Graduate Studies

Applying and Working on STEM EXT OPT

 

Applying for STEM EXT OPT

You will become eligible to apply for STEM EXT 90 days before your current OPT end date.    Do not submit your documents before the date or you may be denied.   

You must meet the following requirements:

  • Be in F-1 status
  • Be currently working in a period of post-completion OPT
  • Have a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in an  eligible STEM field
    • You may be eligible to use a prior STEM degree earned in the U.S. for this requirement; to use a prior STEM degree, you must:
    • Have received your most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM-related) from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the U.S.
    • Have received your prior, qualifying STEM degree in the U.S. within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension.
    • The qualifying STEM degree must be on the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application (rather than at the time you received the degree).
  • Have a paid job offer that meets the following requirements:
    • The job is with an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program.
    • The job offers at least 20 hours of work per week
    • The job will provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree
  • Be able to complete the  I-983 Training Plan   with your employer 

If you meet all of the above-listed requirements and would like to apply, please see below.

Part 1:

Complete the  STEM OPT reporting form  and the I-983 training plan.  The I-983 needs to be completed with your employer.  

Part 2:

Once your I-983 and reporting form are processed, you will receive a new I-20 with the STEM EXT recommendation on the second page.  Sign your new I-20 and copy it for your application.

Part 3: Submit application and required documents online.   Premium processing is now available.

View the  New Tip Sheet on How to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your USCIS Online Account

  • $470.00 payment 
  • Passport style photograph
  • Completed I-765 
  • Photocopy of the front and back of your current OPT card
  • Photo copy of your official WIU transcript showing your conferred degree
  • Passport copy
  • Visa copy (recommended)
  • I-94
  • New I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation
Submit all documents within 60 days of my signature on your I-20.  Your application must be received by USCIS BEFORE the end date of your OPT. 

Review the information below regarding reporting requirements and travel during STEM EXT OPT

 

Working While STEM EXT OPT is pending

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, your employment authorization is automatically extended for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

 

Working on STEM EXT OPT

You must report any changes within 10 days including: 

  • Change of address (address must describe where you live; it cannot be a post office box or an office address).
  • Change in your legal name.  You must send a copy of your new/updated passport biographical page.
  • Change of name or address of your employer

Your employment termination/departure will be reported to the DSO by your employer within 5 days of your departure.

 

Changing Employers on STEM EXT OPT

You will need to submit a final evaluation with your previous employer, the STEM EXT OPT reporting form and the new I-983 training plan with your new employer.

 

Reporting Requirements and Evaluations

SEVP Portal users will receive a reminder email 30 days before any validation report is due. 

You are required to submit a validation report to the Immigration Specialist every six months.  The report is due within 10 days of the required reporting date.  Use the OPT Extension Reporting Form and return to the Immigration Specialist.  Failure to follow reporting requirements could affect future immigration benefits. 

  • You are required to complete validation reports to the Immigration Specialist every 6 months (even if no changes have occurred).
  • You are required to submit the self-evaluations from Form I-983 every 12 monthsafter the beginning of your STEM OPT period and at the end of any employment, in addition to the 12 and 24-month deadlines. 
  • Self Evaluation of Student Progress - Form I-983, Page 5   (12 months after the beginning of your STEM OPT period and at the end of any employment on STEM OPT)
  • Final Evaluation of Student Progress -  Form I-983, Page 5     (24 months after the beginning of your STEM OPT period)  This final assessment must be submitted within 10 days following the conclusion of this training opportunity.

You are required to resubmit a new Form I-983 if there are any material changes to your training plan under your current employer or if you change employers.  Material changes include any change of the employer’s EIN, any reduction in student compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked, any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity, or any changes to the employer’s commitments or student’s learning objectives as documented on the Form I-983.

Failure to submit a final evaluation would be a violation of the terms of the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” and may jeopardize your student’s nonimmigrant status.

 

Travel While on STEM EXT OPT 

To re-enter the U.S. during STEM EXT OPT, you will need the following original documents:

  • Valid passport; make sure it is valid at least 6 months into the future at time of re-entry
  • Valid F-1 visa stamp
  • I-20 endorsed for OPT with a travel signature on page 3 (within 6 months of the signature date)
  • OPT card
  • Confirmation of employment letter from your US employer

 

Ending your OPT

Your F-1 status remains valid until 60 days after the expiration of your EAD card.  During this 60-day grace period, you are no longer authorized to work; however, you may legally stay in the US.  If you depart the US during the 60-day grace period, you are no longer eligible to re-enter under your previous F-1 visa status.

  • If you plan to return home after the end of your OPT, please make sure that you depart the US before the end of your 60-day grace period.
  • If you plan to change your visa status, please begin this process before your OPT is expired.
  • If you plan to start a new degree program at another college/university, contact the Immigration Specialist regarding the transfer of your SEVIS record.  Transfers must be done before the end of the 60-day grace period.

If you decide to depart the U.S. during OPT, and will not be returning, please contact the Immigration Specialist.  At that time, your SEVIS record will be terminated and OPT will be cancelled.