Overview
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This page reviews the requirements for students to request an I-20 in order to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Students should review the entire page and linked information before beginning the process to request a STEM OPT extension. For help with this process, please contact International Programs Affairs at international@uwf.edu. |
What is STEM OPT?
Students with approved Post-completion OPT and with a degree in a STEM field may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension of Post-completion OPT.
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USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application by the end date on your current EAD card. Applications received after the end date on your OPT EAD card will be denied.
The STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the States provides resources for students and employers.
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- STEM Designated Program List
- Unemployment during STEM OPT
- Reporting Requirements
- Entrepreneurship and Employer-Employee Relationships
Who is eligible to apply?
Students: Determining STEM OPT Extension Eligibility
STEM OPT Application Filing Timeline
The earliest date to apply is 90 days before the completion of your programcurrent OPT. We recommend that you apply as early as possible.
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- If the I-765 is properly and timely filed, the student's standard post-completion OPT EAD is considered automatically extended for up to 180 days beyond the EAD expiration date while the STEM OPT extension EAD application is pending.
Reporting Requirements
Students on STEM OPT have additional reporting requirements that must be followed in order to maintain legal F-1 status. It is your responsibility to update information as needed in your OPT portal and check in regularly with your DSO in UWF International ProgramsAffairs.
Students: STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
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To report or submit documentation to UWF International Programs Affairs while you are on STEM OPT, you use Dynamic Forms. You need to first log in to your Dynamic Forms account. Then complete the STEM OPT Information Submission Form to submit the Form I-983 and other required updates.
Travel and Maintaining Status
The travel signature on your I-20 must be within 6 months of re-entry to the US.
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- a valid passport and visa
- Form I-20 with travel signature
- EAD card
- job offer letter/letter from your employer that you are on approved leave
How to Apply for STEM OPT
Step 1
Review the information in this STEM OPT Confluence page and online resources.
Step 2
Complete Form I-983 and submit it to UWF International Programs Affairs for review.
You will need to first log in to your Dynamic Forms account. Then complete the STEM OPT Information Submission Form to submit the Form I-983.
Step 3
Arrange shipping for your I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation at https://study.eshipglobal.com/
Step 4
Receive a new I-20 with a recommendation for STEM OPT from International ProgramsAffairs. Review the I-20 for accuracy, sign and date. A copy of the STEM OPT I-20 must be included in your STEM OPT application to USCIS.
| Important note: USCIS must receive your application before your current OPT expires and within 60 days of the date the STEM OPT I-20 is issued, whichever is sooner. If you apply late, you may have less than 60 days to apply. |
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Step 54
Complete Form I-765 and compile supporting documents.
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USCIS also provides instructions for Form I-765 and an Optional Checklist for Form I-765 (c)(3)(C) for students applying for the STEM OPT Extension and form filing tips. See pages 19-20 in Form I-765 Instructions for how to assemble your documents in the correct order.
Refer to the STEM OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation for the list of items to include in your application.
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Online Filing Option: USCIS announced on
04/10/2021 that F-1 students can now file Form Use this link to create a USCIS account and begin the I-765 online for OPT (Optional Practical Training).
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| Application for Employment Authorization: Forms Available to File Online
Students are responsible for submitting a complete application and all documents required for online filing in the USCIS online account.
Individuals can file 11 USCIS forms online, which can all be found on the Forms Available to File Online page. To file these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. This free account allows them to:
- Submit their forms;
- Pay their fees;
- Track the status of their case;
- Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and
- Respond to Requests for Evidence.
USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of these forms by mail.
A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application.
Important Notes:
Use the code for STEM OPT (c)(3)(C).
Incomplete applications or applications with errors may lead to delays or a denial of your OPT application.
Do not pay the application fee until you have reviewed your application for completeness and that all required documents are uploaded.
You are responsible for submitting the OPT application within the filing deadlines.
OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation
Paper Filing:
Send your complete STEM OPT application with fee to USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Check that the Form I-765 is complete, signed in blue ink and dated.
- Make certain that the copies of all Forms I-20 are signed and dated.
- Double check that your application includes all items on the STEM OPT Application Checklist.
- Make a complete copy of your application for your records.
Where to send the application:
We recommend that you send your complete application by the United States Postal Service (USPS) by Priority Mail so that you have a tracking number.
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The checklist has notes on each required item.
Be sure to read these carefully.
Keep a copy of your application and all documents for your records.
For more information, please refer to the USCIS website
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Important: USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization |
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). International |
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Affairs advises that the address should be valid for at least 4 months. |
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STEM OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation
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Note: It is important to review the STEM OPT resources on Study in the States and the USCIS website before you submit your application. Keep a copy of all documents for your records. You are responsible for submitting the STEM OPT application within the filing deadlines.
Filing Fee | Important Notes for Online Filing: USCIS considers your OPT application filed when you pay the fee in the online application.
| For notification of delivery, use this form. Put this form on top of your application
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Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment AuthorizationDownload the form to access the latest version. A typed copy is strongly recommended. It is not advisable to submit a handwritten copy. | You must file your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date that your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in SEVIS. Read and follow the instructions carefully: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 For the field “I am applying for,” select 1.a. “Initial permission to Accept Employment” for the STEM OPT Extension application. Use the code for STEM OPT for item 27: (c)(3)(C). Complete items 28 a., b. and c. Answer all questions fully and accurately. State that an item is not applicable with “N/A.” If the answer is none, write “None.”Use Part 6. Additional Information to provide Additional Information
Print completed form and sign in blue ink in Applicant Signature field. Include original of Form I-765 in your application.
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Filing Fee | For online filing, | Filing Fee | Important Note: USCIS may raise I-765 fee for OPT.
International Programs recommends payment by money order if you submit your application to USCIS by mail.
please follow the directions in the USCIS resources for online filingpayment portal. |
Copies of all required I-20s. | Put a A copy of your signed and dated new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation on toppage 2. Include a copy of your current OPT I-20 and all prior I-20s that show previous CPT or OPT. Check that all I-20s have your signature and date before you copy. | ||
Copy of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards). | Include a copy of front and back of your current OPT EAD card and any prior EAD cards. | ||
Proof of identity. | Copy of biographical ID page of your passport (valid for at least six months). Copy of most recent F-1 visa. | ||
Most recent I-94 arrival record. | Printout of electronic PDF of Form I-94. Or copy of both sides of cardstock I-94. | ||
Two US passport-style photographs. Two identical US passport-style color photos, taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765. | Use the Photo Tool link in the online application.
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Evidence of STEM degree. | Official transcripts or copy of diploma that indicates the educational level and the field of study. |
FAQs
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