Applying for STEM OPT
The steps required to apply for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension are outlined below.
Please note that students and their employers must meet specific eligibility criteria in order to apply for STEM OPT. In addition, the STEM OPT application must be received by USCIS before the end date of your authorized Post-Completion OPT (as listed on your OPT EAD).
Due to the more complicated eligibility criteria and application process for STEM OPT, all applicants must carefully review STEM OPT information on the ISO website. If there are any questions after reading ISO website information, they should make an appointment with an ISO Advisor prior to finalizing their application.
- 1. Obtain STEM recommendation from the University
To request a STEM recommendation from the University, ISO must have a copy of your current post-completion OPT EAD and the Form I-983 Training Plan. Please complete the URCompass link below to submit your request:
Once your forms are submitted to ISO, they will be forwarded to an ISO Advisor for review. The ISO Advisor will reach out to you with any questions or required changes.
If your request is complete and accurate, the ISO advisor will issue a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation listed on page 2. You will be notified by email when the new I-20 is available within our standard processing time of two weeks. You must include a copy of this I-20 when sending your STEM OPT application to USCIS.
- 2. Submit application to USCIS
Collect the necessary application materials and mail the completed application to USCIS for processing.
Please consult the ISO's page on preparing and filing STEM OPT applications for a list of required documents and instructions.
Applications for STEM OPT must be received by USCIS:
- No earlier than 90 days before your OPT End Date (as listed on your EAD)
- No later than your OPT end date (as listed on your EAD)
- Within 60 days of your STEM OPT recommendation
- While you are maintaining F-1 status in the United States
Applications received outside of the required timeline will likely be denied by USCIS. Please consult an ISO advisor if you have questions about your application.
- 3. While Your Application is Pending
Provided your STEM OPT application is timely filed, your current OPT work permission will be automatically extended up to 180 days while a formal decision is pending from USCIS. To document this permission, refer to your STEM OPT recommendation I-20, your expired OPT EAD card, and (once available) your I-797 Receipt Notice.
Within a few weeks of your application being delivered to USCIS, you can expect the following:
- Text/email confirmation of application receipt
- I-797 Receipt Notice (delivered to mailing address)
Once you have your USCIS Receipt Number, you can use it to check your case status online while your application is pending. USCIS processing times vary, but often range from 1-5 months.
Within this 1-5 month timeframe, you can expect the following:
- If applicable: Request for Evidence or other USCIS notice (delivered to mailing address)
- I-797 Approval Notice (delivered to mailing address)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (delivered to mailing address)
- If applicable: Social Security Card (delivered to mailing address)
If you used ISO's mailing address for your application, you will receive an email from our office with instructions once we receive any mail on your behalf.
If you used a personal mailing address for your application, check your mail regularly and please promptly inform ISO of any updates or documentation you receive from USCIS.
- 4. Once Your Application Is Approved
The EAD you receive by mail is your official proof of work authorization. The EAD will list your authorized employment dates. Employment is authorized ONLY for the dates listed and ONLY in your STEM field of study. The work permission granted under F-1 STEM Extension OPT is transferable to other qualified employers, provided all eligibility criteria and reporting requirements are met. Please see our STEM Rules & Requirements page for details. You receive an additional 60 days of unemployment time once your STEM OPT begins. Please submit a copy of your STEM EAD to ISO via URcompass.
During your STEM OPT period, you must continue to report all employment activities and address details to ISO within 10 days of any changes, as well as complete periodic reporting requirements every 6 months. Some of these reporting obligations require updates to your Form I-983 Training Plan as well.
Please contact ISO if you have questions about the STEM OPT application process. Click here to return.