STEM OPT Extension Application to USCIS Checklist
USCIS allows STEM OPT Extension applications to be filed online. You have the option to submit your application via regular mail or file online. The documents below are required for your STEM OPT Extension application, whether you file online or via regular mail (unless otherwise noted). If applying by mail, you should make copies of documents; do not send
originals. If applying online, the online application will ask that you upload these documents to the online application. In both cases, make sure documents are clear and readable. If filing online, please review the Online Filing Webpage, and ISSS' STEM Extension OPT Online Filing Guide.
MAILED APPLICATION ONLY - G-1145. (This must be at the top of your application)
Filing Fee $410
MAILED APPLICATION - Can be paid by personal check, money order, or U.S. credit card. If paying by U.S. credit card, complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Make check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
ONLINE APPLICATION – The system will direct you to Pay.gov, a U.S. government payment site, to pay the fee. You will be able to pay the fee using a U.S. credit/debit card or through an ACH transfer (direct withdrawal) from your U.S. checking account (have your bank account number and bank’s ABA routing number available
Properly executed Form I-765. Please see the Sample I-765.
NOTE: ONLINE APPLICATION – the same questions will be asked on the online application; use the sample as a guide
Passport-style photos that meet U.S. passport photo standards and taken within the last 30 days.
MAILED APPLICATION – 2 photos are required
ONLINE APPLICATOIN – Digital passport photo
Copy of your new I-20 with the STEM OPT Extension recommendation**
Sign and date the “Student Attestation” section on page 1 of your I-20
Copies of all previously issued I-20s (from all the schools you have attended).
Copy of your passport identification page(s).
Copy of your most recent F-1 visa.
Evidence that your degree meets the STEM degree/major requirements: either an official transcript showing your degree and program of study or a copy of your diploma showing your degree level and program of study. The major on your I-20 from Stevens must have a STEM-eligible CIP code from the STEM list. (If applying with a previous degree, please check with that school to confirm the current CIP code for your degree.)
Copy of your previous EAD(s): Include the front and back of each EAD card.
Electronic Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (save a copy as a pdf for printing/uploading)
Copy of your employment offer letter or an employment verification letter
Students with F-2 dependent(s): include the Form I-20s for your dependent(s).
**USCIS must receive your application within 60 days of when the recommendation was made in SEVIS and before the end date of your Post-Completion OPT.
For timely filing, please ensure that USCIS receives your application within 55 days of your STEM OPT Extension I-20’s issue date.
This date can be found next to the Immigration Advisor’s signature on Page 1 of your Form I-20.
For ONLINE FILING, if you file your application prior to having the STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS, your application will be denied!
MAILED APPLICATION:
Submit your application to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox.
If using United States Postal Service (USPS), send the application using certified mail with return receipt.
If using a courier service, such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS, retain the tracking number for your records.
ONLINE APPLICATION:
Follow the instructions on the USCIS I-765 webpage.
You must have an employer to apply for the STEM OPT Extension and your employer must participate in the E-Verify Program and be willing to complete and adhere to the responsibilities in the I-983 Training Plan.
Please review the information and resources available on the STEM OPT webpage, including the STEM OPT FAQs.
Please review the travel section of our website before making any arrangements to depart the country.
If you receive any requests for evidence (RFEs) for this application, email [email protected] for assistance.
Submit any changes to your employment to ISSS within 10 days of the change, following the guidelines on the STEM OPT webpage.
Submit your 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month reporting documents to ISSS, following the guidelines on the STEM OPT webpage.