The OPT STEM Extension is a 24-month extension of a student’s post-completion OPT open to students who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and have a job with an E-Verify employer that meets eligibility requirements. Students must be maintaining their F-1 status while on OPT to be eligible to apply for the OPT STEM Extension.

Eligibility

Eligible STEM Degrees

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and many UVM degrees qualify. STEM fields of study include studies in:
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Natural Resources
  • Physical Sciences.
  • Science Technologies
A full listing of official STEM fields is found here. If you are not sure if your degree from UVM is considered a STEM field, contact the OIE for help. 
 

Eligible Employment for STEM OPT

Not all employment makes students eligible for the STEM OPT Extension. If you hold a degree in a STEM field and wish to apply, your job must:
  • Be with an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program (see below for details)
  • Be a paid position - volunteer and unpaid jobs are not eligible
  • Be a bona fide employment opportunity with a true employer-employee relationship; self-employment is not eligible. You may use a temporary or staffing agency to place you in a training oportunity, however that agency cannot complete and sign the Form I-983. Only the E-Verified employer providing the actual training can complete and sign the form.
  • Be working in a job directly related to your field of study which extends and augments the training you received during your degree
  • Be full-time work of at least 20 hours per week

Maintaining F-1 Status

While on OPT, you are still an F-1 student, which means you must follow the rules of your non-immigrant visa status. To be eligible for the OPT STEM extension, the USCIS expects that students have followed the rules of their F-1 status, including informing the OIE of updates to your status (living address, etc.), and following the employment requirements of OPT. If you have not followed the rules of your status in some way, it is possible your OPT STEM Extension would be denied by the USCIS. If you have questions or concerns about this, you should consult with an OIE advisor.

Application Process

When to Apply

STEM applications must reach the proper USCIS Service Center before your post-completion OPT expires. You cannot apply more than 90 days before your first 12 months of OPT expire. We recommend applying as soon as you are able.

STEM OPT Recommendation from OIE

First, you will need to request a STEM OPT extension I-20 through iStart. To complete the iStart e-form, you will need the following documents.  More information about each of these documents is available in iStart.

  • Proof of employment from current and any past employers
  • Proof of degree completion or proof that you have completed everything but your thesis/dissertation.
  • Form I-983. This should be typed and saved as a PDF.

Submitting Your Application to USCIS

In order to apply for OPT, you will need to log into your account on the USCIS website and complete a new Form I-765. It is also possible to apply to USCIS by mail. Here are some tips for the online application:

  • You MUST have your OPT I-20 from the OIE with a recommendation for the STEM Extension on Page 2 before submitting your application online. If you submit your application without this I-20 your application will be denied.
  • The OPT application must be submitted online within 60 days of the date your STEM OPT Extension was recommended by the OIE.
  • Pay attention to requirements for document uploads. We recommend that you name your upload files in simple English words that describe what the document is.
  • Make sure your photo meets U.S. Department of State guidelines for size and composition.
  • Once you enter your information and upload your documents, there will be a review screen before submission. Stop here, review carefully yourself, and meet with an OIE advisor for your Document Review Appointment before submitting.

What happens after I apply for an OPT STEM extension? 

After submitting your OPT application, you will receive a Notification of Receipt from USCIS in your myUSCIS accountportal. Your receipt will contain a case number. You can track the status of your case online using this number.

It generally takes two to three months to process your OPT STEM extension. When your application is approved, USCIS will send you an Approval Notice then an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

What do I need to know while my OPT STEM extension application is pending?

Here are some things you need to know while your STEM extension is pending:

  • You can continue working while waiting for your new card! If you have not received approval of the STEM extension application before the current EAD card’s expiration date, your card is extended automatically. This means that the expired card will remain valid until USCIS makes a decision on the extension application or for a period not to exceed 180 days.
  • If you need to update your address, you can do this online or by calling the National Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Do this immediately to avoid a delay in the receipt of your EAD card.
  • Read the STEM OPT and Travel section below before traveling.

After you receive your new EAD card

After you receive your updated EAD card for your STEM extension, remember to do these things.

  • Make a copy for your records
  • Upload a copy of your EAD card to iStart.
  • Do an updated I-9 form with your employer’s human resources office

 

During STEM OPT - Important Things to Know

STEM Extension Reporting Requirements

There are many things that you need to report to the OIE while you are on your STEM extension. The OIE will send you occasional reminder emails but it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to remember to report to the OIE. You can report most changes through iStart. These are the things you need to submit to the OIE.

Every Six Months

  • A validation report that includes your full legal name, your current mailing and residential address, the name and address of your current employer and the date that you began working with your current employer.
  • If you are traveling outside the US, have your I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor.

Every Twelve Months

  • The first “Evaluation of Student Progress” section of the Form I-983 within 12 months of the start of your STEM OPT start date. This can be uploaded to iStart and should be typed and saved as a PDF.
  • The “Final Evaluation on Student Progress” no later than 10 days after end of your STEM OPT extension. This can be uploaded to iStart and should be typed and saved as a PDF.

Whenever They Change

  • Legal name
  • Residential or mailing address
  • Employer name and address
  • Termination or loss of employment if within your OPT period
  • Change of status (i.e. to H-1B)
  • Transfer to another F-1 program or change of educational level

STEM OPT and Travel

If you have applied for an OPT STEM extension, and your current EAD card has expired, we do not recommend traveling until your new EAD has been received (another reason to apply for the STEM Extension as early as possible). You will need the following documents to reenter the US:

  • Your STEM EAD Card
  • Proof of employment – Job offer letter from your employer
  • Passport valid for at least 6 more months at point of reentry
  • Valid F-1 entry visa, if applicable (See Travel and Re-Entry to the US for exceptions)
  • Travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 that will be less than 6 months old when you re-enter the US

Frequently Asked Questions

What is E-Verify?

It is a program operated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to help certify that employees hired by companies are legally authorized to work in the United States. Not sure that your employer is enrolled in E-Verify? Ask your human resources department or check online.  Note that the online search tool is not always a good indicator. For example, UVM is listed as an E-Verify employer, but we are not actually except for in certain circumstances. It is important to get clarity on this from the HR department of the employer to avoid being surprised later. 

What if my current degree is not a STEM degree but I have earned a STEM degree before? Am I eligible for a STEM extension?

If your STEM degree was from a regionally accredited institution in the US, you may be eligible for a STEM extension on the basis of your earlier degree. Please contact the OIE to talk specifically about your situation.

I already had one STEM extension. Am I eligible for another one?

Students may have up to two STEM extensions per lifetime. The second STEM extension must be based on a higher degree than the first STEM extension.

How are the rules of a STEM extension different from the rules of my first OPT authorization?

Some of the rules of STEM extensions are different than the rules for your first OPT authorization. Here are some important differences.

  • You must complete the Form I-983 for your initial application and update it at certain times. See the information about reporting requirements above.
  • Each job must be at least 20 hours per week.
  • Job must be paid—volunteer work doesn’t count

What are my employer’s responsibilities while I am on a STEM extension?

You have extra responsibilities during your STEM extension and so does your employer. These are your employer’s responsibilities.

  • Complete the Form I-983 with you and keep a copy for their records.
  • Notify the OIE if there are any “material changes” to the Form I-983, such as significant changes in the number of hours you work, decreases in your pay that are not connected to a decrease in the number of hours worked or a change in the company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Provide on-site supervision and training that is consistent with the Form I-983. The supervision and training must be from experienced and knowledgeable staff.
  • Provide terms and conditions of employment that are commensurate with “similarly situated” US workers.
  • Notify the OIE within five business days if you leave the company.
  • Work with you to complete the required evaluations every twelve months of your STEM OPT and at the end of your employment, if you leave during your STEM extension.

Can I have multiple jobs on my STEM Extension?

Yes, but each job must meet the STEM Employment requirements, including being paid, having a valid I-983 on file, being at least 20 hours per week, being directly related to your field of study, etc. You should consult with an OIE Advisor before applying for any secondary jobs. 

Am I allowed unemployment time on STEM OPT?

Yes - students on the STEM OPT period can have periods of unemployment. The total amount is counted over your full time of OPT: both the 12-month Post-Completion OPT and your STEM OPT and cannot exceed 150 days total or you are considered to be in violation of your F-1 student status.

Can I request premium processing for my case?

Yes, beginning April 3, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 (premium processing) requests when submitted along with your application. Premium processing comes at an additional cost, and it is typically not necessary as most applications in recent years have been processed in under 90 days. Before deciding to pay the premium processing fee, we recommend that you speak with an OIE Advisor about whether or not it is necessary.