STEM OPT extension
The STEM OPT extension is an opportunity to participate in an additional 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. F-1 students who have completed eligible STEM degrees and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT have an opportunity to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
Which majors at Messiah University currently quailify under the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List?
The highlighted majors in the Messiah University CIP Codes list currently qualify for STEM OPT.
To see the list, please click here.
Am I eligible to apply for STEM OPT?
You may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, if you meet all of the following conditions:
You are currently approved for post-completion OPT .You completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field.
You have a paid job from an E-Verify employer working at least 20 hours/week. You have not previously received a 24-month STEM OPT extension for a degree of the same level.
Where can I find out more about STEM OPT?
When can I apply for STEM OPT?
You can apply for STEM OPT beginning 90 days before your 12-month OPT and EAD card expire. The deadline for USCIS to receive your STEM OPT application is the date of your EAD card expiration; there is no grace period.
Can I apply for a STEM OPT extension on the basis of a previously conferred degree?
Yes, a STEM OPT extension could be granted based on a prior degree whether or not it is from Messiah University. However, it must meet the following conditions:
The prior degree…
was actually conferred (fully completed)
was conferred within 10 years of the DSOs recommendation date for STEM OPT extension
is from a U.S. educational institution that is accredited and SEVP-certified
is in a degree program included on the current STEM Designated Degree Program List
is directly related to the practical training opportunity that is the basis of the 24-month STEM extension
Am I eligible for a second period of STEM OPT at a higher educational level?
If a student completes an additional degree at a higher level (such as a master’s or doctorate degree), that student may apply for a second 24-month OPT extension. However, a student is only eligible for two STEM OPT extensions within his or her lifetime.
Does my employer qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
The employer must meet the following conditions:
The employer is enrolled in E-Verify (Please visit the following webpage: https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees/e-verify-overview )
The employer has an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The employer has sufficient resources and personnel available to provide the training specified in the Form I-983
The employer signs the Form I-983 Training Plan
Can an unpaid volunteer position be the basis for a STEM OPT extension?
No, the position must be paid fairly according to ‘similarly situated U.S. workers.’
Can a part-time position be the basis for a STEM OPT extension?
The position must be 20 hours a week or more, which is considered ‘full-time.’
How do I apply for STEM OPT?
Complete I-983 Training Plan (link: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview )
Complete I-765 form (link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 )
Meet with Messiah University DSO and request new Form I-20 endorsed for STEM OPT extension
Gather all of the below documents and send to USCIS
Copy of Form I-20 with STEM extension endorsement
Form I-765 (eligibility category (c)(3)(C))
Copy of your academic transcript
Copy of your diploma
Copy of your F-1 visa
Copy for most recent I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov )
Copy of your current EAD card (front and back)
2 passport style photos (write your name in pencil on the back of each photo)
Copy of passport information page
Copy of form I-797
Form I-765 filing fee ($410) paid by personal check or money order (payable to the Department of Homeland Security) or by credit card (use Form G-1450 link: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450 )
Optional: Form G-1145 e-Notification of application
Mail to the correct USCIS lockbox for your state (https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/uscis-phoenix-and-dallas-lockbox-facilities )
Please note: the I-983 Training Plan does not need to be submitted to USCIS (unless they request a copy during processing). However, you should maintain the original and the Intercultural Office will also keep a copy in your student file.
If you like to review all of the documents for STEM OPT extension before submission to USCIS, please make an appointment with a Messiah University DSO. We would be happy to help you.
Within 3-6 weeks, you should receive a notice from USCIS with a receipt number. Use this number to check your case status at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/displayLogon.do . Most likely, it will take at least 90 days for your case to be adjudicated by USCIS.
Where can I find my major's CIP code?
I have two majors. Can I qualify for STEM OPT extension based on one of the degree programs?
Can I qualify for a STEM OPT extension based on my minor?
Can I work with an expired EAD card while my STEM OPT extension is pending?
Yes. If you filed your STEM OPT extension in a timely fashion (USCIS received it before your EAD card expiry), then your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days. However, your employment needs to be related to your STEM major.
Can I be unemployed while on STEM OPT?
Yes. Students are provided with 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month OPT period; an additional 60 days is provided for the STEM OPT period. Therefore, during the entire 36-month OPT period, a student can accrue a maximum of 150 days of unemployment.
Can I change employers while my STEM OPT is pending?
Yes, but USCIS will need to be notified of the change. A new Form I-983 training plan, for the new employer, will need to be submitted to the Intercultural Office. You must also submit a final self-evaluation (from the Form I-983 training plan) for the previous employer. A new I-20 will be issued.
When my STEM OPT extension ends, do I have a grace period to leave the U.S.?
Yes, as long as you have not accrued the maximum days of unemployment, there is a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S.