STEM OPT Extension

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The 24-month STEM Extension of OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows students in qualifying fields with an eligible CIP code on their I-20, and with employment through an E-Verify employer, to request an additional two years of U.S. work authorization in their field of study following their first year of OPT.

Find current information on the STEM Extension from USCIS and check the DHS list of STEM Majors and E-Verify employers.

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be in lawful F-1 status
  • You must have graduated from Davidson with one of the STEM-eligible majors and CIP codes listed below
  • Your OPT cannot have ended already; you may apply 90 days prior to the end date
  • You must have an employer that is enrolled in E-Verify
  • Your employer must guarantee that you can work a minimum of 20 hours per week
  • Your employer must work with you to complete a Form I-983 STEM Training Plan

Determining Your CIP Code

All I-20s show a 6-digit CIP code on the first page. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, a student's I-20 must show a STEM designated CIP code in major 1 or major 2 field (found on the DHS list of STEM Majors). 

Please note that if your major is Interdisciplinary Studies, regardless of how much STEM-related education the program provides, it might not be classified as a STEM-eligible major available for the STEM OPT extension. 

Eligibility for the STEM OPT extension is not determined by whether students receive a B.A. or B.S. but rather by the specific CIP code for their major as maintained by the Davidson Registrar. If a student wants to know the particular CIP assigned to a major, they should contact the Registrar. If an Interdisciplinary Studies student wants to know the CIP code for an Interdisciplinary Studies major, they should contact the program chair in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Steps to Request STEM OPT Extension

Step 1: Prepare the I-983

Complete pages 1-4 of the Form I-983 STEM Training Plan in partnership with your employer. An instruction guide is provided on the website. Forms are subject to expire; check that the form you use is the most recent version. See tips below:

  • In section two, your start date is the date when you will begin the STEM OPT training with the employer.
  • Your start date must be the date immediately following your OPT end date.
  • In section five, the site name should be your employer’s name and the site address should be your physical place of employment. If you work remotely, indicate your home address in this section.
  • Do NOT add anything to page 5.
  • Digital signatures are acceptable.

Step 2: Gather materials and begin USCIS application

Do NOT submit your application until Step 4. Prepare the items below, which are required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the OPT Extension application:

  • Create a USCIS account (if you have not already). Review this helpful Steps to Apply for the STEM Extension Online guide.
  • Form I-765  
    • The online form is the digital version of the I-765.
    • The following instructions will help you complete the online form.
      • Select that you are renewing your work authorization
      • Find your Alien Registration Number (or A number) on your OPT EAD
      • Use code (c)(3)(c) to indicate that you are applying for the STEM extension
      • For Degree, list your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and name (e.g. B.S. Psychology)
      • Many students confuse E-Verify number with Employer Identification Number (EIN) that they enter on their Form I-983. E-Verify and EIN are not the same number! Make sure you obtain a correct E-Verify number from your employer before you fill out this form.
  • $470 to be paid online by debit/credit card
    • Fees are subject to change. Verify the current fee via USCIS.
  • A color passport-style photograph
    • The photo should be 2″ x 2″.
    • Make sure the photos meet U.S. government specifications.
    • This photo cannot be the same as the one you submitted for the OPT application.
    • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new guidance that states self-submitted photos will no longer be accepted. Regularly check your USCIS portal to check for Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or a biometrics appointment to have your photo taken in-person. Students have reported that they have been automatically scheduled for a biometrics appointment. In order for your application to continue processing, you are required to attend the appointment unless you reschedule in advance. Carefully read and follow the instructions in the notice. If no appointment notice appears within a week of receiving your RFE, you may search for the nearest ASC and schedule an appointment online.
  • Copy of your current and previously issued EAD(s) (front and back)
  • Copy of diploma and/or transcripts
    • This should clearly show graduation in a STEM field. If diploma does not list your field/major or is not in English, you must include transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are fine.
  • Copy of most recent I-94 record
  • (Optional) Copy of an offer or employment verification letter
    • From a qualified E-Verify Employer indicating job title, job description, and work location.

Step 3: Contact International Student Engagement (ISE) 90 days before your current EAD expires to request an updated I-20 recommending you for the STEM extension

Verify your current employer and address are correct in the SEVP portal. Your employer must participate in E-Verify and your work must be directly related to your STEM field of study. After you have completed this, upload the following documents in the STEM Extension I-20 Request form in WildcatSync:

  • Pages 1-4 of a fully completed I-983 training plan (see this I-983 guide for tips)
  • A copy of your current passport
  • A copy of your EAD card (front and back)
  • A copy of your most recent I-94 record
  • A copy of the draft I-765

An ISE advisor will review the request and, if everything is in order, email the new I-20 to you. Print and hand sign your I-20 before photocopying. It must be submitted to USCIS within 60 days of issuance. Keep the original I-20 for your records.

Please note that your STEM application is NOT complete until you have submitted all required materials to USCIS. All materials must be submitted to USCIS before your OPT expires. 

You are welcome to schedule an appointment with an ISE advisor to review the STEM extension application. When you come for the appointment you are expected to have all of the above items (review Steps 2 & 3) so that ISE can review the material that is otherwise ready to be submitted to USCIS.

Step 4: Submit the USCIS application and payment

You must submit these to USCIS within 60 days of ISE recommending you for OPT.

  1. Log back into your USCIS account.
  2. Make any necessary changes after receiving feedback from an ISE advisor.
  3. Submit the application and make the payment. Your application has not been submitted until you have completed the payment.

Step 5: Wait

It will generally take USCIS at least 90 days to process the STEM extension application. However, as long as you receive your filing receipt (receipt notice) from USCIS prior to the expiration of your EAD, you may continue working for up to 180 days until your new EAD is approved or denied. Check your mail frequently throughout the application process so that you can timely respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Step 6: Maintain your Legal F-1 Status During the STEM Extension

After you receive approval for your STEM extension, please notify ISE by submitting an I-20 Travel Signature and Reprint Request in WildcatSync so staff can provide you with an updated I-20 showing the approval and email the I-20 to you. You may have to submit as a guest if you cannot log in using your Davidson credentials.

Remember that throughout the entirety of your OPT including the STEM Extension, your legal immigration status is F-1. If you need to renew your visa, it would be an F-1 visa for which you apply. You must maintain a valid travel signature on your I-20 within 6 months of travel if you are traveling internationally.

Keep your SEVP Portal active throughout your STEM Extension. Refer to the STEM Hub to view USCIS STEM resources. If you have trouble logging into the SEVP portal, contact ISE for a reset. While on the STEM Extension, students are required to report any of the following within 10 days:

  • A change in name or residential address
  • The name and address of your employer. If you have more than one employer, you must provide each employer's name and address.
    • A new I-983 is also required for each employer
  • Any material changes to your employment
    • Find examples of materials changes on the STEM Hub
    • Submit the updated I-983 to the STEM OPT Evaluation form in WildcatSync with any changes to your job duties
  • End date if you end your employment.
    • The final evaluation on section 5 of the I-983 is also required if you leave an employer. Upload the final evaluation in the STEM OPT Evaluation form.
  • Any period(s) of unemployment, including those days between the end of one job and the beginning of the new job
  • If you decide to cease STEM OPT and depart the U.S., report to ISE
  • If you change to another immigration status in the U.S., report to ISE

 

Complete Employment Verification Every 6 Months

Throughout your STEM Extension, you are required to check in with ISE every 6 months. This deadline is calculated based on your EAD start date, so mark your calendar and be proactive in completing each required check-in.

Six Month Verification

  • Verify that your employer name, employer address and your own address are correct in the SEVP Portal. Then email your ISE advisor to indicate that your information is still correct in the Portal.

12-month Evaluation

18-month Verification

  • Verify that your employer name, employer address and your own address are correct in the SEVP Portal. Then email your ISE advisor to indicate that your information is still correct in the Portal.

24-month Evaluation