The STEM OPT extension allows eligible F-1 students who have completed a degree in a qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field to apply for an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond their standard 12-month post-completion OPT. This extension provides students the opportunity to gain further hands-on experience in their field while working with employers who are enrolled in the federal E-Verify program. Employment during the STEM OPT period must be directly related to the student’s STEM degree and must include a formal training plan (Form I-983) approved by the student’s Designated School Official (DSO). Students must not exceed an aggregate 150 days of unemployment during post- and STEM OPT.
- Must be in valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
- Must have completed a post-completion OPT period based on a qualifying STEM degree from a SEVP-certified U.S. school.
- Degree must be listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by DHS.
- Must work for an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program.
- Employment must be directly related to the student’s STEM degree.
- Must have a formal training plan (Form I-983) approved by their Designated School Official (DSO).
- Must apply for the STEM OPT extension before the current post-completion OPT expires.
- May work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during the extension period.
Step 1: Review the STEM OPT Extension Training Module Prezi
Step 2: Prepare all necessary documents and review important links
- STEM OPT Extension Checklist
- Form I-983: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
- Soft copy of your valid passport, visa, or previously issued EAD card (only 1 required)
- PDF of your most recent I-94
- Digital passport photos *Review the Passport Photo Requirements
- Soft copy of your qualifying STEM degree
- Funds available to pay the USCIS filing fee by credit or debit card, or by checking or savings account
- Form I-20 with recommended OPT (issued upon approval of the OPT application)
Step 3: After completing the STEM OPT Extension Training Module, proceed with your application by clicking the button below.
Step 4: Wait for an email from the Office of International Student Services
- Once your application and documents are received, please allow 5-7 business days for processing.
- If additional information is needed during the review process (including corrections to forms), the Office of International Student Services will send an email to your Marshall email account with the subject “REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.”
- Be sure to provide any necessary information within 10 days. Incomplete requests may be cancelled after 10 days.
- If approved, you will receive an email notification to your Marshall email account letting you know your new I-20 has been issued and you are ready to file Form I-765 online.
Step 5: Receive and sign your Form I-20 with recommended OPT
- Once the OPT Application is approved, you will receive a notification to your Marshall email with the Form I-20 attached. Be sure to sign the I-20 and save for your records. You will need the electronic Form I-20 to upload to the Form I-765 online.
Step 6: Complete Form I-765 Online
- Once your OPT is recommended in SEVIS by a DSO, you will be ready to file Form I-765 online with USCIS.
- File Form I-765
- View Form I-765 Guide
Step 7: Wait for your EAD card to arrive
- Once your application is submitted and the filing fee is paid online, you will be directed to a confirmation screen that shows your receipt number. You will be able to use the receipt number to check the status of your case on the USCIS website. Be sure to check your USCIS online account for updates to your case.
- Check my case status with USCIS
- Check USCIS processing times
- I need to update my address with USCIS
- You will receive an email or text message with a case number which can be used to Check the Status of Your Case Online. USCIS processing times may vary. You must NOT begin working until the start date on the EAD card, if approved. If your case is denied, you will receive a denial notice.
- Requests for Evidence
- USCIS may send you a REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE (RFE) through regular mail. While it is not common for students to receive a RFE when applying for Optional Practical Training, it does happen sometimes. If USCIS sends you a RFE, be sure to read it carefully and respond as soon as possible. Be sure to send a copy of the RFE to iss@marshall.edu.
- If my case is pending after my 60-day grace period, can I stay in the United States?
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Yes! You can stay in the United States while the case is pending with USCIS.
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- Can I work while my case is pending with USCIS?
- If you are applying for PRE-COMPLETION or POST-COMPLETION OPT, the answer is NO. You cannot begin working until the start date on the EAD card.
- If you are applying for STEM OPT EXTENSION, the answer is YES, you may work for up to 180 days with the I-797 Receipt Notice while the case is pending with USCIS.
- Can I travel outside the United States while my case is pending with USCIS?
- That depends. Generally, the answer is yes. However, if you are applying for post-completion OPT AND your I-20 program end date has passed, it is not recommended that you travel outside the United States. Additionally, if you are applying for STEM OPT extension AND your standard OPT end date has passed, you should not travel outside the United States. For other OPT travel questions, check out our OPT Travel Chart.