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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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Important Notes:

  • Use the code for standard Post-completion 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 with your international student advisor.We strongly recommend you complete a final document check to ensure that your application is complete prior to making paymentfor completeness and that all required documents are uploaded.

  • You are responsible for submitting the OPT application within the filing deadlines. 

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Filing Fee

Important Notes for Online Filing:

USCIS considers your OPT application filed when you pay the fee in the online application.

  • Be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy before you pay the fee.

  • It is important to pay the fee before the end of your 60 day grace period to allow for payment processing in the USCIS system.

  • International Affairs recommends scheduling a final document check with your international student advisor prior to making payment.

  • You may not be able to update information in your application after it is filed.

Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization


 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: (c)(3)(C). 


Answer all questions fully and accurately. 


Additional Information

  • all previously used SEVIS numbers 

  • evidence of any previously authorized CPT and the academic level at which it was authorized

  • evidence of any previously authorized OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized



Filing Fee

For online filing, please follow the directions in the USCIS payment portal.

Copies of required I-20s.

A copy of your signed and dated new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation on page 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).


Most recent I-94 arrival record.

PDF of Form I-94.


Or copy of both sides of cardstock I-94.


Two US passport-style photographs.

Use the Photo Tool link in the online application.

  • This review is necessary to confirm that your photo meets requirements.

  • It is not recommended to scan a paper photo.

  • If you have issues uploading a digital photo, please review Uploading a Digital Photo for answers to frequently asked questions


Evidence of STEM degree.

Official transcripts or copy of diploma that indicates the educational level and the field of study.


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