OPT -- STEM Extension
F-1 students who completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM field (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and are currently engaged in post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension if they have a job or job offer from an E-Verify employer.

A nonimmigrant is eligible for a STEM Extension if the student:

• Has a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.  
• Has an employer that is registered and in good standing with the E-verify employment verification system.
• Degrees included in the current list of eligible STEM degrees are:
  • Actuarial Science (MSFE)
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Military Technologies
  • Physical Sciences
  • Science Technologies
  • Medical Scientist
• Has a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree.
• Currently in an approved post-completion OPT period based on a designated STEM degree.  
• Applies on time (i.e., before the current post-completion OPT expires).

Procedures to Apply:
Schedule an appointment with an International Student and Scholar Services Advisor and bring the following:

• Copy of diploma and/or transcripts to certify degree
• Provide current employment information – including address of employer, job title and name of supervisor
• Provide current email contact info for self
• Completed I-765, 2 passport size photos (must be taken in the past 30 days)
• Check or money order for $380.00 made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Current EAD Card
• Passport, Visa, I-94
• Submit to USCIS Service Center (must be submitted within 30 days of new I-20 being issued)
  

Maintaining Status on STEM Extension:

• While the request for an extension is pending, the new rule automatically extends EADs for 180 days.
• Denials of the STEM extension cannot be appealed.
• Must report information to DSO every 6 months
• Employment authorization period for the 17-month extension begins on the day after the expiration of the initial post-completion OPT employment authorization, and ends 17 months later, regardless of the date of the actual extension is approved.
• Students granted a 17-month OPT extension may not accrue an aggregate of more than 120 days of unemployment during the total 29-month OPT period.
• For more information please visit the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis