STEM OPT Extension

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). F-1 students who graduated with a major in certain science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields and are on Post-Completion OPT may apply for STEM OPT if they meet all the eligibility requirements. All work on STEM OPT must be directly related to your STEM major/s.

Please note that these resources are intended for general informational purposes only and are not legal advice.  It is your responsibility to review and follow all official instructions provided by USCIS. 

    • Current STEM-eligible majors at Williams College:

    40.0202 Astrophysics
    40.0201 Astronomy
    26.0101 Biology
    40.0501 Chemistry
    11.0701 Computer Science
    03.0104 Environmental Science
    03.0103 Environmental Studies
    40.0601 Geosciences
    27.0101 Mathematics
    40.0801 Physics
    27.0501 Statistics
    42.2704 Psychology
    45.0603 Econometrics & Quantitative
    Economics

    These majors have all been assigned a CIP code by the college that is found in the government list of STEM programs.

    • Currently be on Post-Completion OPT and maintaining F-1 status.
    • Have an employer that participates in the E-Verify program at the time of your STEM OPT application and throughout your STEM OPT employment.
    • Have an employer that completes all steps of the I-983 training plan before you apply for STEM OPT.

    1. Confirm that you are eligible for STEM OPT by reviewing the eligibility requirements.
    2. Submit the STEM OPT I-20 Request Form through your Williams International Portal.
      • Do not submit an OPT application with USCIS until you have received your OPT recommendation I-20 from the ISS.
    3. Prepare your application materials.
    4. Receive your STEM OPT recommendation I-20 from the ISS.
    5. Sign your STEM OPT recommendation I-20 and add it to your OPT application.
    6. Submit your OPT application to USCIS.  USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application no more than 60 days after your STEM OPT recommendation I-20 was issued.

    • The earliest you may apply for STEM OPT is 90 days prior to the end date of your current Post-Completion OPT, and USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application before your current OPT ends.
    • USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application no more than 60 days after your STEM OPT recommendation I-20 was issued by ISS.
    • Plan ahead and apply as early as you can.  It generally takes 2-5 months for USCIS to process OPT applications.  For the most up-to-date processing time estimate, visit the USCIS's processing times page and search for Form I-765 at the USCIS Service Center listed in your receipt notice (typically, OPT cases are processed by the Potomac Service Center).

    • Within a week or two of submitting your OPT application to USCIS, a paper receipt notice from USCIS will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the I-765. (If you apply online, your receipt notice should be immediately available in MyUSCIS).
    • Your receipt number can be used to track your application status via the USCIS case status tool.  (If you apply online, your receipt notice will become available immediately after submission.)
    • Application processing times vary, though they generally hover around 2-5 months.
    • Occasionally, USCIS may issue a follow-up “Request for Evidence” notice, asking for additional documentation. If you receive such a request, please consult with the ISS.
    • If your application is approved, an approval notice will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the I-765.  (If you apply online, your approval notice will also be available in MyUSCIS).
    • If your application is approved, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will also be mailed to the mailing address listed on the I-765.  The EAD is a photo identification card that serves as your proof of OPT work authorization.

  • As long as USCIS receives your STEM OPT application before your period of Post-Completion OPT expires, you may continue to work with your STEM employer while your STEM OPT application is pending until USCIS makes a final decision on your application or your application has been pending 180 days with USCIS (whichever comes first).

  • Report the following using the SEVP portal within 10 days of any change:
    • Address change/update: Report within 10 days of moving.
    • Employment information (how it relates to your major, name, address,
    start date).
    To ISS:
    • Updated I-20 and Travel Signature Request
    • Final departure from the U.S. (if earlier than your OPT end date).

    While students are on STEM OPT they will have to validate their STEM OPT participation every 6 months with ISS and they have to submit the self-evaluation on page 5 of I-983 Training after 12 and 24 months of their STEM OPT.

    If you obtain a new employment while on STEM OPT, you must submit an I-983 Training plan with that employer.

  • You are able to take the time off but you may not be unemployed for more than 150 days (cumulative) during your combined periods of approved Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT.

    Remember, in order to be considered “employed” while on Post-Completion OPT, you must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week.  Working less than 20 hours per week is considered “unemployment” on Post-Completion OPT; time spent working under 20 hours/week counts toward the 90 days of permitted unemployed time.

  • Before applying to USCIS for a STEM OPT extension, a STEM OPT student must download, complete, sign, and submit the Form I-983 to their DSO. The STEM OPT student and their prospective employer must work together to complete this form. STEM OPT students and their employers are subject to the terms of the 24-month STEM OPT extension regulations and Form I-983 instructions, effective as of the start date requested for STEM OPT, as indicated on the form.

    The STEM OPT student must complete Section 1 of the Form I-983 and work with their prospective employer to complete Sections 2-6. For more information about these sections, please visit the Employers and the Form I-983 resource page.

  • In general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may travel outside the United States temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card.

    Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks. Keep in mind the following:

    • You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.
    • If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a specific deadline, which could be difficult from outside the U.S.
    • For OPT STEM Extension: If you are denied for OPT STEM Extension while outside the United States after your OPT EAD end date, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply. Your F-1 status will end.
    • If you are approved for OPT/STEM while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States.
    • If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.
    •  If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your mail. Sign up for an account with USCIS Case Status online(link is external)

    If a student's F-1 visa has expired and the student wishes to travel outside the United States, a new F-1 visa must be obtained before re-entering the United States.

    If your F-1 visa has expired, and OPT or OPT STEM Extension application is pending, you will NOT be able to apply for a new F-1 visa until the application is approved and you have the EAD.

    ISS can only advise you on travel as an F-1, but we cannot advise on how your travel might impact a pending or future H-1B request.