STEM OPT 24-Month Extension Checklist

Requesting STEM Extension

Like the OPT application, STEM Extension applications are a two part process. The first part is with ISS and obtaining your I-20 with the STEM Extension recommendation. The second part is filing the I-765 application with USCIS.

Part 1: Submit to ISS

To request your STEM OPT Extension (i.e., your I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation), you will need to submit the following using the STEM OPT Extension form.

• 24-Month STEM OPT Acknowledgement Form, available on our knowledge base
• Completed Form I-983
  • For the most up to date I-983 and instructions, visit Study in the State's article, Form I-983 Overview.
  • If your employer has questions about the I-983, you can direct them to Study in the State's article,  Employers and the Form I-983.
• Payment confirmation of the non-refundable $300 OPT Maintenance Charge. Select Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM Extension, and Post-Completion Academic Training (AT) Maintenance Charge on the payment website.

Part 2: Submit to USCIS

For the most up to date instructions, online form link, and filing fees, review USCIS's website, I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The application may required the following additional documentation: 

• Most recent I-94 admission record 
• Passport identity/validity page 
  • If you are filing online, upload an electronic copy of this document to the EAD evidence page (if you do not have a previous EAD card). If you have an EAD card, upload it to the I-94 evidence page. 
• Most recent F-1 visa stamp
• Signed I-20 with STEM Extension recommendation
  • This document will be provided by ISS. Your STEM Extension recommendation will be listed on page two. 
  • Important: Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of when the STEM Extension I-20 was issued.
• Current EAD card (front and back)
• Copy of STEM degree transcripts, if filing STEM extension based on a previous degree
• Previous CPT I-20s, if any 
• Previous OPT I-20s, if any 
• Previous EAD cards (copy of front and back)
• Previous I-20s issued under different SEVIS IDs, if any 
  • If you previously held J-1 status, include a copy of your previous DS-2019. 

Important Reminders

• Please note that ISS must have a fully complete copy of the I-983 (with all signature spaces signed and all information correct) before we can issue the STEM OPT I-20. If corrections are needed on your I-983, we must have the corrected form, with signatures, before we can process your I-20.
• Do not file your online application without the STEM OPT I-20. This document is a key component of the application, and it must be included at the time you file. Filing without the STEM OPT I-20 can lead to a denial of your application. Depending on when you receive notice of the denial, you may not have enough time remaining in your legal filing window to re-file the application.

Communication from USCIS

You should receive a paper I-797C Notice of Receipt for your application at the mailing address on your I-765. Please submit a copy of this notice to ISS. Please be sure to review your receipt notice carefully. Check the spelling of your name and your date of birth. If there are any errors, contact ISS immediately.

• If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Denial Notice, send a copy of the communication to ISS right away. These documents are time sensitive and have the potential to impact your legal F-1 status and your permission to remain in the U.S.
• When your EAD card has arrived, submit a copy of the I-797A Approval Notice and the front and back of your EAD to ISS.
   

Employment Once Your Application Has Been Filed with USCIS

Temporary 180-day Extension of  Employment Authorization: Applicants who have timely filed a complete application for the STEM OPT extension will have an automatic 180-day extension of their current OPT work authorization. This temporary extension begins the day after your 12-month OPT period ends.