What is STEM OPT Extension for International Students

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) available to F-1 students who have earned a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution. It allows eligible students to gain practical work experience in their field of study after completing their studies.

Who is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension?

To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be an F-1 student who has completed your studies and received a degree in a STEM field from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
• Be currently in a valid period of post-completion OPT.
• Be employed by an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program.
• Your employment must be directly related to your STEM degree program.

How to apply for the STEM OPT Extension

To apply for the STEM OPT Extension, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the required supporting documents.

Additional important information

• You can only apply for one STEM OPT Extension per degree level (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate).
• The STEM OPT Extension is not a guarantee of permanent residency.
• You must continue to maintain your F-1 status while you are on the STEM OPT Extension.

Applying for a STEM OPT Extension

To apply for an extension, you must properly file:

When applying for a STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary documents and forms are appropriately filed. The STEM OPT extension allows F-1 students with STEM degrees to extend their post-completion OPT authorization by an additional 24 months, providing an opportunity to gain further practical experience in their field of study.

Here is a comprehensive list of the documents and forms required to apply for a STEM OPT extension:

• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: This form is used to request an extension of your employment authorization. It is essential to fill out this form accurately and completely, ensuring that all required information is provided.
• Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status: You will need a new Form I-20 endorsed by your designated school official (DSO) within the last 60 days. The DSO's endorsement confirms that you are eligible for the STEM OPT extension and have met all the requirements.
• Copy of your STEM degree and transcripts: You must provide a copy of your official STEM degree and transcripts as evidence of your eligibility for the STEM OPT extension. This can include a copy of your diploma, official transcripts, or a letter from your academic institution confirming the completion of your STEM degree.
• Copy of your current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card: Include a copy of your current EAD card to demonstrate your current OPT status and to facilitate the processing of your STEM OPT extension application.
• Application fee: Prepare a check or money order for the required application fee, as the USCIS specifies. The fee amount may vary, so verifying the current fee and making the payment accordingly is essential.
• Supporting documents: Depending on your specific circumstances, USCIS may request additional documents to assess your eligibility for the STEM OPT extension. These documents could include a letter from your employer, a training plan, or any other relevant evidence demonstrating your intent to engage in practical training related to your STEM field.

It's essential to thoroughly review the STEM OPT Extension application instructions and requirements provided by USCIS to ensure you submit all necessary documents and information. Additionally, consulting with your designated school official (DSO) for guidance and assistance throughout the application process is highly recommended.

Submitting a complete and accurate STEM OPT extension application will facilitate the processing of your request and ensure that you can continue to engage in practical training in your STEM field of study.

Extension period employment authorization

Suppose you send in your STEM OPT extension application on time, and your OPT time runs out while your extension request is being processed. In that case, we'll automatically extend your work authorization for 180 days. This extra 180-day extension stops once USCIS decides on your STEM OPT extension application. F-1 students with a pending STEM OPT extension application can't get the longer temporary extension period mentioned in the May 4, 2022 rule. That temporary longer extension only applies to specific categories listed in the chart on the Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension page.

After Receiving a STEM OPT Extension

STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities

Hiring STEM OPT students can be a valuable way to strengthen your workforce with qualified individuals. However, employers must fulfill specific requirements and responsibilities to ensure compliance with the program. Here's a summary of the key points:

Eligibility:

• Your company must be enrolled and remain in good standing with the E-Verify program.
• You must establish a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student, meaning they are not volunteers, and receive appropriate compensation.
• The student must have an approved STEM OPT extension from USCIS.

Form I-983:

• You must work with the student to complete and certify Form I-983, which outlines the training plan and employment details.
• This includes sections on company information, training schedule, compensation, and formal training plan.

Reporting Requirements:

• Report any employment or training plan changes to the student's Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days.
• Report the student's termination or leave of employment to the DSO within 5 business days.
• Review and sign the student's annual self-evaluations on their progress.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide at least 20 hours of work per week relevant to the student's field.
• Ensure the training experience is on-site at your worksite(s) accessible to USCIS inspections.
• Maintain accurate employment records for the duration of the student's employment.

Terms and Conditions for Employer Participation

• E-Verify Enrollment: You must be enrolled and remain in good standing with the E-Verify program, verifying the employment eligibility of all employees, including the STEM OPT student.
• Bona Fide Relationship: Establish a legitimate employer-employee relationship with the student, offering appropriate compensation and avoiding volunteer-like arrangements.
• Approved STEM OPT Extension: Confirm the student possesses a valid and approved STEM OPT extension from USCIS before offering employment.
• Form I-983 Completion: Collaborate with the student to complete and certify Form I-983, outlining the training plan, employment details, and company information.
• Reporting Requirements: Report any changes to employment or training plans to the student's DSO within 10 days and notify the DSO within 5 business days if the student leaves employment.
• Minimum Work Hours: Ensure the student is employed for at least 20 hours per week in tasks relevant to their field of study.
• On-Site Training: Guarantee the training experience occurs at your worksite(s) and is accessible for potential USCIS inspections.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate and detailed employment records for the duration of the student's employment.

It's important for employers participating in the STEM OPT program to familiarize themselves with these terms and conditions and ensure compliance to avoid any potential penalties or repercussions. Additionally, employers should consult with immigration counsel or their designated school official (DSO) for guidance on navigating the requirements of the STEM OPT program.