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24-Month STEM OPT Extension

  • Overview & Eligibility

    F-1 students with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in designated science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields and working under post-completion OPT may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if employed or offered employment by an E-Verified employer and meeting all criteria.

    Eligibility

    To be eligible for the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension, you must meet the following criteria:

    • STEM Degree: Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a government classfied STEM field. Refer to the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program List, and check the CIP code on your I-20 to see if your degree is listed.
    • Current OPT: Be authorized for post-completion OPT.
    • E-Verified Employer: Have a job or job offer from an employer registered with the E-Verify system.
    • Paid, Relevant Employment: Be employed or have a job offer in a position directly related to your STEM degree, working at least 21 hours per week.
    • Unemployment Limit: Have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment during your current post-completion OPT period.
    • No Prior STEM Extension for Same Degree: Have not previously used a STEM OPT extension for the same degree.

    STEM OPT Based on a Prior Degree
    Eligibility for CIP Codes Not Listed on the DHS STEM Designated List
    STEM OPT Extension Available Twice
    E-Verify

    key facts:

    Timeline: You can apply for the 24-month STEM Extension up to 90 days before your Post-Completion OPT ends but no later than the end date of your OPT. 

    Application Process:      You are required to be issued an I-20 recommending STEM OPT from VIS prior to submitting an I-765 application with USCIS.

    Work with Pending Application:     If you applied for STEM OPT before your current OPT expires, you can continue to work while your I-765 application is pending until a final decision is made, or it has been pending for180 days, whichever comes first.

    Approval:     Upon approval, you will receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with an additional two years of work authorization listed.

    Unemployment: F-1 students on approved STEM OPT receive an additional 60 days of unemployment allowance, on top of any unused unemployment days from their Post-Completion OPT period, with the maximum amount of 150 days.

    Click here to begin the application process.

  • Applying for STEM OPT Extension


    Applying for STEM OPT Extension

    The application process for STEM OPT involves both the Visa and Immigration Office at SBU and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once a student is approved for the STEM OPT extension, they will receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.

    When to Apply

    The earliest you can apply for the STEM extension is 90 days prior to the end date of your current post-completion OPT authorization.

    USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application before your current OPT expires.

    If you applied for STEM OPT before your current OPT expires, you can continue to work while your I-765 application is pending until a final decision is made, or it has been pending for180 days, whichever comes first.

    This  STEM Calculatoris a useful tool to keep track of all important STEM dates.

    Processing times

    VIS processing for all STEM OPT I-20 requests is 5-7 business days.

    USCIS processing typically takes about 3-6 months.

    To check current processing times, go to USCIS I-765 processing times and select:

    • “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”,
    • “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and
    • “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center”

    Expediting your application through Premium Processing is an option for 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

    How to Apply

    Step 1: Complete the Form I-983 Training Plan with your Employer
    Step 2: Submit the I-20 Recommending STEM OPT Request in accessVIS
    Step 3: Review and Sign your STEM OPT I-20
    Step 4: Prepare & Submit your I-765 Application with USCIS

    Students applying for the 24-Month STEM Extension will be assessed a $200 International Student Fee payable through SOLAR. This is a SUNY approved fee effective since Fall 2012 that is assessed based on the issuance of your I-20 recommending STEM, regardless of whether you use the OPT authorization or not. Failure to submit timely payment of this fee could result in the Bursar reporting your information to a collection agency.


    Important:     You MUST submit your I-765 and supporting documentation to USCIS before the expiration of your post-completion OPT AND within 60 days of the issue date of your STEM OPT Form I-20 (listed on page 1, next to your advisor's signature).

  • I-765 Application & Status


    Form I-765 Application & Status

    F-1 students may file the Form I-765 online, or by using the paper based application. VIS stronly recommends completing the I-765 application online, and the instructions below only explain the online application process. If you choose to submit a paper-based application, follow the USCIS instructions here. The instructions below are provided as a service solely to the international students of Stony Brook University who are applying for STEM OPT.

    These directions are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. USCIS ultimately provides the decision on your STEM OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the applicant, to ensure that your application is accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. Stony Brook University in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your STEM OPT application.

    The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman created a tip sheet on how F-1 students seeking OPT/STEM Extension can avoid Form I-765 delays. Click here to review before beginning your Form I-765.

    Important Reminders


    • Do not submit an online application if you have already filed by mail. Duplicate applications may be denied by USCIS.
    • You may only file Form I-765 online from within the U.S. You are not eligible to apply for STEM OPT from outside the country.
    • Do not file the Form I-765 online until you have received your updated Form I-20 recommending STEM OPT.
    • Once you submit your application, you cannot go back to edit or change information. Please contact your VIS advisor immediately if you believe you have provided incorrect or incomplete information when filing Form I-765. Failing to do so can result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), processing delays, or the denial of your application by USCIS.
    • USCIS has the discretion to require biometrics appointments on a case-by-case basis.

    how to apply

    Step 1: Gather your Supporting Documents
    It is best to have digital versions of all required documents ready in a folder to drag and drop into the USCIS system. Make sure the files are clear and readable, not encrypted or password-protected, in English, and in one of the following accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF.

    To complete the I-765, you must have these documents:

    • Passport Style Photograph: Photos must be taken within the last 30 days and cannot have previously been used for a passport, visa, or other U.S. government-related application. See Department of State’s guidelines
    • Form I-94: Download your electronic I-94 from CBP's website.
    • Previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Government ID (passport, F-1 visa, or birth certificate): Must show your picture, name, and date of birth.
    • I-20 Recommending STEM OPT: Be sure you have signed and dated page 1 using blue ink. This is the STEM OPT-recommended I-20 that you recently received from Stony Brook.

    Step 2: login to your USCIS account
    Login to your myUSCIS account that you previously created for your Post-Completion OPT application.

    Go to “File a Form” to get started and select I-765. Read through the information carefully.

    Your responses on the online I-765 will be automatically saved. If you log out, you may log back in and resume where you left off last time.

    Step 3: complete the I-765 application
    The categories below are divided as it appears on the left-hand side of the online I-765 application. Please read through the guidance carefully.

    Prior to starting your application, please remember the following:

    • Do NOT submit the I-765 until you receive Form I-20 recommending STEM OPT from VIS. USCIS will deny your application if you do not include your Form I-20 recommending STEM OPT when you submit Form I-765.
    • Your I-765 must be received by USCIS within 60 days of when your I-20 recommending STEM OPT was issued.  USCIS must ALSO must receive the I-765 prior to your Post-Completion OPT expiring.
    • USCIS uses Coordinated Universial Time (UTC), not Eastern Standard Time (EST), so keep this in mind when you are submitting the I-765 close to a deadline.
    Getting Started
    About You
    Evidence
    Additional Information
    Review and Submit
    Pay Filing Fees

    Step 4: Track & report your application status
    Upon submitting your application, your USCIS account will show the progress of your application and estimated timeframe for processing. Any changes to your application will be updated through your USCIS account. You can also utilize USCIS Case Status tracker to review updates to your case.

    I-797 Receipt Notice
    Report your receipt notice to VIS by submitting the I-797 Receipt Notice e-form under the 24-month STEM Extension checklist in accessVIS. You can find your receipt notice in your USCIS account under My Cases and Documents. Additionally, USCIS will mail your receipt notice to the mailing address listed on your application. On the top left of the notice you will have a receipt number. You will need this receipt number to use the USCIS Case Status tracker, or to inquire about your case to USCIS.

    Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
    Upon approval from USCIS, provide a copy of your EAD to VIS by submitting the Employment Authorization Document e-form under the24-month STEM Extension checklist in accessVIS. The EAD will be mailed to the mailing address on your application. Please do not submit your I-797 Approval Notice.

    You may see your application shows approved under your case status information on your USCIS account, but production and shipping of your card may take an additional 2-3 weeks after approval notification.

    Carefully review your EAD when it arrives in the mail. If you notice any incorrect information, refer to the EAD Corrections section below.

    Request for Evidence (RFE)
    Withdrawing the I-765
    Case Inquiries
    Expediting the I-765
    Change of Address
    Delivery Issues
    EAD Corrections

    maintain your status while on 24-month stem extension

    Students on STEM OPT are required to report any and all changes to employment, address, name, status, etc. within 10 days, and are required to complete scheduled participation reports and evaluations at specific points throughout the extension period.

    Click here to understand how to maintain your F-1 status while your STEM OPT is pending or approved.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to upload all I-20s ever issued to me?
    What type of payment is acceptable?
    Can I save a draft of the application?
    When do I get my receipt number and notice?
    Can I file my I-765 online while I am outside the U.S.?
    What can I use my USCIS online account for after I have submitted my application?
    Does requesting a Social Security Number (SSN) delay the processing of the Form I-765?
    When do I get my SSN if I applied for it through my I-765 application?

     

  • Premium Processing


    USCIS Premium Processing

    F-1 students can request “premium processing” for their Form I-765 when they apply for:

    • Pre-Completion OPT
    • Post-Completion OPT
    • STEM OPT extension

    Premium processing provides expedited processing on Form I-765 for an additional governmental fee. In exchange for the additional fee, USCIS guarantees that it will take some adjudicative action (approval, denial, request for evidence, notice of intent to deny) within 30 calendar days.  If your I-765 is approved, the 30 calendar days does not include the production and shipping of your card, which may take an additional 2-3 weeks after an approval notification.

    If the application requires the submission of additional evidence or a response to a notice of intent to deny, the 30 day premium processing time period will stop and reset. A new premium processing time period will begin when USCIS receives a response to the request for evidence or notice of intent to deny.

    How Expensive is Premium Processing?

    Premium processing for Form I-765 currently costs $1,685.

    How Do I Request Premium Processing?

    You may submit the form (Form I-907) online through your USCIS online account. The fee for the Form I-907 is an entirely different fee from the I-765 fee. You can submit Form I-907 along with your I-765, or you can request Premium Processing later through your USCIS account after submitting your I-765. Please note that if you choose to add Premium Processing after submitting your I-765, the 30-day period for USCIS to take adjudicative action begins only when you submit Form I-907, the Application for Premium Processing.

    Remember – you must receive your endorsed I-20 recommending STEM OPT from VIS before you submit Form I-765 and Form I-907 to USCIS.

    Read the full I-907 Premium Processing Instructions

    Should I Request Premium Processing?

    Filing for premium processing with the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization is optional. Prior to paying the premium processing fee, VIS recommends that you consider the following:

    • USCIS I-765 processing times
    • The amount of time before your intended OPT employment start date
    • Whether you need your EAD for travel purposes after your I-20 end date

    To check processing times for any type of OPT application, go to USCIS I-765 processing times and select:

    • “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”,
    • “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and
    • “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center”
    Related Links
  • Maintaining Status while on STEM OPT


    Maintaining F-1 Status while on STEM OPT

    Below is a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your status while on pending or approved STEM OPT.  If you have additional questions, please reach out to your International Student Advisor.

    Immigration Status on Pending or approved opt

    Your status (F-1) does not change while your I-765 is pending, or after your I-765 has been approved.

    i-765 application is pending
    As long as you have timely filed your application, which would be prior to the expiration of your your current Post-Completion OPT and within 60 days of your STEM OPT I-20 being issued, you can continue to work while your I-765 application is pending until a final decision is made, or it has been pending for180 days, whichever comes first.   There is no interim documentation of the extended authorization. If your employer needs information about what documents to collect as proof of extended work authorization, please refer to them to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services I-9 Central.

    i-765 application is approved
    After your I-765 is approved and while you are on STEM OPT Extension, you will continue to be in F-1 status and you must meet all requirements listed below to maintain your status.

    Reporting Requirements

    Students on STEM OPT are required to report any and all changes to employment, address, name, status, etc. within 10 days, and are required to complete scheduled participation reports and evaluations at specific points throughout the extension period.

    Download the STEM Calculator to determine and track your reporting deadlines.

    Change of employment

    Any changes of employment during your STEM OPT period, such as ending a current job and/or starting a new job, must be reported to VIS via accessVIS within 10 days of the change.  Submit the Add or Update STEM OPT Employment e-form under the 24-month STEM OPT Extension checklist to report the information.

    Termination of Current Employment: You must submit a completed and signed Final Evaluation of Student Progress (bottom portion) of the Form I-983 within 10 days of the change.

    Reporting a New Employer: A completed and signed Form I-983 is required for a every employer you have under STEM OPT.  You must submit a new Form I-983 (pages 1-4) within 10 days of starting new employment. 

    Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to complete the I-983.

    Change of Employment with Pending I-765: If your employment changes while your I-765 is pending, not only must you report it in accessVIS by following the directions listed above, but you also must provide USCIS with an updated I-20 showing the new employer in your myUSCIS account under Unsolicated Evidence.

    Form I-983 Material Changes

    You are required to report any material changes or deviations from your initial Form I-983 to VIS within 10 days of the change.

    Material changes or deviations from the original Form I-983 may include, but are not limited to:

    • Employer Identification Number (EIN) change
    • Employer worksite address change
    • Any reduction in compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked
    • Any significant decrease in hours per week
    • Changes to the employer's commitments or student's learning objectives as documented on the Form I-983

    As long as you and your employer meet the regulatory requirements and a modified Form I-983 is submitted to VIS, your employment authorization will not be jeopardized.

    Modified Forms I-983 must be uploaded to the Add or Update STEM OPT Employment form in accessVIS within 10 days of the change.

    participation reporting and evaluations

    To maintain your F-1 status while on STEM OPT, you are required to report your participation to VIS every six months, even if your employment is the same, as well as provide provide self-evaluations of training progress after being authorized under STEM OPT for 12 months and 24 months.

    The 6-Month SEVIS Validation due date is every 6 months from the STEM OPT start date listed on your EAD card.  You can use the STEM Calculator to determine your reporting dates. The reporting window opens 4 weeks before and ends 4 weeks after the due date. Please note, if you submit your report outside of the reporting window, VIS will not be able to record your report in SEVIS.

    To report your STEM OPT Participation and Evaluations, login to accessVIS and navigate to the 24-month STEM OPT Extension checklist under Employment & Training.  Submissions are due within 10 days of the reporting period.

    • 6-Month Participation: Submit the 6-month STEM Reporting e-form.
    • 12-Month Participation & Self-Evaluation:  Submit the I-983 (12-month) Annual Evaluation e-form, uploading the Evaluation of Student Progress (top portion of page 5 on the Form I-983) signed by you and your employer.
    • 18-Month Participation: Submit the 18-month STEM Reporting e-form.
    • 24-Month Participation & Self-Evaluation: Submit the I-983 Final Evaluation e-form, uploading the Final Evaluation on Student Progress (bottom portion of page 5 on the Form I-983) signed by you and your employer.
    Additional reporting requirements

    You must report the following information within 10 calendar days of when the change occurs:

    • Change of Contact Information: Submit the Contact Information e-form in accessVIS under Biographical Information.
    • Change of Name: Submit the Immigration Document e-form in accessVIS, uploading proof of new legal name.
    • Change of Address: Update your Local (Off-Campus) Address in SOLAR.  You will have access to SOLAR after graduation, and after your netID has been deactivated.  Click here for instructions on how to change your address.

    SEVP Portal

    The SEVP Portal is an online portal for students on STEM OPT to report the following directly to SEVP:

    • Change in your phone number
    • Change in your mailing and /or physical address

    The use of this portal is optional and does not impact your employment authorization.

    You have two options for reporting the information listed above: either through the SEVP Portal or via accessVIS. If you choose accessVIS, we will update your SEVIS record and notify SEVP of the changes. There is no need to report these changes twice.

    Please note that new I-20s cannot be issued through the SEVP Portal. If you need a new I-20, be sure to report through accessVIS.  Additionally, since employment under STEM must have a Form I-983, you must report new employment and 6-month participation to VIS directly through accessVIS.

    Since you must report changes within 10 days, if you are late to this reporting timeline the portal will not allow you to submit the update, and you must report it through accessVIS.

    Email Address for SEVP Portal
    Unlocking SEVP Portal

    Invalidating your STEM opt

    Your pending I-765 and/or approved STEM OPT authorization may be canceled or invalidated if you:

    • Start a new degree program
    • Transfer to another institution
    • Enter the U.S. is any status other than F-1
    • Change or end your status
    • Are unemployed for more than 90 days

    If any of these situations apply to you, please contact your VIS Advisor immediately to find out how to proceed.

    Employment requirements

    All employment under STEM OPT must be:

    • Paid
    • Relevant to student's STEM degree
    • At least 21 hours a week
    • Conducted with an employer registered with the E-Verify system
    • Have a completed and signed Form I-983 Training Plan
    • Must have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship between the employer and F-1 student

    It is strongly recommend that you keep a written record of any and all STEM OPT activity, including the position held, dates of the position, supervisor name, organization name and location, number of hours you work per week, and description of activity for your own records.

    It is the F-1 student's responsibility to describe how the practical training opportunity (job) relates to their major area of study. It is important to clarify the direct relationship of the position to the program of study. DSOs may not be able to approve employer updates if adequate information is not provided.

    Multiple Employers
    Self Employment
    Work for Consulting Firm or Staffing Agency
    Relevance to STEM Degree

    Unemployment

    When your STEM OPT is approved, you are granted an additional 60 days of unemployment, which is added to any unused unemployment days remaining from your Post-Completion OPT. The total maximum allowable unemployment during STEM OPT is 150 days.

    Stopping the Unemployment Clock
    Exceeding the Unemployment Limit

    Remote WOrk & Absence from the U.s.

    STEM OPT is strictly a U.S.-based work authorization. While remote work for U.S. employers is allowed, working remotely from within the U.S. for a non-U.S. employer (who does not have U.S. office location) is not permitted under STEM OPT and does not meet STEM OPT employment requirements. STEM OPT is not a way for students who are not engaging in training in the U.S. to maintain active F-1 status.

    If your employer has granted an approved leave for vacation or personal reasons, this time will not be counted as unemployment.

    F-1 students onSTEM  OPT who are outside of the U.S. for more than 5 continuous months are considered to be in violation of their F-1 status. This could result in the termination of your F-1 SEVIS record.

    If you need to temporarily work remotely from outside the U.S. for your U.S. employer, you must return to the U.S. within 5 months of the departure. VIS recommends retaining evidence (i.e. email, letter, etc) from your employer that confirms their approval for you to work remotely from abroad.

    It is generally safest to refrain from working outside of the U.S. for long periods while authorized for STEM OPT, unless the travel is for work-related purposes.

    If your employment does not require any physical presence in the U.S., then it is not appropriate employment for STEM OPT.

    International Travel

    It is important to understand the risks of international travel while your I-765 is pending with USCIS, or after it has been approved.

    Travel with a pending i-765 application

    If you have filed your I-765 application and you will return to the U.S. after your current Post-Completion OPT expiration date, then we do not recommend international travel until your STEM OPT is approved, you have your new EAD.

    If you filed your I-765 for STEM OPT and will return to the U.S. before your Post-Completion OPT expires, your re-entry will be based on your return with Approved Post-Completion OPT. 

    Considerations for Travel with Pending I-765
    Documents to Carry for Travel with Pending I-765
    Travel after i-765 is approved 

    Students who have approved STEM OPT Extension are allowed to travel abroad, but it is recommended to only travel if you also have qualifying employment so you do not exceed your unemployment limit. It is important that you are prepared to present proper documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to demonstrate that you can resume employment upon returning to the U.S. Additionally, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding the specific nature of your STEM OPT work and how it relates to your degree program.

    Note: If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to reenter the United States in F-1 status.

    Documents to Carry for Travel with Approved STEM OPT
    Visa Renewal

    options after opt

    As long as you have met all requirements to maintain your F-1 status while on STEM OPT Extension, you can stay in the U.S. for up to 60 days after completing your STEM OPT.  Listed below are your options during those 60 days, and what steps to take with VIS:

    • Prepare for your departure from the U.S.: Submit the Ending my F-1 Status e-form in accessVIS
    • Transfer to another institution: Submit the Transfer Out request in accessVIS
    • Change to a higher degree level with SBU: Submit the Change of Degree Level request in accessVIS
    • Change your status: Submit the Ending my F-1 Status e-form in accessVIS, upload proof of your new immigration status

    H-1B Cap Gap Extension

    If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf, you could be eligible for the cap-gap extension.  The cap-gap is the period after an F-1 student’s STEM OPT Extension has expired, but before their H-1B work authorization begins on October 1.

    The cap-gap extension automatically extends F-1 students’ immigration status and work authorization in order to bridge the gap between the end of their F-1 status and the start of their H-1B status ensuring the students’ employment and stay in the U.S. are not interrupted.

    Click here to learn more about the H1-B Cap Gap Extension.

Employment and Training
Employment and Training