Requesting Your STEM OPT I-20
To request your STEM OPT Extension (i.e., your STEM OPT I-20), you will need to submit a scan or electronic copy of the following documents to ISS.
- 24-Month STEM OPT Acknowledgement Form, available on our knowledge base
- Completed Form I-983
- Always retrieve this form from the Study in the States website to make sure you have the most current form version.
- Be sure to review the Sample I-983 and read the I-983 instructions before submitting your I-983 for employer signatures.
- We recommend that you review your I-983 with an ISS advisor before getting employer signatures to avoid having to request additional signatures if edits are required.
- If your employer has questions about the I-983, you can direct them to the DHS I-983 resource for employers.
- All signatures must be signed in ink. They cannot be typographical, digital signatures. We do not need the original with the ink signature; a copy of the original signature pages signed in ink is sufficient.
- Note: This form is not submitted to USCIS with your I-765 application.
- Check or money order of $410 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (See USCIS Filing Fees - How to Write Your Check.)
- Always check the I-765 site to confirm the current filing fee amount.
- For all forms of payment, please make sure to write I-765 fee and your USCIS number in the memo field.
- For personal checks, the account holder’s name and address must be printed on the check. We do not recommend using starter checks.
- For cashier's checks and bank-issued money orders, your USCIS# and the phrase C03C I-765 fee should be added to the memo.
- If you are filing online, you will pay the application fee electronically (credit/debit card, electronic check) within the application.
- Two identical immigration-style/passport photos — taken within the last 30 days
- Photos must meet Department of State photo requirements. Do not submit old photos that have been used for passport renewal or visa applications.
- Write your full name and USCIS number (from your EAD card) on the back of each photo.
- If you are filing online, you still need to have a passport photo that meets Department of State requirements taken. You will need to upload it into your online application. The photo must pass the quality and specifications screening built into the application.
- For best results use a jpg, jpeg or png file that has a resolution of at least 300 dpi, and use the Department of State photo composition tool to crop your digital file. (Link is included in the online application photo evidence page.)
- Form G-1145, used to request Lockbox confirmation of receipt of your application
- If you are filing online, you will not need to prepare this form. Notifications will be sent via your USCIS online account.
- Form I-765
- If filing a paper application, always retrieve this form directly from the USCIS website to make sure you have the most current form version. If you will file online, you will need to create an USCIS online account, if you do not already have one.
- We strongly recommend that you read the form filing instructions prior to completing your form.
- For a visual aid, see the Sample I-765 in the attachments section of this article; the sample is filled out according to USCIS instructions.
- If you are filing online, you must still include the additional responses that would be entered on page 7 of the paper application.
- Previous SEVIS IDs statement can be added following these steps.
- Additional Information > Add a response > Page: About you > Section: Your immigration information > Question: What is your SEVIS ID number?
- View page 7 of the Sample I-765 (See attachments.) for examples of remarks.
- Previous CPT or OPT statement can be added following these steps.
- Additional information > Add a response > Page: Getting Started > Section: Reason for applying > Question: Have you previously filed form I-765?
- View page 7 of the Sample I-765 (See attachments.) for examples of remarks.
- Most recent I-94 admission record
- Include the front and the back if you have a paper I-94.
- If you are filing online, upload this item to the I-94 evidence page.
- 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 and entry stamp page(s) or F-1 entry stamp from passport for F-1 students from Canada or Bermuda
- If you are filing online, upload an electronic copy of this document to the I-94 evidence page.
- Signed OPT I-20
- This document will be provided by ISS. Your OPT recommendation will be listed on page two. This I-20 will not be signed for travel unless you have upcoming travel already planned. If so, please let us know at the time you are submitting your STEM OPT extension request.
- Important: Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of when the OPT I-20 was issued.
- Current EAD card (front and back)
- Copy of STEM degree transcripts or diploma
- Previous CPT I-20s, if any
- This item should include CPT I-20s from LSU and from any other schools where you had CPT authorization.
- 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.
Assembling the STEM OPT Application (Lockbox Filing)
If you will file a paper application, we recommend assembling your STEM OPT application in the order indicated below. Your USCIS application fee and your photos should be on the very top of the application. Once your application is assembled, you will need to ship the completed application to the appropriate USCIS address listed in the next section.
It is extremely important that you review your application before filing it with USCIS. If your application is rejected or denied due to missing materials, an out of date I-765 form, or other issues with completeness, timely filing, or eligibility, you could lose your eligibility to apply for the STEM OPT extension. Based on the timing of the rejection or denial notification from USCIS, you may not be eligible to re-file your application.
Order for STEM OPT Application Assembly
- Original: Two passport Photos
- Original: USCIS application fee (check or money order)
- Original: Form G-1145 (Please download directly from the USCIS website.)
- Original: Form I-765 (Please download directly from the USCIS website.)
- Photocopy: Signed STEM OPT I-20 (provided by ISS)
- Photocopy: Passport
- Photocopy: F-1 Visa Stamp and Entry Stamp (entry stamp only for citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
- Photocopy: Most recent I-94 admission record
- Photocopy: Current EAD Card (front and back)
- Photocopy: Academic Transcript
- Photocopy: Previous I-20s issued under different SEVIS IDs
- Photocopy: Previous CPT I-20s, if any
- Photocopy: Previous OPT I-20s from OPT at other levels, if any
- Photocopy: Previous EAD cards, if any (front and back)
Do not use staples to attach or assemble your application; use binder clips or paperclips instead. It is recommended that you place your photos inside either a Ziploc bag or a paper envelope to prevent them from being lost during processing. If you use a paper envelope, write I-765 Photos: Last Name, First Name, USCIS#XXX-XXX-XXX on the outside of the envelope. We also recommend that you review the USCIS form filing tips prior to getting started on your application. Remember: you should not submit the Form I-983 Training Plan along with the STEM OPT extension application. The Form I-983 needs to be submitted only to ISS.
We recommend that you make a photocopy or scan of your entire application package before sending it to USCIS. If there are any issues with your application, it will be helpful to have a copy of exactly what was sent in to USCIS.
Sending Your Application to USCIS (Lockbox Filing)
Please note that you are responsible for sending your application to USCIS. If you are filing a paper application, we strongly recommend that you use a courier services such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. If you choose to send it via USPS, you should use the express mail option only. It is important to be able to track the application and document that it was delivered. The filing addresses are below. Always check the USCIS I-765 page before filing your paper application to confirm the current filing location.
USCIS Chicago Lockbox Filing Address for FedEx, UPS, DHL
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373)
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
USCIS Chicago Lockbox Filing Address for USPS Express Mail
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Attn: I-765 C03
P.O. Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680-5374
Submitting Your Application (Online Filing)
- Sign and scan your STEM OPT I-20 that you received from ISS. Upload the signed copy of this document into the I-20 evidence page.
- Review your application once more for completeness.
- Do not pay the fee until you have received and uploaded your signed STEM OPT I-20 from ISS.
- Once you have submitted your application, send a copy of your final I-765 and your I-797C Receipt Notice to ISS.
Communication from USCIS
Within two weeks of filing your application, 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 work authorization. This temporary extension begins the day after your 12-month OPT period ends.
You will need to renew your Form I-9 with your employer before your current EAD expires. You will need your STEM OPT I-20 and your current EAD card, along with your passport and current I-94 admission record. It is recommended that you also have your I-797 Notice of Receipt from your STEM OPT application.