Some students with a STEM degree (science, technology, engineering, or math) are allowed to apply to extend their post-completion OPT authorization. The STEM OPT extension is for 24 months of work authorization.
ELIGIBILITY
• Must be currently authorized for OPT and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment.
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM field that appears on the DHS STEM-Designated Degree Program List.
• Must have a paid job offer with an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program. Also, the job offer must be for at least
20 hours of work per week.
• Employer must be able to provide the practical training as outlined in the completed Form I-983.
WHEN TO APPLY
USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application no later than your current 12-month OPT EAD end date.
You can apply as early as 90 days before the expiration of your EAD card.
APPLICATION
To apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you will need to bring the following materials to OIP:
• $410 Application Fee (Personal Check/Money Order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”)
• Two, new, identical color passport-size photographs taken in the past 30 days. Print your name and I-94 number on the back
of each photo.
• Form I-983 (PDF) completed and signed by student and employer
• Form I-765 (PDF) completed and signed in black ink
• Proof of STEM Degree (transcript or diploma)
• Copy of page 1 and 2 of I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from OIP
• Copy of your valid passport ID page (color)
• Copy of your F-1 visa (color)
• Copy of most recent I-94 record
• Copy of previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (front and back)
• Optional: Form G-1145. Use this form If you wish to receive an email or text confirmation of your receipt number for the
lockbox facility. Clip the form to the front of the OPT application.
Note: The I-983 Training Plan does not need to be submitted to USCIS. However, you should keep a copy for your records.
Also, previous copies of I-20s are not required.
MAILING THE APPLICATION TO USCIS
Once OIP returns the application documents to you and if you live in Texas, mail to one of the addresses below:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS), First-Class and Priority Mail Express deliveries:
USCIS
P.O. Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
For overnight/courier deliveries (non-USPS):
USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067