You are here: American University Student Affairs International Student & Scholar Services STEM OPT Extension

Back to top

STEM OPT Extension

STEM OPT

A 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for F-1 students with a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field. 

Please note that you must be actively on post-completion OPT to apply for STEM OPT Extension. If you are currently not post-completion OPT, visit the Optional Practical Training Page

 

Eligibility

  • Must be currently on approved post-completion OPT.

  • Must have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field that appears on the DHS STEM-Designated Degree Program List. 
  • Must be employed by an E-Verify employer.
  • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience. Your employer cannot be a staffing/temporary agency or consulting firm unless they will be the entity that provides your practical training experience.
  • Must be a paid position for at least 20 hours per week.

Unemployment

An additional 60 days of unemployment is allotted for this extension. Any remaining unemployment days from your initial OPT period will rollover, giving you a possible maximum of 150 days of unemployment.

Application Materials

USCIS must receive the STEM OPT extension application before the expiration of the student's current post-completion OPT, but no sooner than 90 days before that date.

You will need soft copies of the following materials in order to apply:

  • Completed Form I-983 (PDF)
  • One passport-size photograph
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Copy of your unexpired passport (valid for at least 6 months in the future at the time of filing) 
  • Copy of previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card(s)
  • Copy of I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from ISSS
  • Proof of STEM Degree (official transcript and copy of diploma)

 

Application Procedure

  1. Know when to apply
    1. USCIS must receive the STEM OPT extension application before the expiration of the student's current post-completion OPT, but no sooner than 90 days before that date.
  2. Complete all sections of the STEM OPT workshop in iEagle 
  3. Submit the required e-forms in iEagle to begin STEM OPT processing with ISSS. Students must be in the U.S. to apply for STEM OPT.
    1. Confirmation of STEM OPT Eligibility e-form
    2. STEM OPT Application e-form. Upload the following:
      • Form I-983 (PDF) (completed using the I-983 Guide provided in the e-form)
      • Most recent I-94 admission record retrieved from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
      • Unexpired passport
      • F-1 visa
      • Previous I-20s with authorized OPT(s) *if applicable
      • Proof of STEM Degree (copy of diploma only)
      • The official transcript may be needed for the online filing
  4. Within two (2) weeks after your STEM OPT application e-forms are pending, ISSS will review and issue a new I-20 with STEM OPT reccommendation dates.
    1. Review the Online I-765 STEM OPT e-form in iEagle for help completing the online I-765
    2. While ISSS is reviewing your STEM OPT application materials, prepare 1 color passport photo taken within the last 30 days. The current online filing fee is listed on USCIS' website and can be paid by credit or debit card at the time of filing.
  5. Access your myUSCIS account and file your STEM OPT application (I-765) online with USCIS. 
    1. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application within 60 days of your new STEM OPT I-20 issued date or before the end of your post-completion OPT authorization period, whichever comes first. If not received within those timelines, your STEM OPT application will be denied, and appeal is not possible.
    2. Submit your Receipt Notice to ISSS in the iEagle e-form.
  6. STEM OPT applications typically take 2-3 months to process. You may check case processing times with USCIS here.
    1. For more information on STEM OPT, please review the FAQs at the bottom of this page. 

STEM OPT Application Disclaimer:  The STEM OPT webpage and other ISSS-produced handouts are not comprehensive and are based on frequently made mistakes. They contain helpful tips and can be used as a tool to assist you with your online application. 

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to follow all instructions in the online application to ensure your online form is accurate and complete before submitting your STEM OPT request to USCIS.  

 

Reporting Requirements

F-1 students on STEM Extension OPT have legal reporting requirements to maintain status. Failure to report in a timely manner may lead to the termination of your F-1 status.

In addition to maintaining the SEVP portal, STEM Extension OPT students must also report to ISSS the following:

  1. Employment Authorization Document (EAD): As soon as you receive your STEM OPT EAD card, please review it for accuracy and submit the Upload STEM OPT EAD Card e-form in iEagle under the STEM OPT menu.
  2. 6-Month Validation Report: Student must complete a validation report confirming that their personal and employment information has not changed every six months while on STEM OPT Extension. Submit all validation reports in iEagle under the STEM OPT menu. Your submission should correspond with the time from your STEM OPT start date (e.g. 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months). 

    Students will receive a reminder email 30 days before the validation report is due. Reports must be submitted within 30 days of that email.
  3. Evaluation of Student Progress: A self-evaluation is due 12 months after your STEM OPT starts and a final self-evaluation is due 24 months after your STEM OPT starts. Submit your STEM OPT self-evaluations and the corresponding validation report in iEagle under the STEM OPT menu. Your submission should correspond with the time from your STEM OPT start date (e.g. 12 months, 24 months). 

    Students will receive a reminder email 30 days before the evaluation on student progress is due. valuations must be submitted within 30 days of that email.
  4. Material Changes to an Existing Form I-983: Any updates to your personal address that happen before your validation report or evaluation is due must be reported as soon as it occurs and within 10 days of the change at the latest. Submit the Update Address and Contact Information e-form in iEagle under the STEM OPT Extension menu. 
  5. Change Employer: Ending any STEM OPT employment and starting employment with a new employer must be reported as soon as it occurs and within 10 days of the change at the latest. Submit both the New STEM OPT Position and STEM OPT Position Completion e-forms in iEagle under the STEM OPT Extension menu. The e-forms require a new Form I-983 for the new employer and a complete Form I-983 that includes a final self-evaluation on page 5 for the previous employer. 
  6. Update Personal Address: Any updates to your personal address that happen before your validation report or evaluation is due must be reported as soon as it occurs and within 10 days of the change at the latest. Submit the Update Address and Contact Information e-form in iEagle under the STEM OPT Extension menu. 
  7. End STEM OPT Early

STEM OPT Reporting and DHS Site Visits: DHS may, at its discretion, conduct a site visit of the employer to ensure that program requirements are being met, including that the employer possesses and maintains the ability and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences consistent with the Form I-983 Training Plan. Students should make sure their employer information and home addresses are up to date by updating their information via the SEVP portal and by reporting to ISSS. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were designed to provide international students with up-to-date answers to help navigate their STEM OPT Extension applications. 

Application

Students may begin applying for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the end of your Post-completion OPT authorization period.

ISSS recommends that students apply as soon as possible within the regulatory window since students may not apply for the STEM OPT extension after their Post-completion OPT authorization period ends. Please remember that the USCIS process for a STEM OPT approval typically takes 1-3 months. 

Under certain circumstances, students may apply for a STEM OPT Extension with a prior STEM degree earned from a currently accredited SEVP-certified school. This only applies if you have not already received a STEM OPT extension based on that degree. 

Students must first consult with ISSS to confirm their eligibility based on a prior STEM degree.

No, your STEM OPT start date is the day after your Post-completion OPT end date.

You will automatically receive an application receipt notice in your myUSCIS account after filing. USCIS will also send you a paper copy of your receipt notice by mail within 2 to 3 weeks after filing. Please save these notices as it will include your USCIS receipt number, which you can use to periodically check your application process here. You may also check your application status from within your myUSCIS account.

In addition, you may sign up for case status alerts through your myUSCIS account. ISSS recommends taking this action, so you are automatically notified when an action is taken on your case.  

OPT applications are generally processed by USCIS in 1-3 months. If 80 days have passed from the receipt date and you have not received your EAD card, you may try to contact USCIS to request an update on your pending case. You may contact USCIS for an update via phone at 1-800-375-5283 or via their online “Emma” bot.

You may also check case processing times on USCIS’ website here.

Yes, you must notify ISSS immediately for a timely immigration action to be taken on your SEVIS record and to receive prompt advice on your immigration options.  

After your STEM OPT application is received by USCIS, ISSS can no longer cancel your pending STEM OPT recommendation in the SEVIS immigration system. You will need to officially request to have your STEM OPT application withdrawn. Please contact USCIS for further instructions on how to withdraw your STEM OPT application. You must also contact ISSS to let us know you are withdrawing your application.

Please contact ISSS immediately. Depending on the information in the notice, our advice may vary, but prompt action is crucial.   

In this case, you will likely need to contact your academic unit to provide a letter confirming that you were enrolled and graduated with a STEM degree. ISSS cannot issue letters on academic matters. However, you should contact our office and provide a photocopy of the RFE for our review.

You should receive your EAD Card within 2 weeks of your STEM OPT approval by USCIS. Please check your case status within your myUSCIS account to understand when your card was mailed and make note of the mail tracking number. The case status will update once delivered.  

If you do not receive your card after the case status shows it was delivered, you may need to re-submit a new STEM OPT application. Please contact ISSS immediately.  

Please contact ISSS immediately so we can advise accordingly as some EAD card errors result in a delay in employment start dates. 

Yes, but this could result in a delay in your STEM OPT Processing timeline. You must submit to ISSS a completed I-983 for your new employer and a Final Eval for your old employer (if after the start date of STEM OPT). You will need to upload the updated STEM OPT I-20 and a cover letter in the Unsolicited Evidence section of your online I-765. 

Work

Yes, you may continue working with your STEM OPT employer for up to 180 days (about 6 months) after your Post-completion OPT authorization has ended if you have appropriately filed a STEM OPT application with USCIS.

Students may not be self-employed or pursue volunteer or unpaid work while on STEM OPT. STEM OPT requires paid employment with an E-Verify employer for at least 20 hours a week.

STEM OPT is employer specific, so you may only work with the employer that is listed on your Form I-983. Multiple employers may be possible, but it is rare. You should discuss employment options with ISSS before starting any new employment.

Students on STEM OPT are allowed 150 days (about 5 months) of unemployment. These 150 days is combining unemployment during your Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT. This means that any unemployment accrued during your Post-completion OPT will remain counted under the 150 allowable days during your STEM OPT.

It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of unemployment days and take the necessary action in a timely manner if you anticipate reaching the unemployment limit while on STEM OPT. ISSS recommends students either leave the U.S., start another academic program, or change status before reaching the 150th day of unemployment.

If leaving the U.S., please notify ISSS immediately through iEagle > Optional Practical Training (OPT) > Ending OPT Early e-form.

If starting another academic program, please request a Change of Level I-20 or transfer immigration status.

If changing status, please email proof to isssimmigration@american.edu so we may close your F-1 immigration record.

  • You may change employers while on STEM OPT, but each employer must meet the necessary eligibility requirements:
    • The employer must be an E-Verify employer.
    • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience. Your employer cannot be a staffing/temporary agency or consulting firm unless they will be the entity that provides your practical training experience.
    • The position must be paid for at least 20 hours per week.

 In addition, you must report any updates to employment within 10 days of  the change. To change employers under STEM OPT, you must email a new  Form I-983 for the new employer and a complete Form I-983 that includes  a final self-evaluation on page 5 for the previous employer  to isssemployment@american.edu.

Travel

You maintain your F-1 immigration status while on STEM OPT. 

It is not recommended to travel at any point during your STEM OPT authorization period until after your STEM OPT has been approved and you have received your new STEM OPT EAD Card. Travel before receiving your EAD Card and anytime during STEM OPT without a job or EAD Card is considered very risky and not recommended. It is also not recommended to travel close to the end date of your STEM OPT period.

During your STEM OPT, you should never try to re-enter the U.S. on any other visa status (e.g., B-1/B-2, Visa Waiver, etc.) as this would cancel your STEM OPT. If you travel outside the U.S. while on STEM OPT, you will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.: 

  • Your valid STEM OPT I-20 signed for travel within the last 6 months 
  • An unexpired F-1 visa (if your F-1 visa has expired, you must apply for renewal while outside the U.S.) 
  • An unexpired passport with at least 6 months left on the expiration date 
  • Your unexpired STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card 
  • A signed letter of employment on company letterhead (If you do not have proof of employment, you may be denied re-entry to the U.S.) 

You should not travel outside the U.S. while a Change of Status case is pending. If you leave in this circumstance, USCIS may consider you as abandoning your application. Please consult with an immigration attorney before planning any travel abroad.

Life

Only recreational and avocational classes are permissible during your STEM OPT period.

Yes, students who successfully complete their STEM OPT have 60 days to:  
1. Leave the U.S. 
2. Change visa status 
3. Start a new education program   

Successful completion of STEM OPT includes meeting all reporting requirements and not reaching the 150-day unemployment limit.  

Ending STEM OPT Eearly

  • You must inform ISSS if you decide to leave the U.S. permanently before your STEM OPT end date. ISSS will close your F-1 status in the SEVIS immigration system, so you will stop accruing unemployment days.

    To report to ISSS, you must take the following two actions.
    • Log into iEagle > Optional Practical Training (OPT) > Ending OPT Early.
    • Email a complete Form I-983 that includes a final self-evaluation on page 5 for your STEM OPT employer to isssemployment@american.edu.

 Informing ISSS of your intentions immediately is an important part of your  legal STEM OPT reporting requirements and will ensure that your F- 1 immigration status is closed by ISSS in a timely manner. 

Your STEM OPT will automatically end if you begin another academic program. You cannot save the unused portion of your STEM OPT or continue employment while attending school for a new program.

If you will start a new academic program at American University, follow the instructions here to receive your new Change of Education Level I-20.

If you will start a new academic program at another U.S. institution, follow the instructions here to request a transfer of your immigration status.

Do not submit the Ending OPT Early e-form in these situations.

Please inform ISSS via email at isssimmigration@american.edu if you change your immigration status before your STEM OPT end date. Please email proof of your new immigration status, so we may close your F-1 immigration status in a timely manner. 

Extensions

There are no employment extensions possible under your F-1 immigration status following the end of your STEM OPT.  

A student may only be authorized for two lifetime STEM OPT extensions.

To receive a second STEM OPT authorization, a student must complete another qualifying STEM degree at a higher degree level.

  • The "Cap-Gap" refers to the period of time where F-1 students on STEM OPT have a gap in their visa status. The Cap-Gap I-20 will allow students to maintain their F-1 immigration status and continue STEM OPT employment until the H-1B immigration status begins. To receive the I-20 with the Cap-Gap notation, you must email ISSS at isssemployment@american.edu with proof that an employer has filed an H-1B petition.

    Please be aware that Cap-Gap is not automatic, and students should consult with ISSS to ensure this option is available.

    Students should also consult an immigration attorney for more information on H-1B visas.