STEM OPT Extension

If you already have an approved EAD card for 12-month OPT and the CIP code on your I-20 is on the DHS Designated Degree Program List, you may be eligible for an extension of your OPT. If your I-20s CIP code is not on the list, then you are not eligible for this extension.

STEM OPT Video Series

The following videos were created prior to the launch of the ISSS Portal, so they still mention our past software Terra Dotta. Please note that all application processes with ISSS are now done through the new ISSS Portal and not through Terra Dotta.

#1: Overview and Eligibility

#2: Applying to ISSS

#3: Applying for STEM to USCIS

#4 - Reporting Employment

#5: Actions that Affect STEM OPT

Additional STEM OPT Resources

• Must already have approved OPT EAD card
• Must have maintained F-1 status – this includes completing your OPT reporting requirements
• Must have a I-20 CIP code on the DHS Designated Degree Program List
  • The CIP code is the 6-digit number next to your major on the I-20 (XX.XXXX)
  • You must have earned the prior degree before the degree you just finished at Texas A&M University.
  • You must have completed the prior degree in the U.S. and have the diploma issued by your previous school.
  • Your prior degree must have been finished in the past 10 years.
  • The CIP code of your prior degree is on the current STEM Designated Degree Program List.
  • The job you use to apply for STEM OPT Extension based on prior degree must be directly related to your prior STEM degree.
  How to Apply for STEM OPT
  1. Attend ISSS STEM OPT webinar or watch STEM OPT video series
  2. Apply for aSTEM OPT I-20from ISSS –this includes paying a $400 post enrollment fee
     • This will require you to submit an I-983 Training Plan
     • Check ISSS’ I-983 guide for additional help with completing the form
     • Applying based on prior degree: If the degree was not from Texas A&M, then you need to submit a copy of the previous school’s I-20
  3. Add STEM OPT I-20 toI-765 applicationand submit to USCIS
     • You can submit your I-765 online or by mail (we recommend you use the online option)
     • You must submit the I-765 to USCIS before your current EAD card ends AND within 60 days of the date ISSS recommended your STEM OPT (we will tell you this date in the completion email)
     • Click here for ISSS’ tips on filling out the I-765
     • If you choose to apply by mail, review USCIS’ Tips for Filing Forms by Mail
  4. Wait for USCIS approval and new STEM OPT EAD card to arrive in the mail
     • As long as you submit your I-765 to USCIS before the deadline, you can continue to work up to 180 days after your current EAD card while you wait for USCIS to approve your application
     • You will receive a receipt notice from USCIS to confirm your application was submitted
     • You can use your receipt number to check the case status
     • USCIS Processing Times
  STEM OPT Job Requirements
  • Have an EIN
  • Be E-verified (not the same as having an EIN)
  • Constitute a bona fide employer-employee relationship
  • Help you fill out your Form I-983
  • Set up formal training and learning objectives with you
  • Be through “temp” agencies or a consulting firm arrangement that provides labor for hire
  • Be you: No self-employment or sole proprietorships
  • Be a new “start-up” business that does not meet the requirements stated on the Form I-983
  • Any other relationships that do not constitute a bona fide employer-employee relationship
  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week
  • Be directly related to STEM OPT qualifying degree
  • Be PAID
    • The job’s compensation and working conditions must be “commensurate with terms and conditions applicable to the employer’s similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.”
    • Be part-time (less than 20 hours)
    • Be a “Student Position” (you have graduated already, you should not be doing student-only work)
    • Replace a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker
    • Violate federal or state requirements relating to employment (i.e. - Don’t violate labor laws!)
    STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

    Your STEM OPT reporting requirements begin after the start date on your STEM EAD card has passed. There are three types of reporting that are required by all STEM OPT students: General, Time-based, and Event-based reporting.

    General Reporting

    • Change in address or phone number – update this on your Howdy Dashboard
    • Changes to your name – this will also require you to submit a Name Change Request with the Registrar’s Office
      • Report to ISSS by submitting a request in the ISSS Portal and upload a copy of your new passport that reflects a name change.

      Time-Based Reporting

      Even if there are no changes in your STEM employment, name, phone number, or address, every student is required to report to ISSS every 6 months during their 24-Month STEM OPT Extension period.

      Deadlines:

      For example, your STEM EAD approved dates are January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. Your STEM employment reporting requirements start from January 1, 2023 and you are required to submit:

      • 6-month reporting on July 1, 2023
      • 12-month reporting on January 1, 2024
      • 18-month reporting on July 1, 2024
      • 24-month reporting on January 1, 2025

      You will be able to monitor your time-based reporting in the SEVP Portal.

      Event-based Reporting

      • Start of new STEM employment: If you're starting a new position in a STEM field, you will need to submit a new Form I-983. Please note that only pages 1 through 4 of this form are required.
      • End of current STEM employment: If you are concluding your current position in a STEM field, please submit the final evaluation. This is found on page 5 of the Form I-983, titled "FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS."
      • “Material changes” to STEM employment, including but not limited to:
        • Any change of the employer’s EIN resulting from a change in the employer’s ownership or structure, such as a corporate restructuring.
        • Any reduction in your compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours you worked.
        • Any significant decrease in the number of hours of work per week that was specified on the Form I-983.
        • Changes to the employer’s commitments or your learning objectives as documented on the Form I-983.

        You are allowed up to 150 days of unemployment during STEM OPT. This includes any unemployment you earned during 12-month OPT.

        STEM OPT Frequently Asked Questions

        When should I apply for a STEM OPT Extension?

        The earliest that USCIS can receive your STEM OPT application is 90 days before the end date on your EAD card. ISSS can receive your request before that 90-day mark, but the advisor may not process your request until closer to that date.

        What does "E-verified" mean? How do I know an employer is E-verified?
        • E-Verify number = 4 to 7 digits (you can ask your employer for the number)
        • E-Verify Employers Search Tool - this allows you to search USCIS' list of employers and federal contractors enrolled in E-Verify.
        • Detailed information about the E-Verify system can be found here.
        • Please be aware that there are some limitations with these search engines and ISSS recommends that if you are applying for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension that you ask the employer about their E-Verify status.

        My current degree isn’t STEM OPT eligible, but my prior degree is. Can I apply using my prior degree?

        Yes, if your prior degree meets all the STEM eligibility requirements. Check the Study in the States website to be sure. Keep in mind, there are additional documents you will need to submit to ISSS and USCIS if you want to apply for a STEM Extension based on a prior degree.

        Can I apply for STEM OPT if I have already exceeded the 90 days of unemployment on my initial 12-months of Post-Completion OPT?

        If you have already exceeded the 90 days of unemployment permitted during Post-Completion OPT, you may not be in a valid F-1 status. We encourage you to leave the U.S. as soon as possible or discuss your situation with an immigration attorney.

        Students who have exceeded the 90 days of unemployment may be denied future benefits. ISSS does not recommend that you apply for STEM OPT until first discussing your case with a competent immigration attorney. Check our website for more info about Finding an Immigration Attorney.

        Can I change employers while my STEM OPT is pending with USCIS?

        Yes, you can! The steps needed will depend on if you need to update your 12-month OPT employment OR your STEM OPT employer.
        

        Updates to your 12-month OPT Employer

        • Submit a Post-OPT Employment Update in the ISSS Portal (it's in the F-1 Post-Graduation Work section)
        • You can use this request to report the end of employment or the start of new employment during the 12-month OPT period

        Updates to your STEM OPT Employer

        • Submit a STEM OPT Reporting request in the ISSS Portal (it's in the F-1 Post-Graduation Work section)
        • You will need an I-983 final evaluation (pg 5) to report the end of employment if you ever worked for the employer during the STEM OPT period
        • A new I-983 will be needed for the new employer

        If the STEM OPT is approved by the time ISSS reviews the request, then we will process the update as normal.

        USCIS hasn’t approved my STEM OPT yet and my EAD card expired! What do I do?!

        While your STEM OPT application is pending with USCIS, you are still allowed to work up to 180 days beyond the end date of your current EAD.

        If USCIS has not approved the STEM OPT application by day 180, you must stop working. Employment after day 180 is not authorized until USCIS approves your STEM OPT.

        Can I travel outside of the U.S. while my STEM OPT application is pending with USCIS?

        You may travel outside the United States if your current 12-month OPT EAD card is valid and will remain valid until you re-enter the U.S.

        If your 12-month OPT EAD card has already expired and your application for STEM OPT is still pending with USCIS, you should not leave the United States.

        Once your STEM OPT has been approved, if you need to travel internationally you should take both EAD cards, your I-20 signed for travel within the last 6 months, recent employer letter, and a valid passport with unexpired F-1 visa with you to show at the Port of Entry upon your re-entry to the U.S. More information on traveling can be found above at Traveling while on STEM OPT.

        Can I work for multiple STEM employers?

        Yes, you may have multiple employers during STEM OPT if all of the following applies:

        • You are working at least 20 hours per week with each employer.
        • All employers are registered with E-Verify.
        • All positions comply with all requirements for the I-983.
        Is paid leave considered “unemployment” during STEM OPT?

        Vacation days, weekends, and holiday leave do not typically count as unemployment. However, it must be consistent with your employer’s policy. Please check with your Human Resources Department. It really depends on the company and the status you are placed in “leave” or “laid off”.

        Can I work for a start-up while on STEM OPT?

        Start-up positions are acceptable only if there is a bona fide employer-employee relationship and the employer meets the STEM OPT requirements. This includes:

        • Having an EIN and E-Verify number
        • They must work with you to create a training plan (as outlined in the I-983) and the startup must have the resources to comply with the training plan.
        • The compensation for you is commensurate to that provided to similarly situated U.S. workers