STEM OPT Extension

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.

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
   • 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.

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:

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.