STEM OPT Extension

The Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field.

Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular Post-Completion OPT have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

IMPORTANT: Please note, the information on this page and any OPT-related advising is meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on your STEM OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the STEM OPT applicant, to ensure that your STEM OPT application is accurate and complete before you submit it to USCIS. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. 

Please review the questions and answers below to learn about STEM OPT and to determine if you are eligible before beginning the STEM OPT application process.

Apply for a STEM OPT Extension

Follow the instructions below to apply for a STEM OPT Request I-20 from ISSS and file your I-765 with USCIS online. Please note that the instructions below will guide you to complete an online STEM OPT application with USCIS, rather than the paper/mail-in application.

Step 1: Download and Complete a Form I-983

Download the Form I-983 from the DHS Study in the States. This document will not be submitted to USCIS, but you will submit it to ISSS in order to receive your STEM OPT Request I-20. Download the Form I-983 Instructions [PDF] to learn how to fill in this form with the correct information.

Note: Please do not fill in the DSO contact information box on the Form I-983. This field will be completed by the advisor who reviews your application for the STEM OPT Request I-20.

Step 2: Request a STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS

Email the following documents to isss@drexel.edu to request your STEM OPT Request I-20:

  • Completed STEM OPT Request Form [PDF].
  • Completed Form I-983 (from Step 1 above).
  • STEM OPT Processing Fee Receipt. 
  • Scan of your current post-completion OPT EAD card (front and back).
  • Scan of your passport (valid for at least six months).
  • Most recent I-94.
  • Scan of official transcript for STEM degree.
  • If you are applying for the STEM OPT extension based on a previously earned STEM degree (rather than your most-recently earned degree used for your current OPT authorization):
    • Copy of the I-20 from your previous degree showing the STEM eligible CIP code.
    • Copy of your official transcript to confirm completion of the STEM degree.

Please do not send files in a zipped folder. Attach files as individual PDFs or as a single compiled PDF.

Step 3: Gather Additional Documents for Your Application

While you wait to receive your I-20 from ISSS, gather the following additional documents that USCIS will require for your STEM OPT application. All of the documents in the list below will be submitted digitally, through the USCIS online portal.

  • Digital color U.S. style passport photo of yourself taken within the last 6 months.
    • You will need to upload a recent (taken within the last 6 months) U.S. style passport photograph of yourself. Please refer to the Department of State as well as the instructions on the online I-765 application for additional information on the photo requirements.
    • As a best practice, do not re-use photos that you have previously used on your passport or visa, as this may lead to issues with your application.
    • You may wish to use the Department of State's Photo Tool to upload your photo and crop to the correct size.
  • Most recent Form I-94. Please note that if you changed to F-1 status within the U.S. via a successful in-country change of nonimmigrant status (Form I-539) application with USCIS and have not since traveled outside the U.S., the I-94 is located on your change of status approval notice document (I-797).
  • Passport identification page (plus extension page, if applicable) or F-1 visa sticker.
  • If you are applying for the STEM OPT extension based on a previously earned STEM degree (rather than your most-recently earned degree used for your current OPT authorization):
    • Evidence of school accreditation.
    • I-20 from your previous degree showing the STEM eligible CIP code.
    • Copy of your degree or official transcript to confirm completion of the STEM degree.
    • SEVP certification documentation from your school or here (must be currently certified; check Study in the States).

Step 4: File an I-765 (EAD Application) to USCIS Online

Once ISSS reviews your request and generates your STEM OPT Request I-20, you will receive an email with instructions to pick up the I-20 (or the I-20 will be included in the email, if you requested a digital original copy) as well as instructions to file your I-765 online to USCIS. Please note:

  • USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application within 60 days of the date that ISSS prints your STEM OPT Request I-20. If it is not received in time, you will need to redo your application.
  • USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application before your OPT EAD card expires. If you do not apply for STEM OPT before the OPT EAD expires, you will not be eligible for the STEM OPT extension.
  • If you apply for the STEM OPT extension in a timely manner and your OPT EAD card expires, you may continue to work up to 180 days beyond the expiration date while your STEM OPT application is pending with your valid I-797 receipt notice. The start date on your STEM OPT EAD card will be the day following your existing OPT EAD card's expiration date.

After STEM OPT Approval

Once you receive a response/approval from USCIS, review the FAQs section STEM OPT Student Responsibilities & FAQs to make sure that you are following F-1 visa regulations for students on STEM OPT and reporting updates to ISSS. You are not required to email a copy of your EAD card to ISSS, but here is a summary of changes that must be reported (complete information is in the FAQs above) within 10 days of a change:

  • Address Change: Email ISSS to report a new living address.
  • STEM OPT Employment Update Form [PDF]: Report new Employment, end of employment, or changes to existing employment; include required supplemental documents as described on the form.
  • Six-Month Validation Form [PDF]: Submit every six months during STEM OPT authorization along with self-evaluation at 1-year and 2-year marks (described on form).

STEM OPT Eligibility

Applying for STEM OPT

STEM OPT Student Responsibilities & FAQs

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