STEM OPT | 24 Month Extension of OPT Work Authorization

Extension of OPT Work Authorization for STEM fields

Students who have completed a degree in a STEM field and have already been authorized for 1 year of work experience under OPT, are eligible to apply for a STEM Extension to get 2 additional years of work authorization (3 years total).

Learn more below:

STEM Fields of Study

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The U.S. Government determines which fields of study qualify as STEM. Similarly, Immigration decides which GVSU programs are considered as STEM by assigning the relevant CIP code to each GVSU program.

To know if your major/program qualifies as STEM, you should look at "Major 1" or "Major 2" as listed on your I-20. Then you can review the official STEM List on ICE's website to see if that exact program and CIP Code appears on the list. Partial matches, such as "Public Health" under the veterinary program are not qualified for STEM extensions. Minors in STEM fields do no qualify for extended work authorization, only majors do. 

STEM Extension Application

Students are encouraged to apply online. This saves mailing time and mailing fees. Detailed steps are shared below. Please carefully review you have completed all steps before submitting online. 

Please note: Fall 2023 is the first semester that GVSU ISS is recommending applying online. If you notice any information that needs to be adjusted to be more accurate or helpful, please report a problem with this page and we will gladly update accordingly. 

Online STEM Application

This is used by the ISS Team to create your STEM Request I-20 and considered by immigration when approving your OPT work authorizations.

PLEASE NOTE: This I-20 is valid for the purposes of your STEM Application for 60 days from the day it is issued. If you wait longer than 60 days to apply, you will need a new STEM Request I-20 from our office. If you apply using the I-20 more than 60 days after it is issued, your application will be denied. 

Before beginning your online application, we recommend you prepare all the items necessary to complete the application.

  • Photos: Have 2 color passport photos made. They are available for purchase at Walgreens, among other locations. A digital copy is preferred for online applications. Passport photos must be of yourself and taken within the last 6 months.
  • Color scans of the following:
    • Form I-94 (may be found at: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
    • Employment Authorization Document (current EAD for OPT authorization)
      • Passport photo page (we recommend you upload this along with your EAD)
    • I-20 (STEM Request I-20 processed by ISS Team in Step 1)
    • College Degree (official GVSU Transcripts)
    • Institution Accreditation (found online here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search)

Go to https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 and click the "File Online" blue button. Sign in using the two-step verification process. You will have to create a USCIS account if you do not already have one. Keep your account information in a secure place so you can return to your account in the future. You will need to file the I-765 for category (c)(3)(c) STEM Extension. Follow the steps as prompted by the online form. Review all information is correct before submitting online.

The system will direct you to Pay.gov. You can pay the filing fee by using a US Credit or Debit card. You can also choose a direct withdrawal from a US Checking Account by ACH Transfer. The current fee to file online is $470 USD. 

Once you've submitted your application, you will receive your receipt number. You will also be sent an official receipt letter by paper mail. You can log back into your USCIS account to see case updates.  

Premium Processing

In 2023 USCIS started offering Premium Processing. Premium Processing is an expedited process, where USCIS guarantees a 30 day approval for OPT and OPT STEM applications. Some are approved in as little as two weeks. The filing fee is $1,685.

Process

  • Request Premium Processing 
  • All pending and initial Form I-765 petitions filed by F-1 students are eligible to request premium processing
  • If you have already filed your form I-765 requesting OPT or a STEM OPT extension and you now wish to request premium processing, file Form I-907 online
  • After the I-765 is approved, your EAD card should be produced within two weeks but please allow 30 days before contacting USCIS

Payment

Tracking

  • Your EAD card will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Informed Delivery to the address you provided on form I-765
  • Use Case Status Online to find your USPS tracking number for EAD card delivery
  • If you still haven't received your card after 30 days, please visit e-Request - Self Service Tools (uscis.gov)

STEM Employment Reporting

All updates to your work authorization must be reported through GVSU; updates to Employer information through your SEVP account are not sufficient. You will get reminder emails when it's time for validation at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months into your STEM authorization. 

STEM Validation | 6 & 18 Month
Every 6 months, students must submit their I-983 confirming that their SEVIS information correctly identifies their: Legal name, Residential or mailing address, Employer name and address, and Status of current employment.

STEM Validation | 12 & 24 month
Every 12 months, students must submit their I-983 form with updated page 5 as well as confirm that their SEVIS information correctly identifies their: Legal name, Residential or mailing address, Employer name and address, and Status of current employment.

STEM Employer Change
Students are permitted to change employers while on STEM OPT. The new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before the student begins to work for pay. The student must submit a new Form I-983 within 10 days of starting the new practical training opportunity.

STEM Loss of Employment
Submit this form if you are authorized to work under STEM OPT but do not currently have a job. Use the Change of Employer form if you are transitioning from 1 job to another. 

STEM Regulations & FAQ

**under construction** more details coming soon

Students have many questions about work authorization. To try to simplify the information, we have put key information into the categories listed below. As always, it's best to check with the ISS Team if you have doubts or questions

  • Unemployment
  • Travel
  • Classes
  • Taxes
  • Working at Start-Ups
  • Self-Employment
  • STEM Expiring
  • H1-B & CAP Gap

Timeline

You can apply up to 90 days before your OPT authorization expires and no later than the last day of your OPT authorization (although we DO NOT recommend waiting this long!). 
You must apply using the STEM request I-20 within 60 days of the date it is processed by the ISS Team. If you do not apply within 60 day, please submit a new STEM Request form. 

After Applying

Similarly to your OPT application, you will receive a receipt number. USCIS can take up to 120 to process your application. Your work authorization and F-1 status is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the STEM OPT Extension application is pending. The 180 days counts from the end date of your initial 12-month OPT.


Page last modified June 14, 2024
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