STEM OPT EXTENSION

Eligibility –

To be eligible for the STEM Extension, you must: 

  • Be in F-1 status 
  • Be currently on Post-completion OPT 
  • Have a bachelor's degree or higher degree in eligible STEM field (check your CIP Code here) 
  • Have a paid job offer that meets the following requirements: 
  • The job is with an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify Program. Check with your employer to determine if they are enrolled in E-Verify. 
  • The position offers at least 20 hours of work per week. 
  • Unlike OPT, volunteer/unpaid work or self-employment is not permitted for STEM OPT extension. 
  • The employer will provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree. 
  • The employer will complete the I-983 Training Plan with you. 


E-Verify –

  • To receive the STEM OPT extension, you must pursue your practical training through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. 
  • E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. 
  • Employers can learn how to enroll in the program on the USCIS website. The website also has free webinars and other resources for employers. 


Formal Training and the I-983 Training Plan  –

  • You must select an employer that can provide you with formal training and learning objectives. 
  • You must work with your potential employer to complete the Form I-983, which must include how the training opportunity has a direct relationship to your qualifying STEM degree.   
  • You must have a legitimate employee-employer relationship. Employers must complete and sign the Form I-983 with you.   
  • You cannot be self-employed or employed as contractor (paid via 1099 instead of a W2) because you may not sign as the employer yourself.   
  • You may use a start-up business so long as all regulatory requirements are met.   
  • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that employs you and provides the practical training experience. 
  • Example: You can't be employed through an employment agency. 
  • Please note that your post-completion OPT employer does not need to be the same as your STEM OPT extension employer.   


Resources  –


STEM OPT Application Process –

  1. Attending the OPT Workshop 
  2. Log into emporia-isss.terradotta.com. Select Start New Request and find F-1: STEM Document Review Request. Select Start Request and complete the required fields. 
  3. After submission, OIE will review your documents. If approved, you will receive an OPT I-20. 
  4. Use this I-20 within 60 days to apply for OPT with USCIS and wait 3-5 months for the USCIS decision. You may continue to work up to 180 days after your OPT ends until your application is adjudicated. 


Reporting –


Reporting Requirements –

  • To maintain status, you must regularly check in with the OIE throughout the duration of the STEM Extension. 
  • Every six months you must report that your record in SEVIS accurately reflects your current circumstance. 
  • You must also report a change in this information, including any loss of employment, within 10 days of the change. 

Validation Reports –

  • Every six months you must confirm that your SEVIS information correctly identifies your: 
  • Legal name 
  • Residential or mailing address 
  • Employer name and address 
  • Status of current employment 
  • SEVP Portal users will receive a reminder via email 30 days before any validation report is due.   
  • Missing your validation report deadline will result in the termination of your STEM OPT and SEVIS Record. 


Annual Evaluation (at 12 months) –

  • You must submit to your DSO an annual self-evaluation describing the progress of the training experience. 
  • This can be found on the I-983 Training Plan on page 5 under EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS. 
  • You must submit all five of the pages of the training plan. 
  • SEVP Portal users will receive a reminder via email 30 days before their self-evaluation is due.   


Final Evaluation (at end of employment) –

  • You must complete an assessment on the I-983 Training Plan at the conclusion your STEM OPT. 
  • This can be found on Page 5 under FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS 
  • This final assessment must be submitted within 10 days following the conclusion of this training opportunity. 
  • You and your employers must sign the self-evaluation before you submit it to your DSO, who will include it in your SEVIS record.   
  • Note: If you send your report early, we have to shorten your employment end date to match the training plan. Therefore, you cannot work after completing the FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGESS. 
  • If you plan to transfer your SEVIS record, you must complete the Final Evaluation and Validation report first. 
  • Not submitting a final evaluation would be a violation and may result in the termination of your status. 


End of Employment (after quitting or being terminated by employer) –

  • You must complete an assessment on the I-983 Training Plan at the conclusion of any employment at any time during your STEM OPT. 
  • This can be found on Page 5 under FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS. 
  • This final assessment must be submitted within 10 days following the conclusion of this training opportunity. 
  • You and your employers must sign the self-evaluation before you submit it to the OIE.   
  • Note: If you send your report early, we have to shorten your employment end date to match the training plan. Therefore, you cannot work after completing the FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGESS. 
  • Not submitting a final evaluation would be a violation and may result in the termination of your status. 


Start a New Job –

  • You must submit a new Form I-983 within 10 days of starting the new job. 
  • If you start a new job right before your Annual Evaluation, you still have to complete your Annual Evaluation. 


Material Changes to an Existing Form I-983 –

  • You must report to your DSO any changes to the original Form I-983 within 10 days. These changes include: 
  • Any change of the employer’s EIN 
  • Any reduction in your compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked 
  • Any significant decrease in hours worked per week 
  • Changes to the employer’s commitments or your learning objectives 
  • You must keep the I-983 Training Plan updated to stay in status. 


International Travel –

Pending USCIS Application before OPT ends 

  • Should be for emergencies only 
  • USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence which will need to be returned in a timely manner 

 

Pending USCIS Application after OPT ends 

  • Strongly not recommended 
  • USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence which will need to be returned in a timely manner 
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is permitted to bar you from re-entry 

 

Traveling after Receiving EAD without Employment 

  • It is not recommended, no guarantee for re-entry 
  • Travel with the following: I-20 with travel signature (good for only 6 months!), valid passport, valid F-1 visa, EAD, proof of job search 

 

Traveling after Receiving EAD with Employment 

  • Most recommended, safest option for re-entry 
  • Travel with: I-20 with travel signature (good for only 6 months!), valid passport, valid F-1 visa, EAD, proof of employment 


Frequently Asked Questions –

When can I apply for STEM OPT? 

You can apply for STEM OPT through USCIS as early as 90 days before your OPT ends. You must apply before your OPT ends. Use this Planning tool for 24-Month Extension of STEM OPT to determine the correct dates. 

 

When does my STEM OPT start? 

Your STEM OPT starts the day after your OPT ends. You are granted an automatic extension of 180 days on your OPT to continue working until your application is adjudicated.  

 

Can I change jobs before my STEM OPT is approved? 

Yes, but you will need to get a new I-983. If you worked during the STEM period, you need to complete the FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS on your original I-983. You need to update USCIS with your new I-20. This can slow your application adjudication timeline. 

 

Can I work for a different employer for STEM than I did for OPT? 

Yes, this is quite common. Students will begin their new employment the day their STEM OPT starts or shortly after.  

 

I want to work for my current employer for STEM OPT but they are not E-Verified, what can I do? 

You can ask them to get E-Verified. It is a free and simple process. Direct them to this website: studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/work/understanding-e-verify. If they do not agree, you must find a different employer. 

 

My OPT employer is E-Verified but does not want to complete the I-983. Can I still work for them? 

No, you must find a different employer for STEM OPT. 

 

I was terminated from my job and my employer refuses to sign my I-983 FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS. What should I do? 

Inform the OIE and we will help you report their non-compliance. 

 

How many unemployment days do I get for STEM OPT? 

You get an additional 60 days for a total of 150 days. The unemployment counter does not reset. So, if you use 60 days during OPT, you will have 90 days left when you begin STEM OPT. The additional unemployment days are not available until your STEM OPT is approved by USCIS.