Optional Practical Training STEM Extension

F-1 students who are currently authorized for OPT employment based on completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) field, as defined by DHS, may be eligible for a 24-month extension of OPT.

In order to be eligible for this extension, students applying for this benefit must:

Already be on valid OPT based on a STEM-eligible程度
Have had fewer than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT
Be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered in the E-Verify employment verification system

There is a lifetime limit of 两个 periods of 24-month STEM OPT; each occurring after a higher degree level has been 获得. A STEM degree 获得 at a U.S. university prior to your current degree may be the basis for a STEM extension under certain circumstances.

Learn more on the STEM Hub

Applying for STEM Extension

何时申请

提交 the STEM OPT application to USCIS within 90 days of your initial OPT expiration 日期. The new STEM extension EAD card begins the day after the expiration of the previous OPT EAD and ends 24 months later; no matter when approved.

While the STEM OPT I-765 is pending with USCIS, you may continue to work for up to 180 days IF the application is submitted before the EAD card expires.

申请过程

提交 to Office of International Student Services:
- 填妥并签署"Request for 24 Month Extension of OPT(第4页)
- 完成培训计划I-983 form
提交 directly to USCIS: please check 美国入籍与移民服务局网站更新后的清单
- Application Fee: $410 (Money order or personal check made payable to “U.S. 部门国土安全部部长”)。
- 表格i - 765 (See Tips for completing form I-765 below)
- Photocopy of new OPT STEM extension I-20 from 365bet (keep the original I-20)
- Photocopies of all previous I-20s (Make sure all your I-20s are signed before copying 他们. Keep the originals for your records.)
- Photocopy of the front and back of your current OPT EAD card
- 电流影印件 I-94
- Photocopy of Passport biographical information page (and any renewal pages)
- 签证复印件
- Photocopy of past EAD cards if applicable (front and back)
- 两种颜色，U.S. passport-style, photographs (Photos need to be a certain size. 为指南,请参阅: 美国入籍与移民服务局.gov / i - 765) Write your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo in pencil in case they get separated from your application. Place photos in plastic bag or envelope and staple 在I-765表格的顶部. 不要装订照片.
- Evidence that your degree meets the STEM degree/major requirements. 只有一个 following must be submitted with your application:
  - Official transcript (Request from Registrar’s Office if do not have one already)
  - Copy of the diploma that shows your degree level and program of study
  - 形式克量1145 Attach completed form to first page of I‐756 application.

提示和有用的链接

use “renewal of my permission to accept employment”

Be sure to write name in correct order (Family, First, Middle)—this is what will be 写在你的EAD上. Write family name in ALL CAPS. First (and middle, if have) name should not be all caps; only first letter should be capitalized. 这个名字应该 match your OPT I-20 and passport.

Use an address that will be valid for the entire next 3 months. 如果地址不是 known or there is possibility of change, use your employer or the Office of International Student Services (see below). Any requests for evidence, communication, or EAD card, if approved, will be sent to this address so it needs to be an address that will be 定期检查. Mail from USCIS is not usually automatically forwarded by the U.S. 邮政服务.

阿卜苏空间站
邮政信箱6400号
克拉克斯维尔37044

Should match the information on your passport

使用你的U.S. 社会安全号码.

This is information from most recent entry on I-94/passport stamp.

检查“是的”
USCIS office: see EAD card number for office code: YSC-Potomac, LIN-Nebraska, WAC-California, EAC-Vermont, SRC-Texas, MSC-Missouri
Dates: start 日期 on EAD card
Results: Granted (include copy of front/back of EAD card with application)

USCIS wants to know what your status was the last time you entered the U.S. 对于大多数 students applying for OPT, it is “F-1”.

Current status: F-1 Student

(C)(3)(C)

Degree: write level of degree (i.e. Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.)及主要守则如I-20表格所列
Employer’s name: as listed in E-Verify
Employer’s E-Verify number—should be able to get from company’s HR department.

Don’t forget to sign, 日期 and include phone number

有用的链接

Apply for your 社会安全号码 While Applying for Your Work Permit

USCIS表格归档提示

USCIS案件状态在线

USCIS Case Processing Times

USCIS Change of Address (Make sure your documents are sent to your current address)

How to Track Delivery of Your Green Card, 就业 Authorization Document (EAD), 及旅行证件

USCIS Case Inquiry submission

USCIS Typographic Error correction