Applying for OPT STEM Extension

1. Be maintaining valid F-1 status.

2. Currently participating in post-completion OPT administered by Stevens, working in the U.S. in a job related directly to  major field of study.

3. Must have reported employment to ISSS using the OPT Employer Update Form or through the SEVP Portal.

4. Have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment during the post-completion OPT period and will not exceed that limit prior to the STEM OPT extension start date.

5. Have previously earned (in the past ten years) or
   are currently earning (in thesis/dissertation status at Stevens Institute of Technology only) a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. which has its field of study/major listed on the government STEM-designated list.

6. Must have a job or a job offer for paid employment of at least twenty (20) hours per week with a company enrolled in and using the government's E-Verify employment verification system.

7. Must not be self-employed. Self-employment is not an option on the STEM OPT extension.

8. Have not previously used the STEM OPT extension for this degree level.

9. Have not previously used the STEM OPT extension more than once.

The earliest you can apply is 90 days prior to the end date of your post-completion OPT. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application before your post-completion OPT expires. You cannot apply for STEM OPT during your 60-day grace period.

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

Step 1: Submit materials in your ISSS Student Portal:

• From your ISSS Student Portal Control Center, select STEM OPT Request Form. A box will pop-up with details on your current Post-Completion OPT. Please click on your Post-Completion OPT line item to open the STEM Request Form. Please note that the STEM OPT Extension Request Form will become available to you on your portal once you are within 100 days of your OPT End Date.

• You will need to upload a completed Form I-983, using the I-983 Guide to complete the form

• If you are changing employers, submit the OPT/STEM OPT Employer Update Form from your ISSS Student Portal Control Center.

• Copy of your EAD

ISSS processing time is 10 business days.

Step 2: Receive your new I-20

ISSS will issue you a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation. You will receive an email when your new I-20 is ready in your ISSS Student Portal.

Step 3: Review and sign your I-20

Once you download your new I-20, print, sign and date the "Student Attestation" section on page 1 of your I-20.

Step 4: Gather and prepare your documents

Gather the documents found on the STEM OPT Checklist and Instructions.

Step 5: Submit your documents to USCIS

Once you have gathered all your documents, you will submit your application to USCIS. Please refer to the STEM OPT Checklist and Instructions for a list of required documents. Remember, applications must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the issuance date on the I-2 and no later than the end date of post-completion OPT, whichever comes first.

Step 6: Receive USCIS Receipt Notice

USCIS will issue an I-797C Receipt Notice within 2-4 weeks after receiving your application via post. If you submit your application online, you will receive a receipt number right away. You can check the status of your case on USCIS.gov.

Contact [email protected] if you receive any other notice, such a Request for Evidence (RFE) or rejection notice, from USCIS.

Step 7: Continue employment while your application is pending

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. Your employer may refer to section 7.4.4 the I-9 Manual if they have questions on how to complete the Form I-9 while your application is pending.

Step 8:  Receive your STEM Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

If your application is approved, USCIS will mail you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for the STEM OPT extension, which will list the start and end dates you are authorized to work on the STEM OPT extension.

You do not need a new I-20 once your STEM OPT extension has been approved. However, if you wish to get an updated I-20 showing your STEM OPT approval, you can request a reprint I-20 (reason: updated) from your ISSS Student Portal Control Center.

Contact [email protected] if you receive any other notice, such a Request for Evidence (RFE), from USCIS.