Overview
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 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.
Students are responsible for applying for the STEM OPT Extension. Please note that the STEM OPT process has specific requirements. It is not the same as applying for standard Post-completion OPT. Therefore, it is important to make use of the available resources prior to submitting your application to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS).
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.
The ICE Practical Training website has an overview of the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.
STEM OPT Overview is a good starting point to inform yourself on the following topics.
- 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 current 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 Affairs.
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 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 Affairs. 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 5
Complete Form I-765 and compile supporting documents.
For STEM OPT Extension, use the code (c)(3)(C) for item 27.
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. 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.
Final Steps
Online Filing Option:
USCIS announced on 04/10/2021 that F-1 students can now file Form I-765 online for OPT (Optional Practical Training).
- Review the USCIS resource page below carefully and consult with your international student advisor to discuss online filing.
- Students are responsible for submitting 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.
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.
Please see the USCIS website for the address: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses
- See the section for Foreign Students and search for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- International Affairs recommends the United States Postal Service to ship these documents.
- If you submit your application near the deadline (60 days after your program end date), be aware of shipping timelines and select overnight service with the United States Postal Service.
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.
For notification of delivery, use this form. Put this form on top of your application. | |
Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | Download the form to access the latest version. A typed copy is strongly recommended. It is not advisable to submit a handwritten copy. 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 all previously used SEVIS numbers and evidence of any previously authorized CPT or OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized. Print completed form and sign in blue ink in Applicant Signature field. Include original of Form I-765 in your application. |
Filing Fee | Important Note: USCIS may raise I-765 fee for OPT.
International Affairs recommends payment by money order if you submit your application to USCIS by mail.
If you file online, please follow the directions in the USCIS resources for online filing. |
Copies of all 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). Copy of most recent F-1 visa. |
Most recent I-94 arrival record. | Printout of electronic 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. Write your name in pencil on the back of each photo if you file by mail. |
Evidence of STEM degree. | Official transcripts or copy of diploma that indicates the educational level and the field of study. |