Stage 1: Requesting STEM OPT I-20 (2024)

FAQs

Stage 1: Requesting STEM OPT I-20? ›

You must be currently in valid F-1 status and on post-completion OPT. You can apply for the STEM OPT Extension during the last 90 days of your post-completion OPT. USCIS must receive your application no later than the end date that is printed on your OPT EAD card and no earlier than 90 days before that date.

Recommend STEM OPT Extension. Students must submit a completed Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students to the DSO before the DSO can recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS. Students must submit a new Form I-983 for every new employment/training experience they accept during their STEM OPT extension.

OPT Applications require a copy of an I-20 with an OPT endorsem*nt that you can request in iPortal. Please note that you will need to upload a copy of your OPT fee payment e-mail confirmation.

Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

You can submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS as early as 90 days prior to the end of your current OPT period. We recommend that you submit your STEM OPT Request via OISS Connect and upload your I-983 no later than one month prior to the end of your current Post-Completion OPT.

After Approval

A new I-20 is not required to show STEM OPT approval. Keep your EAD Card in a safe place. ISS does not need a copy of your EAD. Read all the information on this page about the STEM OPT period.

What are common, avoidable reasons for STEM OPT Extension rejections or denials? Reason 1: USCIS received Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after OPT EAD end date. If USCIS receives the student's STEM OPT Extension application after their OPT EAD end, their STEM OPT Extension application will be denied.

What happens after I submit the STEM OPT I-20 Request form in iPortal? ISPO will review your request and issue you an updated I-20 that will have the STEM OPT Extension recommendation on it. You will need to include a copy of this I-20 in your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS.

The first step in applying for OPT from USCIS is to request the OPT Recommendation I-20 from the F-1 International Student Advisor by submitting the OPT Request online. Students may apply for OPT during the 90 days prior to their graduation day and within the 60 days following their graduation day.

Authorization for OPT is granted by USCIS and processing takes an average of 3-5 months. Therefore, it is important that you apply for the authorization well in advance of the date you wish to start working. You may apply up to 90 days before completion of studies and no later than 60 days after.

Does stem OPT require sponsorship? ›

Since there is no sponsorship process required for students on OPT (like there is for other work visa programs), employers simply need to extend an offer of employment once the student has received their EAD.

You must have earned a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a major that appears on the STEM Designated Program List. Check your I-20 to view if your major's CIP code is eligible.

You may contact the USCIS National Customer Service number 1-800-375-5283 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern) to request an expedite of your pending OPT request if you have a valid expedite reason.

Combining the full 12 months of post-completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

You pay the $410 OPT or STEM OPT application when you file the OPT or STEM OPT application with USCIS. An employer may choose to reimburse you for the $410 OPT or STEM OPT filing fee—if the employer chooses to do so. There is no legal requirement that the employer pay your OPT or STEM OPT filing fee.

SEVIS School Code Recommending STEM OPT (including 3-digit suffix) This information can be found in the School Information section on page 1 of your most recent I-20. The school code begins with NYC214F.

Report material changes of the STEM OPT student's employment by submitting a modified Form I-983 to the DSO at the earliest available opportunity. Report the STEM OPT student's termination of employment or departure to the DSO within 5 business days.

You must print the form, sign it, and submit a scanned copy or photograph. Include an updated I-983 if you are reporting a change in employer name, work site, supervisor, or a change in jobs. If you are changing jobs, you must submit a STEM OPT Reporting Form and I-983 for both the previous job and the new job.

Nonimmigrant students participating in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) extension of optional practical training (OPT) and their employers are subject to the terms of the Form I‐ 983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” effective as of the start date requested for STEM OPT on the Form I‐ ...