STEM OPT is an extension of Optional Practical Training for students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). STEM OPT was designed to provide students with the opportunity to participate in more specialized training in their STEM field of study. Progress, engagement, and employment details are monitored by the student and employer through proper documentation and evaluations completed on the I-983 Training Plan. Please note that not all STEM degrees qualify for the STEM extension. You can determine if your major is a STEM field by checking the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code assigned to your major on your I-20 on page 1. Click here to view the CIP codes.
IMPORTANT: If you believe that your major should qualify as a STEM field but the CIP code does not appear on the STEM list, you should consult with your department chair. OIPS has no role in determining CIP codes or STEM fields.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension you must:
- Be maintaining F-1 Status
- Hold a passport valid at least 6 months into the future
- Currently be on Post-Completion OPT and have a valid OPT EAD card
- Be applying for STEM OPT Extension for the first time at the current level of education
- Currently be holding an OPT I-20 reflecting a degree in an eligible STEM field
- Update employment info on OIPS website: OPT Online Update Form
- Currently be working for or have an employment offer from a company that is registered with E-Verify. Unpaid positions do not qualify. The company must agree to complete the I-983 Training Plan at the time you apply for STEM OPT and every 12 months thereafter.
STEM OPT Timeline
*Your STEM OPT I-20 is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued. See the bottom of page 1 on your I-20. You need to submit your STEM OPT application, STEM OPT I-20 and supporting documents to USCIS BEFORE your STEM OPT I-20 recommendation expires.
**USCIS accepts STEM OPT applications any time between 90 days before current EAD expires and up to current EAD end date.
When should I apply for STEM OPT?
The application window for STEM Extension is the last 4 months of your authorized OPT (120 days). We recommend applying as early within that window as possible. It takes several weeks to gather all supporting documents, complete the I-983 with your employer, and then receive the STEM OPT I-20.
Your STEM Extension application, to include the STEM OPT I-20 created by OIPS, supporting documents, and payment must be received BEFORE your original OPT expires (end date on EAD card).
FAQs
Q: When can I apply for my STEM OPT Extension with USCIS?
A: The earliest date you can apply is 90 days before your original OPT expires (end date on EAD card).
Q: The timeline states that I should submit my STEM OPT I-20 request 90-120 days before my original OPT expires. What if I submit my STEM OPT I-20 request 80 days before my OPT expires. Will OIPS still accept it?
A: Yes, OIPS will still accept your request. As noted above, you must apply for STEM Extension before your original OPT expires (end date on EAD card). We strongly recommend students to request their STEM OPT I-20 early (as early as 120 days before your original OPT expires). It takes time to gather all supporting documents and receive the STEM OPT I-20. Do not wait until the last minute.
Maintaining F-1 Status
Students on STEM OPT are still in F-1 status and must maintain legal status:
- You must be in a paid OPT position, at least 20 hours per week. Unpaid positions do not qualify.
- Your job must be directly related to your major field of study and commensurate with your level of study.
- Your employer must be registered in the E-Verify system;
- You must have a bona fide employee-employer relationship with the organization you work for.
- You have an additional 60 days of unemployment you can use during your STEM OPT period. Unemployment beyond 150 days OPT + STEM OPT is a violation of your F-1 visa status;
- You may change employers during your STEM OPT period. The new employer must be in E-Verify and they must agree to complete the I-983 Training Plan. The previous employer must sign the Final Evaluation (I-983, last page, and last box). Both forms can be submitted through the OPT Online Update Form.
- Full-time study (BA/MA/PhD) cancels your STEM OPT. You may take occasional courses to enhance your skills while working.
Important Travel Information
You can travel while on STEM OPT, but keep in mind that you still must have:
- Valid OPT STEM I-20 signed within the last 6 months from your date of re-entry;
- STEM OPT Extension EAD Card;
- Letter from employer or current contract, pay stubs to show that you are still employed by your E-Verify Employer working in your field of study;
- Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future;
- Valid F-1 entry visa in your passport—Be sure to allow plenty of time for a new visa and schedule your visa appointment several months ahead of time before you travel.
Questions? Consult with an OIPS advisor. Call the OIPS front desk to schedule a virtual appointment with an advisor.
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
You must report every six months, even if you have not changed jobs:
- At or before 6 months from start date on EAD card: go to OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update form to update your employment
- At or before 12 months from start date on EAD card: download USCIS form I-983 and upload the “Evaluation on Student Progress” (I-983, last page, first box) in the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update form
- At or before 18 Months from start date on EAD card: go to OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update form to update your employment
- At or before 24 months from start date on EAD card: download USCIS form I-983 and upload the “Final Evaluation on Student Progress” (I-983, last page, last box) in the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update form.
You must also complete the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update Form if you:
- Move to another address in the U.S. or abroad
- Change employer, to include company (merger/acquisition), supervisor, and location information (a new Form I-983 must be submitted to OIPS)
- Discontinue employment
- Change your status to another visa type
- Leave the U.S. before the end of your OPT
Training Plan for STEM OPT Students (plus evaluation) Sample
STEM OPT Reporting Deadlines Calculator
Students on STEM OPT need to report their employment every 6 months whether there has been a recent change to the student's employment or not. Simply put in your STEM OPT start date below. Remember, students can report up to 30 days before and up to 10 days after the 6, 12, 18, and 24 month reporting dates. You will also receive emails from SEVIS reminding you to report. Be sure to check your email regularly.
STEM OPT Application Process (Step by Step Instructions)
USCIS will accept your application as early as 90 days prior to your EAD expiration. USCIS needs to receive your application prior to the OPT EAD expiration. OIPS advises you submit at least 1 day before the deadline to avoid deadline issues.
Step 1: Make Sure your employment information is up to date.
To update your information, go to OPT Employment Update Form
Step 2: Request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIPS.
To request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIPS, you need to complete the STEM OPT I-20 Request form and attach the I-983 Training Plan. You and your employer need to complete and sign pp. 1-5. I-983 Training Plan Instructions for Employer and Student can be found on the Study In The States website. Please note that OIPS only reviews the I-983 training plan as a curtesy, and we only review it for completeness. It is a legal document between you and your employer. A sample I-983 can be found here.
Step 3: Prepare and submit the OPT application and required documents online to USCIS.
How to Construct the STEM OPT Application Packet and Complete the I-765 Application Form
Visit our STEM OPT Application Packet page to learn how to construct the STEM OPT Application Packet & Complete the I-765 Application Form. This page includes a video that goes over the STEM OPT application to USCIS in detail.
Premium Processing Considerations
When should students consider using Premium Processing? In most cases, students do not need to use Premium Processing for STEM OPT. Once a timely STEM OPT extension application is filed, students are allowed to continue working for up to 180 days while their application is pending with USCIS. Typically, USCIS adjudicates STEM OPT applications within four months—well before the 180-day period ends.
However, there are certain situations where Premium Processing may be beneficial. With Premium Processing, USCIS adjudicates STEM OPT applications within 30 days of filing. If this timeline is not met, USCIS will refund the Premium Processing fee. Learn more about Premium Processing here.
Here are some situations where Premium Processing may be beneficial:
Upcoming Travel – If you will travel after your initial OPT period ends, you will need your STEM OPT EAD card in hand to re-enter the U.S. If you did not apply enough in advance, you EAD card may not arrive in time. USCIS typically takes 4 months to adjudicate STEM OPT applications. Premium Processing may help you avoid travel disruptions.
Renewing or obtaining documents – If your state ID or driver’s license is expiring or has already expired, you may benefit from using the Premium Processing option. Please contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm if a hard copy of the EAD is required to renew or obtain your driver’s license.
Running out of 180 days to work – If you submitted your STEM OPT application near the end of your eligibility window, there’s a risk USCIS won’t adjudicate your case until after the 180 days students have to work with a pending timely issued STEM OPT application. If you run out of the 180 days, you will have to stop working until your case is approved. Premium processing may help you avoid the gap in employment.
STEM OPT Application Mistakes – If you made a mistake on your STEM OPT application and are at risk of denial, you can consider using Premium Processing to speed up the adjudication of your STEM OPT. If your application is denied before the end of your initial OPT period, you may have time to file a correct STEM OPT application.
If you’re unsure whether Premium Processing is right for your situation, you can come to online drop-in advising or make a virtual appointment with a DSO. Ultimately, it is your decision whether or not to use premium processing.
Life After STEM OPT
As your STEM OPT period ends, it’s important to begin planning your next steps. Whether you're continuing your career, pursuing more education, or transitioning to a new visa status, there are several paths available to you.
Transitioning to Other Work Authorizations
After STEM OPT, some students may be eligible for other work-based immigration options, such as employer-sponsored H-1B, O-1, or green card. Most of these pathways require advanced planning and legal guidance from immigration attorneys.
To help with this transition, OIPS hosts Lawyer Workshops every semester where immigration attorneys explain post-F-1 status options. If you are eligible, you will receive an email for information on the Lawyer Workshop.
If you're transitioning to H-1B status, don’t forget to complete the final evaluation section of your Form I-983 training plan within 10 days of the change of status.
Continuing Studies in the U.S.
If you plan to continue your studies in the U.S. upon the conclusion of your STEM OPT period, you can either
- attend a program at a new school by transferring your SEVIS record or
- you can pursue another degree at George Mason by completing the Change of Level process.
Please note that you will need admission in order to change levels or transfer. These options require advance planning to allow for admission into another program and OIPS processing.
You can learn more about SEVIS Transfer-out here.
For questions on Change of Level, please contact the Regulations Team at [email protected]