field will be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their practical training.
Students are permitted a total of two periods of the 24-month STEM extension, each immediately following a 12-month OPT period. Students applying for a second STEM extension must have earned a second qualifying degree at a higher education level.
Please note that this is not an entitled benefit. USCIS has the right to deny any STEM OPT application at their discretion. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are paying the correct fee and filling out the correct application.
Policies
Students must be on approved Post-Completion OPT and USCIS must receive their application no earlier than 90 days before the OPT end date and no later than the OPT end date.
Students must have earned a degree in a STEM approved field and be engaging in employment directly related to their STEM degree.
To find out if your degree is an approved field of study, please refer to the CIP code listed on your I-20 and check the most recent approved list.
The current or prospective STEM OPT employer must be registered in the E-verify program.
The current or prospective STEM OPT employer must employ the student in a paid position and that the position must be at least 21 hours per week or more and is related to their program of study.
Students wishing to apply for STEM OPT based on a previous degree must have received the degree from a SEVP-certified institution within the past 10 years and the institution must be accredited at the time the student applies for the STEM extension.
Overseas campuses of U.S. educational instiutions are not eligible for SEVP-certification and degrees from these schools cannot be used to apply for STEM OPT.
The STEM OPT I-20 will be processed by ISSS within 10 business days once the application is submitted.
ISSS is not able to expedite any request as we strive to provide fair and equitable service to all students. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they submit their request in a timely manner.
Calling or emailing ISSS to ask for your request to be expedited will slow down the process. We ask that you patiently wait until a decision is made.
Student must submit the STEM OPT application to USCIS within 60 days from when the I-20 was issued by ISSS. Contact ISSS immediately if you have not submitted your OPT application to USCIS and your I-20 is older than 60 days.
Under STEM OPT you are entitled to an additional 60 days of unemployment plus however many unemployment days you have remaining from your Post Completion OPT. The total amount of unemployment days available for the entirety of your Post Completion OPT and STEM Extension OPT authorizations is a combined to 150 days.
180 days of work authorization are automatically approved by USCIS if the student's extension request was filed in a timely and proper manner. More information about the 180 days of work authorization is found on the Receipt Confirmation notice after submitting the application to USCIS.
Travelling on STEM OPT can be complicated depending on when the student plans to travel and if the application is pending or approved. More information about traveling can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
24 Month Stem opt process
Before submitting an e-form to ISSS, the student must understand the process of applying for STEM OPT and when to apply for the STEM OPT.
The STEM OPT application window will open 90 days BEFORE the Post-OPT end date listed on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
An application cannot be submitted after the OPT end date. It is the student's responsibility to submit their application before the last day of the student's post completion OPT.
The student will meet with their employer and complete the Form I-983 Training Plan (Sections 1-6). Students must complete Sections 1 and 2. The student's employer will complete Sections 3, 4, and 6. The student will work together with the employer to complete Section 5. The student can find the Form I-983 below. Please note, signatures must be in ink. Digital signatures are now acceptable (please refer to the Form I-983 Sample for more information on Digital Signatures.)
The Form I-983 is not required to be submitted with the STEM OPT application to USCIS. However, ISSS will provide the completed form to USCIS. Students are required to review the sample provided below so that the process to obtain the STEM OPT I-20 will be smooth.
instructions "How to fill out form i-983"
The student will need to request and receive the STEM OPT I-20 in the application to USCIS and must request this I-20 from ISSS.
Students will need to complete a Form I-765 to USCIS after receiving the STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS. Instructions are found below.
Applying for the STEM-opt i-20 & Form I-765 (USCIS)
- Login to UAtlas and go to "F-1 Practical Training"
Complete the "STEM OPT: 24 Month STEM Extension" e-form. Here you will provide to ISSS a copy of the OPT EAD Card and a completed Form I-983 Form.
- A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the completed application.
Once the DSO receives the completed application, they will process it within 10 business days. DSO's will review the student's application and completed Form I-983. Once the application is approved, the student will receive an email from ISSS.
- Receiving the STEM OPT I-20
Once the STEM OPT request is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through UAtlas. Students will receive a second email with instructions on how to retrieve the I-20. Students are advised to immedietely print and sign the I-20 and scan it for the application.
The STEM OPT I-20 that is issued by ISSS is only valid for 60 days. Students will need to apply for STEM OPT before the STEM OPT I-20 is considered "old." Students who have an old STEM OPT I-20 will need to submit a new request to ISSS. More information can be found in our policy section under STEM OPT I-20 (60 Day Validity).
- Prepare STEM OPT Application (Form I-765) for USCIS
ISSS will not offer one-on-one application reviews.
Below students will have the option to either send the application by mail or online. Students cannot do both options:
Students will need to submit the Form I-765 with USCIS after receiving the STEM OPT I-20.
instructions "How to fill out form i-765 FOR STEM-OPT" Coming Soon
Collect Documents to mail with I-765 paper application to USCIS (in the recommended order):
- G-1145 (for paper application only) - Downloadable from https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145 . By completing this form you are requesting an email or text message to be sent to you when your application arrives at the USCIS office. Place this on the top of your application so they are aware of your request.
- Two U.S. passport type photographs- photos must be taken within the past 30 days and may not be the same photos used for other government requests, such as passport or visa renewals. Print your name and I-94 number clearly on the back of each photo and make sure to not damage the photos. USCIS recommends you use a pencil and write the information lightly but readable. Put the photos in an envelope and attach it to front of I-765 and indicate on the envelope the photos are inside. Ensure the photos are U.S. passport requirements. Photos from your home country may not be the correct size or may be too old to be used.
- Application Fee- In the form of check or money order, made t o the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You can find the appropriate fee by using the USCIS Fee Calculator https://www.uscis.gov/feecalculator , select “I-765”, “Permission to accept Employment”, “Foreign Students” then “(c)(3)(C)” for STEM OPT. The fee can also be found https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
- Form I-765 (downloadable from https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 . Instructions on how to c omplete this form are in the I-765 Instructions guide. Also use the I-765 webpage to confirm the edition date of your Form I-765 is acceptable to USCIS. You can find a STEM OPT mock I-765 form below:
Paper application STEM opt: sample
- A copy of:
- STEM OPT I-20 issued from ISSS with your requested dates (Remember: USCIS must receive it within 30 days from the issue date). Make sure you sign and date your Post-Completion OPT I-20.
- Valid passport identification page (and the expiration date page if it’s on a separate page).
- F-1 Visa- the most recent F-1 visa issued to you.
- I-94 (obtainable at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
- Previous EAD card, include a copy of the front and back (only if you have been approved for OPT in
the
past)
Submit Payment
The options are below (This is only a guideline, ISSS is not liable for incorrect payments submitted to USCIS)
- Personal Check - Must be made to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Under "For" you will list the SEVIS ID (starts with N, found on your I-20), STEM OPT.
- Money Order:
- Pay to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". If the money order asks for the recipient address, you should list the address where you are mailing your application.
- In the Memo/Payment For Section put "Your SEVIS ID Number, STEM OPT"
- In the bottom right corner, sign your name in the "From" section.
- In the money order asks for your purchaser's address, include your mailing address noted on your I-765 application form.
- Keep the receipt portion of the money order for your records as that is the only way to track your payment.
- Do not sign the back of the money order as it will void the payment.
Mail Documents to USCIS
- Keep copies of everything you mail for your own record.
- Mail all the required documents (listed on page 5) to USCIS. USCIS must receive your application within 60 days from when your STEM OPT I-20 was issued.
- If USCIS receives your packet earlier than 90 days before your Post-Completion OPT end date as listed on the EAD card, the packet may be rejected right away or worse, be denied about 3 months later.
- To find the appropriate mailing address, please refer to USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 .
- If you receive I-797 receipt, keep it in a safe place as it is proof of your pending STEM OPT application and allows you to remain in the United States after your program has ended.
After receiving approval
- Understanding Reporting Requirements
Students after submitting their application to USCIS and have been approved must be aware of the reporting requirements. Information can be found in the Reporting Requirement for STEM OPT page.
STEM OPT - Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for STEM OPT is a two-step process. You must first obtain your STEM OPT I-20 from International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), which has 10 business day processing time, and then mail your application with all the required documents to USCIS to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which takes average of 3-5 months to process.
You must apply for STEM OPT no earlier than 90 days before your OPT end date. If you send in your STEM OPT application more than 90 days before your program ends or after your the OPT ends your request will be denied by USCIS.
You need to have your complete STEM OPT application received by the appropriate USCIS
Service
Center within 60 days of the Post-Completion STEM OPT I-20 issue date by ISSS. Applications
that arrive after the 60 days will be rejected or denied at a later date. You will
miss your opportunity to participate in STEM OPT Extension if the student cannot refile
before their OPT period ends.
To apply for the 24-month STEM extension, work must be paid employment with an E-Verify employer at least 21 hours per week.
The answer to this question varies on many factors. Please meet with an ISSS advisor to discuss your options.
International Student & Scholar Services may have copies of your old I-20s in your file. You can request that ISSS make you copies of your old I-20s by completing the “Request for Document Copies” e-form, but keep in mind that it could take up to a week to process your request. It is always your responsibility to keep your I-20s. Your file may or may not contain copies of the documents you are looking for. It is best if you maintain a well-kept file of your documents in a safe place. Keep in mind you only need to submit I-20s at your current degree level for your OPT application. If you are missing I-20s, please submit what you currently have as including previous I-20s is a recommendation, not a requirement for the OPT application.
No, USCIS requires you indicate an address in the United States. The address you use may be a friend’s address or a P. O. Box. If you use a friend’s address, you must put their name in the “in care of name” field on page 2 of the I-765. Contact ISSS if you have further questions about your mailing address.
When USCIS sends you your I-797 receipt notice in the mail, you will receive a receipt number. You can use this number to access information about your application at the USCIS Case Status page.
If you are granted the STEM OPT work authorization and you are still in legal F-1
immigration status, then your dependents are still in legal F-2 immigration visa status.
You will receive new I-20s for yourself and all dependents if you are eligible for
the Post-Completion OPT work authorization. If you do not follow F-1 regulations
while on STEM OPT and fall out of status, your F-2 dependents automatically fall out
of status with you.
If the STEM application is properly and timely filed (i.e. STEM OPT application received by USCIS before the last day of your post-completion OPT), the student's employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the STEM OPT extension request is pending review with USCIS.
Yes, your lawful F-1 status expires 60 days after the end date indicated on your STEM OPT extnesion EAD only if you ahve succesffully completed your STEM OPT. This is called a "grace period." You are expected to leave the country within 60 days from the end date indicated on the EAD or make other arrangements to lawfully remain in the U.S. However, if you decide to discontinue with your STEM OPT before it officially ends, you must leave the U.S. immediately, as no grace period applies in that sitaution unless you haveo ther legal means of remaining in the U.S.
Failure to comply will result in a loss of F-1 status. Students who lose their F-1 status must depart from the country immediately as their F-1 visa status is no longer valid. Students with another status in process that allows them to remain in the U.S. should seek advice from an immigration attorney.
The answer to this question depends on if you have applied for Post-Completion OPT
and where you are in that
process:
Have not applied for STEM OPT
If you have not applied yet, you may leave the U.S. during your grace
period but you will not be allowed to return on your F-1 student visa and you also
will lose the opportunity to
apply for STEM OPT. If you wish to return to the U.S. on your student visa and participate
in STEM OPT, you must send in your application and wait for STEM OPT approval before traveling outside of U.S.
Your STEM OPT is pending
If you have a pending STEM OPT application and it is after your OPT end date, it is very strongly recommended that you do NOT travel until your request has been approved by USCIS If you do depart U.S., please understand that entry into the U.S. is granted at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, and you travel at your own risk. If you still wish to travel while your STEM OPT is pending, please speak with an ISSS advisor about the risks involved.
Your STEM OPT has been approved
After you have received your EAD card, your travel documents should include your signed STEM OPT I-20, valid F-1 visa, a passport valid for at least six months, EAD card, and a letter from your employer (if applicable). The letter should state that they have employed you or plan on employing you, and you are coming back to the U.S. to work for them.
Note: When you receive your EAD card it will say, “Not valid for travel”. This means besides your EAD card, you will need your I-20, valid passport, and visa in order to travel.
These same rules apply for both the Post-Completion OPT and the 24 month STEM extension.
Please understand
that entry into the U.S. is granted at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection officer, and you
travel at your own risk.
Dependent travel
Since STEM OPT is not noted on dependent I-20s, an F2 dependent must carry copies of the F-1 student’s I-20 with Post-Completion OPT recommendation, EAD card, and proof of employment, in addition to their own F-2 I-20 when traveling
You should always travel with valid passport, valid F-1 visa, most recent I-20 with
a travel signature, EAD card, and
if applicable, your job offer letter. Please refer to our Travel page for more information for OPT.
NO!! If you intend to continue working on your STEM OPT authorization, NEVER enter in any other immigration status except F-1. If you leave the U.S. and re-enter with any other status than F-1, you will immediately forfeit your F-1 status. This means your STEM OPT will be invalid.
It is possible and many students on STEM OPT get their F-1 visa stamps renewed. You
do have to be careful to demonstrate non-immigrant intent. The risk of denial of an
application for a renewed visa stamp for STEM OPT is somewhat higher than while you
are in your active student program. The F-1 student visa requires that the applicant
must intend to return to the home country at the end of the program, and if the
embassy official is not convinced of your intention to return home, the visa application
could be denied.
You need to take a valid passport, your EAD card, your STEM OPT I-20 issued by ISSS, and your job offer letter or proof of employment (if applicable). You should also be prepared to discuss how this job experience will apply to the job market in your home country, and how you intend to apply it there. You should find additional information about required documents at your embassy’s website before your visa renewal appointment.
Yes. During STEM OPT, if you travel outside the U.S., your I-20 must be signed for travel. The current travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid for 6 months. If you return after this date, you may be denied reentry. For more information should check out our Travel page.
Failure to comply will result in a loss of F-1 status. Students who lose their F-1 status must depart from the country immediately as their F-1 visa status is no longer valid. Students with another status in process that allows them to remain in the U.S. should seek advice from an immigration attorney.
You are required to report your employment to ISSS of beginning a new job. For more information about reporting are encouraged to review our Reporting STEM OPT page.
Yes, you are required to have a job offer to apply for STEM OPT. To be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, your employer must be registered in the E-verify program. Please check with your employer to find out if they participate in e-verify. You are required to provide their E-verify number on your STEM OPT application, as well as a completed form I-983.
Yes, you do need to be employed while on your STEM OPT. You are only allowed to have a total of 150 days of unemployment aggregate while on post-completion OPT and STEM OPT (90 days of post-completion OPT, 60 additional days during STEM). This total number of unemployment applies through the entire period of OPT with the maximum limit of 90 during post-completion OPT. Please remember that you MUST update your employment information and your training plan with ISSS while on the STEM OPT each time you begin or termiante employment.
Yes, you msut work full-time while on STEM OPT. For immigration purposes, 21 hours or more per week is considered to be full-time. Part-time work is not allowed on STEM OPT.
A student may change employers during the 24-month STEM OPT period, but all employers that a student will work for during the STEM extension period must be registered in the E-verify program, and the student must report the change, including submitting a new Form I-983 to ISSS within 10 days of the change. You msut be working more than 21 hours per week for each employer to meet the STEM OPT requirement.
Students may be employed by start-up businesses, however, all regulatory requirements must be met and the student may not provide employer attestations on his or her own behalf.
The 10-year eligiblity period for previously-earned STEM degrees is determined by the date the degree was conferred/earned (reflected on the official transcript). The application date is the date on which the DSO recommends the STEM OPT extension on the I-20.
STEM OPT employers must provide compensation to the student commensurate to that provided to similarly situated U.S. workers. Alternative compensation may be allowed during STEM OPT as long as the student can show that he or she is a bona fide employee and that his or her compensation, including any ownership interest in the employer entity (such as stock options) is commensurate with the compensation provided to other similarly situated U.S. workers.
Yes, however, each employer must fully comply with the regulations (complete and sign a Form I-983 for each employer) and employ the student full-time. Full-time consists of 21 hours or more per week.
If students use up all of their unemployment days, they are considered out of status. Students do not get an additional grace period, and should leave the U.S. before the end of their unemployment period.
If you wish to return to school after you finish STEM OPT, you must obtain a new I-20 from the International Admissions Office within 60 days of your OPT end date. You must begin classes within the next available semester or within 5 months, whichever is sooner. If you are changing schools, you must request that we transfer your SEVIS record within 60 days of your Post-Completion OPT end date.
Students are allowed to take classes while on STEM OPT, but these classes must be
avocational in nature (for example, a cooking or exercise class) and may not be part
of a new degree and will not count towards maintaining your F-1 status. If you are
admitted into a new degree program, you will get a new I-20 and your PostCompletion
OPT will be cancelled.
Students are allowed to take classes while on STEM OPT, but these classes must be avocational in nature (for example, a cooking or exercise class) and may not be part of a new degree program. If you are admitted into a new degree program, you will need a new I-20 and your STEM OPT will be cancelled once the new program begins. Even if you don’t get a new I-20 because you are not transferring your SEVIS record or studying at the University of Utah, USCIS can still see this as a violation of status if you remain on OPT.
Students can transfer their SEVIS record to a new school while on STEM OPT. Once you transfer your record to the new school, your STEM OPT will automatically terminate and you will not able to engage in employment until authorized to do so from the new school. Please speak with ISSS advisor if you have any concerns or questions. Students are encouraged to review our Transfer page.