Overview

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. 

USCIS must receive your complete STEM OPT application before the end date on the EAD card for your current Post-completion OPT and within 60 days of the date the STEM OPT I-20 is issued, whichever is sooner.

• 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

STEM OPT Reporting Requirements Overview

To report or submit documentation to UWF International 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.

For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US:

• 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.

Step 3

Arrange shipping for your I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation at https://study.eshipglobal.com/

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

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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.

 

Step 54

Complete Form I-765 and compile supporting documents.

For STEM OPT Extension, use the code (c)(3)(C) for item 2127.

For more information, refer to the USCIS website Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT).

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. 

Refer to the STEM OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation for the list of items to include in your application.

Final Steps

Send your complete STEM OPT application with fee to USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

1. Check that the Form I-765 is complete, signed in blue ink and dated.
2. Make certain that the copies of all Forms I-20 are signed and dated.
3. Double check that your application includes all items on the STEM OPT Application Checklist.
4. Make a complete copy of your application for your records.

If your address on the I-765 is in Florida, mail the complete application to:

USCIS Texas Service Center

P.O. Box 660867

Dallas, TX  75266

International Programs recommends regular mail with the United States Postal Service to ship these documents. Do not use express mail.

Online Filing: 

Use this link to create a USCIS account and begin the I-765 | 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.

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 

• 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 https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.

STEM OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation

After you receive your I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation, compile your documents to send to USCIS. 

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. 

FAQs

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