STEM OPT

If your degree is in a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) field, you may apply to extend your OPT for an additional two years. The STEM OPT application process requires a recommendation from the ISSO Advisor, and an application with filing fee to USCIS. Students will receive a new EAD that is valid for two more years upon approval.

Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension

You are eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension if you meet all requirements:

  • Your current OPT is based on a qualifying STEM degree, as determined by DHS
  • The CIP code on your most recent I-20 must match one of the codes from the list
  • If your current OPT is not based on a STEM degree, but you previously completed a STEM-eligible degree as an F-1 student and did not use the STEM OPT extension for that degree, you may be eligible to use it now. Please speak to an ISSO advisor for more information
  • You are currently working in or have a job offer for a paid position related to your major of at least 20 hours per week
  • Your (prospective) employer is registered in the E-Verify program, or registers before you apply You can find registered employers by searching here
  • You have not already had two STEM extensions in your lifetime
  • You have not accumulated more than 90 days of unemployment during your first year of OPT

Apply for the Recommendation from ISSO

  • Complete pages 1-4 of Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, with your employer
    Instructions for filling out Form I-983
  • Schedule an appointment with an ISSO Advisor to review your training plan and guide you on submitting the "STEM OPT Extension Application”. You can start this process as early as 90 days prior to the end of your current OPT.

E-filing with USCIS

ISSO will facilitate all students e-filing their applications instead of mailing them to USCIS. This eliminates many potential mailings and filing fee payment problems, and also provides the student with an instant receipt notice as proof of submission.

Students on STEM OPT are encouraged to set up a virtual or in-person appointment with an ISSO advisor in order to e-file their STEM OPT application.

To e-file, students will need:

  • A USCIS account—STEM OPT e-file with Form I-765 under category (c)(3)(c)
  • Filing Fee ($470 USD) payable with a Credit or Debit Card if filing online
    Otherwise you will need a check payable to The US Department of Homeland Security
  • A U.S. credit or debit card connected to a U.S. billing address or a U.S. checking/savings account number & routing number
  • A digital passport‐style photo (2 inches by 2 inches)
    You can create one at https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/photo
  • Copy of new I‐20 with STEM OPT recommendation (provided by the ISSO advisor at e-filing appointment)
  • Copy of passport biographical page
  • Copy of I‐94
  • Copy of diploma
  • Copy of official or unofficial transcripts, front and back
  • Copy of previous EAD card(s)- front and back
  • Completed Form I-983 – Training Plan for STEM OPT Students [PDF]
    Only pages 1-4 must be completed for your initial application
    Please refer to the I-983 Instructions [PDF] for tips on completing the form
  • In the “DSO Name and Contact Information” section, list your assigned ISSO advisor

Please make sure that all fields are complete.

Please email a copy of your STEM OPT receipt notice to your ISSO advisor immediately after e-filing and the copy of the electronic I-765 pdf version.

If your OPT card expires while the extension request is still being reviewed, you are allowed to continue working (up to 180 days) until you have received the results of your application.

Maintaining Status

Just like your first year of OPT, you must continue to be employed and report changes to ISSO. You may work for more than one employer, but each employment must be paid, at least 20 hours per week, and the employer must be registered in E-Verify.

DHS also requires that you report to ISSO regularly, even if you do not have any changes. You must report at the following times by submitting the "OPT Notification of Changes."

  • Every time you start a job (Submit pages 1-4 of Form I-983)
  • Every time you end a job (Submit pages 1-4 and the Final Evaluation on page 5 of Form I-983)
  • After you have completed 6 months of STEM OPT (Form I-983 not required unless there are changes to your employment)
  • After you have completed 12 months of STEM OPT—annual report (Submit pages 1-4 and the Evaluation on page 5 of Form I-983)
  • After you have completed 18 months of STEM OPT (Form I-983 not required unless there are changes to your employment)
  • At the end of your STEM OPT—final report (Submit pages 1-4 and the Final Evaluation on page 5 of Form I-983)

Unemployment Limit

During your STEM OPT extension, you are permitted a total of 150 days of unemployment. This includes any days you previously used during your first year.

Unlike your first year of OPT, volunteering does not count toward employment. You must have a paid position of at least 20 hours per week.

If you are nearing the unemployment limit and you don't believe you'll be able to find a job in time, you will need to take action before Day 150.

Learn more about unemployment while on OPT or ending your OPT