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STEM OPT Extension

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for students with a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degree.
STEM Optional Practical Training Extension
Eligibility
Application Process
Requirements
FAQS

Updated as of July 19, 2023

F-1 students who receive STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their Post-Completion OPT. (More Information)

Qualifying for STEM Extension:

  • Must currently be in a valid period of Post-Completion OPT.
    • Must submit your STEM OPT Extension application so that it is received by USCIS within 90 days of the OPT end date and no later than 60 days after the STEM OPT I-20 is issued by ISSS. Further, Per U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance, the online filing system recognizes UTC or "Coordinated Universal Time." This means that your application will likely be time-stamped much later than the time zone in which you live.
  • Must have earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited, SEVP-certified, U.S. institution of higher education in an approved STEM major.
  • Must have a job.
  • Job must be directly related to degree.
  • The CIP code of degree's major field of study must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
  • Training must be a paid job, for at least 20 hours per week at each STEM employer.
    • Student cannot own his/her own business, work through a staffing agency, or be a contracted worker.
  • Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Student and employer must complete and sign the Form I-983 Training Plan.

Please read:

  • If the STEM OPT application is properly and timely filed with USCIS, standard post-completion OPT EAD is considered automatically extended for up to 180 days beyond the EAD expiration date while the STEM OPT extension EAD application is pending. If approved, a new EAD will be issued for a 24-month extension, beginning the day after Standard Post-Completion OPT ends.
  • If the STEM OPT application is denied, employment must be terminated immediately. A 60-day grace period will automatically begin to either pursue a higher degree, change visa status, or depart the U.S.
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Online Filing Option

If you prefer, there is an online option for filing your I-765 application. Please click on the button below and follow along with the PowerPoint. Do not do the online option without taking a look at the recommendations in the PowerPoint.

  • Please note: STEM OPT applications must be received by USCIS within 90 days of the OPT end date and no later than 60 days after the STEM OPT I-20 is issued by ISSS. All applications are date/time stamped when receipted. Per U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance, the online filing system recognizes UTC or "Coordinated Universal Time" which means that your application will likely be time-stamped much later than the time zone in which you live. OPT filings received outside of the application period will be denied, resulting in loss of application fee and in some cases, loss of opportunity to reapply. We strongly recommend that you submit your online application at least two days prior to the last day of your eligibility window.
  1. Within 90 days of the current Post-Completion OPT end date, submit the following to ISSS Office through an E-form under "OPT STEM Extension I-20 Request:"
    • Completed Form I-983 Training Plan
    • New and complete Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
      • Only use black ink or type on the computer.
      • Answer all questions. Enter N/A for any questions that do not apply to you. If the answer to a question requires a numerical response and does not apply to you, enter NONE.
      • Answer item #27 with (c)(3)(C).
      • Do not sign your I-765 until you have received your OPT STEM extension I-20. This signature needs to be on or after the issue date on this new I-20.
      • Please see this OPT STEM Extension I-765 template as a courtesy from our office. Please keep in mind that your answers may be different depending on your personal circumstances. Please read through all of the instructions before completing your I-765.
      • You do NOT need to list your OPT or CPT information on Part 6 (page 7) of the I-765.
    • Application Form for STEM Extension from the ISSS Office (done through the E-forms page)
  2. Once a new STEM Form I-20 has been issued, mail the following to USCIS within 60 days of the I-20 issued date, and before the expiration of post-completion OPT:
    • Completed STEM Form I-20 with both DSO and student’s signature
    • Completed Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
    • Completed Form I-765
    • Check the USCIS Fee Calculator for the most up to date fee amount using category (c)(3)(C).
      • Check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security OR
      • Credit card by using Form G-1450; include the form instead of a check or money order
        • We encourage students to use a check or money order as these have been the most reliable forms of payment in the past.
    • Copy of BYU diploma for STEM major, or,
      • If you have not yet graduated, include an official copy of your degree transcript
    • Copy of current EAD card
    • Copy of passport
    • Copy of F-1 visa
    • Copy of your most recent I-94
    • Two identical passport-style photos
      • We recommend that you write your I-94 number on the back of both of these photos lightly with pencil
      • The Administration Building (ASB Building) on campus provides a service to students to get these photos taken. Search “ASB” on map.byu.edu for the location of this building on campus.
  3. Send all of the above to USCIS. We recommend that you use certified return receipt mail when you send the application. The filing addresses change occasionally; please check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date addresses.
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After your receive your EAD, please be sure to keep the following:

  • Work only until the end date listed on your EAD card.
  • Only have employment that is directly related to your major.
  • Maintain a valid passport.
  • Work at least 20 hours per week.
  • Make sure to fax, send, or leave a copy of your EAD with the ISSS office.
  • Keep records for each employment experience including the position held, proof of the duration of that position, contact information of your supervisor, and a description of your job duties.

Reporting

  • Report any changes in the information below within 10 days and confirm it again every six months even if there have been no changes.
    • If there were no changes in your employment, you do need to report your employment information again.
    • SEVP will send an email when your OPT has been approved. This email should include a link where you can report your employment for your SEVIS record.
    • You also have the option to report it through our office. This is done through an E-form Request. Select “OPT Reporting” under the “F-1 Student Services” tab.

The following table suggests the best way to report the required information:

SituationReportable Information
Change to a new job
  • Previous employer name
  • Previous employment end date
  • New employer name
  • Employment start date
  • Employer mailing address
Unemployment
  • Indicate "unemployed"
  • Ending date of last job
You decide to exit the U.S. and complete your F-1 status prior to the end date of OPT
  • Indicate "Completing OPT and exiting the U.S."
  • Date of exit
Change of legal name
  • Documentation indicating the name change
Change of residential or mailing address
  • New residential or mailing address
Change of email address
  • New email

You will also need to re-submit parts of your I-983 after 12 months and after 24 months. This will include evaluations from your employer about your training progress and improvements.

Unemployment

You may accrue no more than 150 days of unemployment, which includes any unemployment days accrued while on Standard OPT — exceeding this time limit will cause you to lose your status. The following counts towards unemployment:

  • Each day between your start and end dates that you do not have qualifying employment
  • Travel outside the U.S. while unemployed
  • Travel while employed with authorization from your employer will not count towards your unemployment; this includes approved periods of authorized leave or work-related travel

Terminate your employment when:

  • your EAD expires
  • you transfer your SEVIS record to another school
  • begin study at another educational level with a new I-20
  • you exceed 150 days of unemployment
  • (whichever situation above comes first)

Depart the U.S. within 60 days of completing your STEM OPT if your Form I-20 is not extended or transferred to another SEVIS approved school.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please see the "Eligibility" tab for more information.

  • Please apply for an extension within 90 days of your EAD card expiring. We recommend doing this as early as possible. You are not able to apply for a STEM OPT Extension after your EAD has expired.

  • If you move while your OPT application is being processed and your address is not in your application, you must report this change of address within 10 days of moving to both of the following places:

    USCISBYU
    Use Electronic AR-11 to inform those processing your application of your new address.Use Route Y to update your personal information which also automatically updates your address in the SEVIS database.

    Note: Submitting your address change to USCIS does not update your address in the BYU/SEVIS database.

  • Yes. F-1 visa holders are legally allowed to work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (after their first two semesters) and Optional Practical Training (after graduation) as long as they receive authorization through ISSS and USCIS, respectively, prior to working.

  • Students do not need sponsorship from their employer while employed before graduation and participating in CPT. Companies may choose to sponsor a worker on an F visa during their OPT as long as they meet the H-1B (sponsored worker visa) criteria. If you are choosing to pursue sponsorship then you may want to indicate this as part of your discussions with prospective employers, but we encourage you to make sure each prospective employer understands that you are legally eligible for work for up to 12 months (36 if in a STEM designated field) regardless of sponsorship beyond this term. If you are sponsored for an H-1B you enter a visa lottery and we encourage you and your employer to work with a qualified immigration attorney as part of that process.
    We encourage you to work with your Career Advisors from each college as you navigate these employment opportunities
    BYU Career Services
    Marriott School of Business Career Center

How to Apply for STEM Extension // BYU ISSS

Please watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for STEM Extension and be eligible to continue working after OPT.