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 Programs 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 program. 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.
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 check in regularly with your DSO in UWF International Programs.
Students: STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements Overview
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 for review.
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 Programs. 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 21.
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.
- 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.
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.
| Important Note: If your address on the I-765 is not in Florida, refer to the USCIS Where to File instructions. |
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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.
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 Authorization | Download the form to access the latest version.
For the field “I am applying for,” select “Renewal of My Permission to Accept Employment” for the STEM OPT Extension application.
Use the code for STEM OPT for item 21: (c)(3)(C).
Answer all questions fully and accurately. State that an item is not applicable with “N/A.” If the answer is none, write “None.”
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 | Check or money order for the Form I-765 filing fee of $410.00, made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."
If you do not have a check with your printed name and address, you should use a money order.
You may pay by credit card using G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. See Pay With a Credit Card for details.
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Copies of all I-20s. | Put a copy of your signed and dated new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation on top.
Include a copy of your current OPT I-20 and all prior I-20s.
Check that all I-20s have your signature and date before you copy.
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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.
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Proof of identity. | Copy of biographical ID page of your passport (valid for at least six months).
Copy of most recent F-1 visa.
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Most recent I-94 arrival record. | Printout of electronic Form I-94.
Or copy of both sides of cardstock I-94.
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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.
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Evidence of STEM degree. | Official transcripts or copy of diploma that indicates the educational level and the field of study.
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