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 below instructions focus on online filing ONLY, as that has been the preferred method for our students.

Make sure all digital documents are clear and readable and please review the Online Filing Webpage, and ISSS' STEM Extension OPT Online Filing Guide.

If you still prefer to mail your application to USCIS, please contact ISSS at [email protected] for additional details.

Documents Required for STEM OPT Extension Application to USCIS

Online Submission:

Please review the document section on the ISSS I-765 Submission Guide for a complete list of uploads required for the online STEM OPT Extension application.

If you file your application prior to having the STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS, your application will be denied!

  • Application Filing Fee

    • 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).

  • Please ensure that the evidence that your degree meets the STEM degree/major requirements clearly indicates the name of your major: 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 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. This is to mitigate risks related to technical issues with filing, like Pay.gov maintenance.

Online USCIS filings are governed by Coordinated Universal Time, abbreviated as UTC, not by the applicant’s time zone. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time is usually a number of hours ahead of U.S. time, depending on the time zone and whether the location is within Daylight Savings Time or Standard Time.

Submission Instructions

ONLINE APPLICATION:

Follow the instructions on the USCIS I-765 webpage.
For instructions on I-765 completion, please refer to the ISSS Guide.

Important Reminders and Tips

  • 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.