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
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 4
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.
Refer to the STEM OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation for the list of items to include in your application.
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 standard Post-completion 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 payment.
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.
Important: USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). International Affairs advises that the address should be valid for at least 4 months. |
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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.
Filing Fee | Important Notes for Online Filing: USCIS considers your OPT application filed when you pay the fee in the online application.
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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
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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.
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Evidence of STEM degree. | Official transcripts or copy of diploma that indicates the educational level and the field of study. |