STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) for individuals who majored in the fields of study with specific classification of instructional program codes or (CIP) codes in science, technology, engineering, or math. For more detailed information on STEM OPT extensions please go to the Department of Homeland Security website; Study in the States STEM OPT HUB.
Eligibility
To qualify for the STEM OPT extension:
- You must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field included on the U.S. government's list STEM fields. The government list of CIP Codes that are eligible for STEM OPT extensions may be viewed on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.
- You must be currently participating in post-completion OPT in a job directly related to your STEM major.
- Your job must be in a paid position, not a volunteer job or self-employment and work at least 20 hours per week.
- Your current or prospective employer must be registered with the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify employment verification system and must agree to meet all the requirements listed in the Employer Responsibilities section of this page.
- You must be residing in the U.S. at the time of application.
How to Apply for the STEM OPT Extension
Make an appointment to speak with an advisor to discuss the process of STEM OPT. You can schedule an appointment through Google Calendar (links in the sidebar of this webpage).
You can use our online STEM OPT Application Form to submit the below required documentation or set up an appointment to meet with your International Student Advisor three to four months before your initial OPT ends. If you will be meeting in-person, bring copies of all the documents.
- Form I-765
- The Form I-765 should be typed, saved, and printed. After printing, please sign in black ink. Use Adobe Acrobat to fill in the application.
- For Part 2, Number 5, carefully consider the address you indicate. You should use the address where you will be in 2-4 months, when your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be mailed to you. You may use the Slater International Center address: c/o Tana Ruegamer, Wellesley College, 106 Central St, Wellesley, MA 02481.
- Under Part 2, Number 27, write either (C) (3) (C) for the STEM OPT Extension
- Under Part 2, Numbers 28, add your degree leve and name, the name of your employer, and their E-Verify number. Ask your HR department for their E-Verify number.
- You can download a sample here (pdf).
- Form I-983 (See the Guide for Completing Form I-983)
- Passport ID page
- F-1 visa (does not apply to Canadian citizens)
- Your most recent Form I-94
- Most recent Form I-20
- All previous Forms I-20 (include forms from previous U.S. schools)
- Your diploma and official transcript showing your STEM OPT eligible degree
- Two (2) passport-sized photographs (taken within the past 6 months) with your name and SEVIS ID# on the back in pencil. You can use this photo specification guide.
- A personal check or money order for $410 made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Write your SEVIS ID # on the front of your check in the memo section.
- All previously issued Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
- Copy of all previously issued EADs
- Form G-1145 (optional)
- Updated OPT Audit Form
- Immigration Document Mailing Form (if you will not be picking up your packet in-person)
A Slater International Center staff member will review your application and inform you of any necessary changes. STEM OPT Extension applications can take up to five (5) business days to process. Your new Form I-20 with a recommendation for a STEM extension will be express mailed to you if you have completed the Immigration Document Mailing Form.
You may submit the STEM application up to 90 days before your initial OPT period ends. You must submit your completed application to USCIS and it must be received within 60 days of the date your Designated School Official (DSO)/International Student & Scholar Advisor signed your new Form I-20 and before your current OPT period ends.
Include the following documents in your application to USCIS in the following order:
- A personal check or money order for $410 (made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. Write your SEVIS ID # on the front of your check in the memo section.)
- Form I-765
- Copy of new Form I-20 (signed). Do not send your original Form I-20
- Copy of your passport ID page
- Copy of your F-1 visa (does not apply to Canadian citizens)
- Copy of your most recent Form I-94
- Copies of all previous Forms I-20 (include forms from previous U.S. schools)
- Copy of your diploma and official transcript (showing your major in a STEM field)
- Copy of all previously issued EADs
- Form G-1145 (optional)
- 2 passport-sized photographs (taken within the past 6 months with your name and SEVIS ID# on the back in pencil)
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Do not mail your Form I-983 to USCIS.
- Make copies or scans of all of your documents prior to mailing your application to USCIS
Send your application packet to the appropriate address with delivery confirmation.
If you live in... | Use the CHICAGO Lockbox |
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, or West Virginia | For U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS PO Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680 |
For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 |
|
If you live in... | Use the CHICAGO Lockbox |
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands |
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS PO Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680 |
For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 |
Please see the USCIS website for the most recent information.
NOTE: If you successfully file the application for your STEM OPT extension prior to the expiration of your current OPT period; you may continue employment up to 180 days following the expiration of your original OPT. If your application is denied, you must stop working immediately.
USCIS will send you a Form I-797 (STEM OPT Receipt Notice) for your STEM OPT application within 2-4 weeks. Once you have received your receipt notice, you can track the status of your case using the case status search feature of the USCIS website. You may elect to receive e-mail alerts about your case status.
USCIS will send you your new EAD and Form I-797 Notice of Action (STEM OPT Approval Form) indicating your new STEM OPT dates to the address listed on your Form I-765. You must send a photocopy of your new EAD and STEM OPT Approval Form to the Slater International Center via the Document Upload Form to update your record. Do not email your documents to Slater as it is not secure.