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An F-1 student may apply for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension if they meet all eligibility requirements below:

Student Requirements

The student must:

• Currently be authorized for and actively participating in post-completion OPT.
• Have earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher in a DHS-approved STEM field from an accredited, SEVP-certified institution.
• Submit the STEM OPT application within all required deadlines.
• Maintain valid F-1 status.

Employment Requirements

The STEM OPT employment must:

• Be directly related to the student鈥檚 STEM degree program.
• Be a paid position.
• Require at least 20 hours per week.
• Be with an employer enrolled in .
• Maintain a valid employer-employee relationship.
• Self-employment is not permitted.
• Meet all STEM OPT employer requirements and responsibilities.

Form I-983 Requirement

The student and employer must:

• Complete for STEM OPT Students.
• Ensure the employer meets STEM OPT training requirements.
• Submit required updates and evaluations throughout the STEM OPT period.

DSO Recommendation Requirement

Before applying to USCIS, the student must:

• Request the STEM OPT Recommendation at least 10 days prior to deadline.
• Receive a STEM OPT recommendation from a Designated School Official (DSO).
• Obtain a STEM OPT-endorsed Form I-20.
• Submit the to USCIS within the required timeframe

Students may apply:

• Up to 90 days before the current OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration date.
• Within 60 days of the DSO STEM OPT recommendation date in SEVIS.

Important:

• Students cannot apply during the 60-day grace period after completion of initial post-completion OPT.
• USCIS must receive the STEM OPT application before:
  • The current OPT EAD expires; and
  • The 60-day STEM OPT recommendation period expires.

Students who timely file the STEM OPT application:

• May continue working for their qualifying STEM OPT employer for up to 180 days beyond the expiration date on the current OPT EAD.
• May only work according to STEM OPT employment requirements during the automatic extension period.

If USCIS does not approve the application within the 180-day extension period:

• Employment authorization ends.
• The student must stop working until STEM OPT approval is received.

• Employment Type 鈫� Paid employment only
• Minimum Hours 鈫� At least 20 hours per week per employer
• Employer 鈫� Must be enrolled in E-Verify
• Relationship 鈫� Bona fide employer-employee relationship required
• Field of Study 鈫� Employment must directly relate to STEM degree

Unemployment Limits

Students are allowed:

• 90 days of unemployment during initial post-completion OPT.
• Additional 60 days of unemployment during STEM OPT.

Maximum unemployment allowance: 150 days combined during the OPT period.

Standard Processing: Approximately 4 months or longer

Premium Processing: Available for an additional fee.

Current processing times and USCIS updates:

Step 1 鈥� Request STEM OPT Recommendation from International Services

Submit the STEM OPT request through the International Services Portal (at least 2 weeks in advance)

You must submit:

• Completed .
• Employer information.

Step 2 鈥� Receive an Updated Form I-20

If you are eligible, your DSO will:

• Recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS
• Issue an updated Form I-20 reflecting the request.

You must receive the updated immigration document before filing with USCIS.

Step 3 鈥� File Form I-765 to USCIS

After receiving the updated Form I-20, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, directly to USCIS before the expiration of your post-completion optional practical training. The application must include all required fees, supporting documentation, and evidence demonstrating eligibility.

Start your Application

1. Go to 鈫� (login or create a new account)
2. Go to myUSCIS 鈫� File a form online
3. Select 鈫� I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
4. Eligibility Category 鈫� (c)(3)(C)
5. What is your degree 鈫� Write your degree as stated on your official transcript
6. Employer鈥檚 name as listed in E-Verify 鈫� Provide your employer details
7. Employers E-Verify Number 鈫� Provide your employer details
8. Premium Processing 鈫� This is optional for an additional fee
9. Reason for Applying 鈫� Renewal of permission to accept employment
10. Previously Filed Form I-765 鈫� Yes
11. Travel Document Number鈫� Skip this, as most students do not have a travel document number
12. A-Number 鈫� Provide the USCIS# written on your Post-completion OPT EAD card.

Reminder: Your STEM OPT I-20 is valid for 60 days and your request must be received by USCIS before your OPT end date.

Evidence

Your USCIS Application Must Include

• 2鈥� x 2鈥� Photo Your photo must meet USCIS standards.
• Form I-94 or Passport Provide your I-94 and your passport biographical page
• Employment Authorization Document Provide your Post-completion OPT EAD card and any previous EAD cards issued.
• Form I-20 Upload your STEM OPT I-20 (make sure page 2 includes accurate STEM OPT recommendation and sign page one).
• College Degree Upload your diploma, transcript, and STEM Letter (if issued by International Services)
• Institutional Accreditation If you are applying for STEM OPT based on your most recent degree earned from Adelphi, leave this section blank.

Filing Fee

• : $520 (subject to change)
• : Available for an additional fee
• : Approximately 4 months or longer

Step 4 鈥� After Submitting STEM OPT Application

Students should:

• Monitor .
• Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE).
• Continue maintaining F-1 status.
• Maintain required employment.
• Complete all STEM OPT reporting requirements.

Federal regulations require STEM OPT students to report specific information throughout the STEM OPT period.

All reporting must be submitted through the International Services Portal.

Reporting Deadline

Students must report required updates:

• Within 10 days of any change.
• At least 2 weeks before required validation deadlines.

Failure to report may result in:

• Loss of F-1 status.
• Termination of STEM OPT authorization.
• Negative impact on future immigration benefits.

STEM OPT Reporting Schedule

• 6 Month SEVIS Validation (confirming address and employment)

If no changes, no additional documentation is required.

If changes, a new is required (Pages 1鈥�4)

• 12 Month Self Evaluation (student progress evaluation)

Submit (Top of Page 5, signed by student & employer)

• 18 Month SEVIS Validation (confirming address and employment)

If no changes, no additional documentation is required.

If changes, a new is required (Pages 1鈥�4)

• 24 Month Final Evaluation (final evaluation of student progress)

Submit (Bottom of Page 5, signed by student & employer)

Additional Reportable STEM OPT Changes

• Material Change (changes to EIN, compensation, hours/week, employer name/address)

New Required (Pages 1鈥�4), signed by student and employer.

• End Employment (ending current employment listed in SEVP Portal)

Required (Final Evaluation of Student Progress – Bottom of Page 5, signed, reflecting employment start & end dates

• Add New Employer (adding a new or additional employer)

Required (Pages 1鈥�4 signed by student & new employer)

• Departing the U.S. (ending STEM OPT Early)

Required (Final Evaluation of Student Progress – Bottom of Page 5, signed, reflecting employment dates)

• Change to New Immigration Status (after approval of new status)

Final Evaluation, Required (Final Evaluation of Student Progress – Bottom of Page 5, signed by student & employer, reflecting employment dates)