ETSU | STEM OPT

International Enrollment and Services

F-1 STEM OPT Extension

Students with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Only students who have completed degrees in a STEM designated field  qualify for this extension.  You can locate your field of study on your Form I-20, under Program of Study: Major 1.  If your field of study does not appear on this list, you are not eligible for a STEM extension. 

For details on this, review the information available at the U.S. government website’s STEM OPT Hub.

DO NOT file your STEM OPT application before receiving your final I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation from your ISA.  Filing your case without the new STEM OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your STEM OPT application.

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

  • Helpful Acronyms

    ISA: International Student Advisor

    USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

    OPT: Optional Practical Training

    STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics 

    EAD: Employment Authorization Document

    DSO: Designated School Official (this is your ISA)

    SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System

    IES: International Enrollment and Services

STEM Basics

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of approved F-1 12-Month OPT.  Eligible students may apply for a 24-Month STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their current  OPT EAD.

  • STEM Eligibility

    F-1 students are eligible for the STEM extension if they:   

    • Have earned a degree in an eligible STEM field as determined by the DHS-approved STEM CIP code. You can apply based on any previous STEM degree from an SEVP, accredited U.S. institution within the last 10 years.

    • Has not already utilized two STEM extensions and you have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment for the current OPT Currently approved for 12-month OPT, and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment.


      • USCIS must receive your application BEFORE the expiration of your current EAD card

    • Work a minimum of 20 hours/week in a paid position directly related to their field

    • Pursue their STEM OPT extension through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS's E-Verify employment eligibility verification program, as well as other additional STEM OPT Employer Requirements
      • The employer must have an EIN number

    • Employment must be paid and "commensurate with the terms and conditions of employment for other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.”
      • Volunteer (unpaid) employment is NOT permitted.

    • Your employer is able to fully complete the Form I-983 and abide by all employer obligations, including Dept. of Homeland Security Site visits.

    • Have not already been approved for 2 previous STEM OPT periods in their lifetime

    • You are applying no more than 90 days before your 12-month OPT expires and no later than the expiration of your 12-month OPT EAD
      • For E-filed applications, USCIS uses UTC or Coordinated Universal Time to determine the time/date filed. If you are filing CLOSE to your deadline check the UTC time/date of filing!
  • A Note About Prior Degrees

    Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student may use a prior STEM degree from a currently accredited SEVP-certified school to fulfill this eligibility requirement. To use a prior degree to qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the F-1 student must:

    • Have received their most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM-related) from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school
    • Have received their prior, qualifying STEM degree (at the bachelor's level or higher) within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension with USCIS
    • The qualifying STEM degree needs to be on DHS's STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time the student submits their application for the STEM OPT extension, rather than at the time that the student received the degree

     

    If pursuing this option, you MUST make your ISA aware of this plan before applying. The I-983 and STEM OPT recommended I-20 are impacted differently by this option. 

  • Do I need a job to apply for STEM OPT?

    YES! You must be employed or have a future job offer for at least 20 hours per week or more, directly related to your STEM field of study from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program. STEM-eligible employers must have e-Verify & EIN numbers, and the student must have a "bona fide employer-employee relationship." To establish a bona fide relationship, the employer may not be the student’s “employer” in name only. Employment must be paid and "commensurate with the terms and conditions of employment for other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.” Volunteer (unpaid) employment is NOT permitted.

  • What is my status during/after the STEM OPT application process?

    During your pending STEM OPT application and after the STEM OPT approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 sponsorship of ETSU. The STEM OPT Extension is a benefit of your F-1 status and extends your ability to remain in the United States for the purpose of seeking employment in your STEM field of study. This means that you will continue to use your ETSU STEM OPT I-20 and F-1 documents to travel and you will still need to get fresh travel signatures from your ISA (every 6 months, if needed). This also means that your ISA is still responsible for reporting changes about your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on OPT.

STEM Extension Requirements

  • Student Requirements

    To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, a student must:

    • Must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your STEM OPT application submission.
    • Have completed a degree in a qualifying STEM Program.
      • All ETSU programs have been assigned a CIP Code via a curriculum process involving the Colleges and the Registrar’s Office.  The process ensures that the appropriate code has been selected based on a list of codes from the U.S. Department of Education.  CIP Code assignment is an academic matter, not an immigration matter.  All questions about CIP Codes assigned to ETSU programs of study should be addressed to the academic department.
      • The CIP Code assigned to your degree is the number that follows your Major on page 1 of your I-20. The ETSU name of your major or degree program may not be the same as the CIP Code Title on the STEM-designated degree program list.
      • The STEM-designated degree program list includes all CIP Codes that qualify an F-1 Student for a STEM Extension of OPT.
    • Has not already utilized two STEM extensions and has not accumulated more than 90 days of unemployment.
    • Be currently in an approved period of Post-Completion OPT (students on Pre-Completion OPT are not eligible).
    • Work for an employer that participates in the E-Verify program and will complete an I-983 Training Plan.
      • Employment on the STEM Extension must be paid.
      • Students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions unless they will be employees of the employer signing the Form I-983.
      • Students may not be self-employed on the STEM Extension because students may not provide employer attestations on their own behalf. STEM OPT applicants participating in a start-up or small business should seek competent business immigration counsel to ensure that their employment qualifies for the STEM Extension.
      • The employer that signs the Training Plan must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience.
    • Maintained valid F-1 Status.
    • Submit a timely STEM Extension application.
      • USCIS must receive your STEM Extension application no more than 90 days before your OPT expires and no later than the end date of your OPT.

    IMPORTANT: If you have not already, you must report your Post-Completion OPT Employment information before submitting your STEM extension request. Please complete the STEM OPT Employment Reporting Form with all employers you have worked for during your OPT period. Failure to report your OPT employment will delay the processing of your STEM request.

  • Employer Requirements

    For a student to be eligible for the STEM Extension they must work for an employer that meets the following requirements:

    • The employer must participate in USCIS's E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
    • The employer must complete an I-983 Training Plan with the student and agree to the conditions in the employer certification sections, including:
      • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience to the student.
      • The employer has sufficient resources and personnel available to provide appropriate training in connection with the STEM opportunity at the location(s) specified in the Form I-983.
        • The “personnel” who provide/supervise the training experience may be either employees of the employer, or contractors who the employer has directly retained to provide services to the employer; they may not be employees or contractors of the employer’s clients or customers.
      • The employer must agree to report to the International Student Advisors when an F-1 student on a STEM OPT extension terminates or otherwise leaves their employment before the end of the authorized period of STEM OPT.
      • Both the student and employer are obligated to report to the International Student Advisors any material changes to or material deviations from the student's formal training plan, Form I-983.
    • The employer must remain in good standing with E-Verify and have the resources to comply with the proposed training plan.
    • Under no circumstances would another F-1 student on OPT or a STEM OPT Extension be qualified to train another F-1 student on a STEM OPT Extension.
  • Allowed Employment

    Qualifying STEM OPT employment must consist of:

    • At least 20 hours per week of work

    • Paid work (unpaid employment/volunteering is not permitted on STEM OPT)
      • You cannot be paid by a third party or staffing agency, or work at a location other than your employer’s place of business. For more information, please see “The Employer’s Training Obligation: Staffing and Temporary Agencies” on the USCIS Website.
      • In an academic environment, you cannot be paid through an external fellowship. For example, you cannot use STEM for a postdoctoral position where you are not paid directly by the host institution.

    • Employment which is directly related to the STEM-eligible field of study

    • Employment must be with an employer enrolled in E-Verify

    • The employer must have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student

    • Employment must be tied to a fully completed I-983 form

    • The employer agrees to comply with the STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities, as outlined on the USCIS website


    STEM OPT employment may include:

    Multiple employers: Students may change employers during STEM OPT, and/or work for more than one employer simultaneously, but all employment must meet the criteria of qualifying STEM OPT employment as outlined above.

    • Any changes in STEM employment must be formally reported to the ISA within 10 days of any change.


    Self-employment / business ownership: F-1 students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions unless they will be bona fide employees of the employer signing the Form I-983. F-1 students may not provide the employer attestation (i.e., signatures) on their own behalf nor provide their own training. However, they may start a business so long as all regulatory requirements are met. The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience.

    IMPORTANT: You cannot begin working for any new employer without first submitting a new, completed I-983 Training Plan for that employer!

  • Unemployment

    During 12-month OPT you have a maximum of 90 days of unemployment over the 12 month period. During the STEM period you are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment.


    After your STEM OPT Extension approval, the total allowed unemployment days extends to a maximum of 150 days of unemployment during the entire OPT/STEM period, beginning from the start of your original 12-month OPT EAD card.


    This is NOT just 150 days at the beginning of OPT or STEM. You are only allowed 150 total days over the entire 3 years.

When to Apply

The STEM Extension application process is a multistep process that requires requests to:

  • Your employer to complete the I-983 Training Plan
  • Your ISA via the STEM OPT Request form
  • The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online application

You may apply for your 24-month STEM OPT extension 90 days prior to your 12-month OPT expiration date through the OPT expiration date (printed on your EAD card). You must submit your application to USCIS no later than two weeks prior to the end of your current OPT EAD card. Your STEM OPT extension request will be denied if USCIS receives your application on or after the end date of your current EAD.

IMPORTANT: If you have not already, you must report your Post-Completion OPT Employment information before submitting the STEM OPT Request form. Please complete the STEM OPT Employment Reporting Form with all employers you have worked for during your OPT period. Failure to report your OPT employment will delay the processing of your STEM request.

How to Apply

Applying for STEM OPT is a three part process, and each element takes time to process. It is important that you file your STEM OPT application with USCIS before the expiration date on your OPT EAD card, so plan accordingly.

DO NOT file your STEM OPT application before receiving your final I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation from your ISA.  Filing your case without the new STEM OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your STEM OPT application.

  • Eligibility

    Confirm your eligibility using the information found in the STEM Eligibility section above.

  •  I-983 Training Plan

    Read the STEM Extension Requirements above before completing the Form I-983.  Review the Sample I-983 and the Form I-983 Overview webpage for detailed instructions. Failure to review the instructions may result in completion errors and cause delays in processing your STEM OPT request.

  • STEM OPT Request

    Complete the STEM OPT Request form.  Review the STEM OPT Request Form tutorial before accessing the form. 

    The following documents are required uploads:

    • Current OPT I-20
    • Current OPT EAD Card
    • Copy of your most recent I-94
    • Completed Form I-983
    • Transcripts (document must show 'degree awarded')

    You will be contacted by the ISA once your STEM OPT Request has been processed. If successful, a new STEM OPT recommened I-20 will be issued and emailed to you.

    STEM OPT Start Date:

    You don’t need to choose a start date! Your STEM OPT will be issued with a start date effective the day after your original 12-Month OPT EAD expires. As long as you have submitted a timely filed STEM application to USCIS, you can continue working for up to 180 days after the expiration of your original OPT EAD while you wait for the STEM EAD approval.

  • USCIS Application

    The STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible.  Please use the STEM OPT resources to complete your final application.  If you have questions or need clarification, please contact your ISA directly BEFORE filing your application with USCIS.

    AFTER receiving the STEM OPT I-20, review the STEM OPT Extension Application Guide. You will use this document to guide your STEM OPT application submission via the USCIS online application platform.

    • If you are unable to locate documentation, you may use the missing documentation letter template, located under the Employment Resources, to include with your application to USCIS.

    Important Note: You are required to send your ISA a copy of your STEM OPT I -797 Approval Notice and EAD card.

  • Processing Times

    Our standard processing time for STEM OPT I-20 is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures). We process requests in the order in which they are received.

    • Be sure to submit a complete, accurate STEM OPT Request form; otherwise, our review will be delayed as we wait for corrections/missing materials.

    Premium Processing is now available for STEM OPT I-765 applications

    • USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.

    • Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

STEM OPT Employment Reporting

A critical part of maintaining lawful F-1 status during STEM OPT is keeping up with the requirements for STEM OPT Reporting. DHS requires students to report all changes of address and periods of employment and unemployment while authorized for STEM OPT. To meet your reporting obligations, you must report the information to the ISA. Please note, while you may also make some updates using the SEVP Portal, you are still required to submit any changes via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form.

Compared to your 12-month OPT period, there are several additional requirements while on STEM OPT. Additional details about these requirements are outlined below.

You must report within 10 days of receiving your STEM EAD card, submit validation reports every 6 months, and report updates no later than 10 days after any subsequent change. 

  • Changes in:
    • Your residential address
    • Your phone and email address
    • Employer('s) name
    • Employer('s) address
    • Job Title(s)
    • Explanation of how your job(s) relates to your field of study
    • Start and/or end dates of employment
    • Any periods of unemployment
      • Note: unemployment is reported via the OPT Employment Reporting form by timely reporting the end date of your prior employer--date ranges not covered by employment dates that you have entered into the employment reporting form count as unemployment.
    • Remember that you are allowed a maximum of 150 total days of unemployment during your combined period of OPT and STEM OPT.
  • New Employer

    For all new employment, you will submit a new STEM OPT Request Form and include all the required documentation listed in previous sections. This includes a new I-983 Training Plan for the new employer.

    You cannot begin working for the new employer until your ISA issues a new STEM OPT I-20 for that employement opportunity.

  • Material Changes

    Changes that require submitting a new I-983 training plan:

    • Reduction in compensation not tied to a reduction in hours worked

    • Employer's commitment to student's learning objectives and/or position duties

    • Supervisor and/or supervisor's contact information

    • Employer's address and/or the physical worksite location
    • Any change of the employer's name and/or EIN number, resulting from a change in the employer's ownership or structure.

    • Change of employer or loss of employment requires submission of the "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" section of the I-983

    • Subsequent employment will require submission of a new I-983 training plan
  • Validation Report & Evaluations

    STEM Validation Reports and Evaluations must be submitted via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form. Be advised that your F-1 record may be terminated for failure to submit these required updates.

    • Every 6 months (from the start date of the STEM EAD), students must submit a "Validation Report."

    • At 12 months (from the start date of the STEM EAD), students must submit an Annual Evaluation signed by their current employer (top of page 5 of the I-983 Form.

    • At the end of each employment (if the student stop working for an employer), students must submit a Final Evaluation (bottom of page 5 of the I-983 Form).
      • You will do this by adding an end to the previous employer on the empoyment reporting form.

    • At the end of the STEM OPT period, students must submit their 24-month Validation Report and upload their Final Evaluation(bottom of page 5 of the I-983 Form).

    • Students should complete the Validation Report no more than 30 days before, and no later than 10 days after, the 6, 12, 18, and 24-month mark of your STEM OPT. 
      • It is your responsibility to submit your Validation Report/Evaluations as required. 
  • Employer's Reporting Requirements

    If your employment is terminated for any reason, your employer is required to notify your ISA within 5 days. You must inform your employer of the reporting requirements at the end of your employment.

    • Ask them to email your ISA with the following text in the subject line of the email: "STEM OPT Employment Termination."
      •  Your name, your SEVIS ID number and the start and end date of the STEM employment must be included in the email message.
  • Early Completion

    You are allowed a 60-day grace period following your STEM OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program. In some cases, you may want to pursue these options before the end of your STEM OPT. If you remain in the United States past the end of your 60-day grace period without transferring to a new school or program or having applied for a timely filed Change of Status, this is a violation of your F-1 status and could lead to current or future consequences to your US visa record.

    Departing the U.S.:

    • During STEM OPT: If you leave the U.S. permanently before your EAD expires, or decide not to use OPT, you must notify your ISA by email.
      • Use the Subject Line: STEM OPT Early Completion: Departing the U.S.
    • After STEM OPT: If your plan is to depart the United States after your OPT, you must do so within your 60-day grace period. You must stop working by the end date on your EAD card.

    Change of Status:

    • During OPT: If you change to another visa status in the U.S. before your EAD expires, such as H-1B or obtain Permanent Resident status, you must notify your ISA.
      • To report this change, you will email your ISA with Subject Line: Change of Status Approval, and attach evidence of your new status (i.e., new I-94 arrival/departure record AND I-797 Approval Notice, or green card).
    • After OPT: If you have a pending or approved change of status when or after your OPT ends, check with the immigration legal counsel working on your change of status application to determine what options are available to you and if you may remain in the United States past the end of your 60-day grace period without a negative impact to your immigration status
    • H-1B: If you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I-20. Please consult with the immigration legal counsel working on your case.

    Continuing Your Education:

    • During OPT: Beginning a full-time program of study while on OPT is not allowed. If you wish to start a new program while on OPT, the remainder of the OPT must be forfeited before beginning classes with the new program. If you are beginning a program of study at another U.S. school, you must complete out SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school.  If you are beginning a new program of study at ETSU, you must request a new I-20 via the link in your admission letter. 
    • After OPT: If you are planning to go back to school after your OPT, you must complete our SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to ETSU. This must be done before the end of the 60-day grace period following the OPT end date.

    Students should keep in mind the following points when deciding when to request a Transfer Out of their SEVIS record:


    • The SEVIS transfer release date can be within the STEM OPT period dates listed on the EAD or up to 60 days after the expiration date on the EAD.

    • Students may request a release date in the future and continue working on STEM OPT until that date as long as the EAD has not expired and the new program of study has not yet begun.

    • After the SEVIS transfer release date has passed, students may not continue working on STEM OPT, even if the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has not expired. The release date, in effect, cancels the EAD.

    • Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the transfer release date or the end date on the EAD, whichever is earlier. If the time period between the OPT end date and the start date of classes at the new school will be more than five months, please meet with your ISA to discuss your options.

Travel on STEM OPT

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. The student must not have exceeded the maximum OPT unemployment or OPT STEM Extension unemployment time and must not have been absent from the US for more than 5 months.

When traveling, carry documents with you in carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage! You need access to your visa documents at all times during transit. 

WARNING: Re-entering the United States in a status other than F-1 (such as a tourist) will invalidate F-1 status and OPT authorization.

  • Required Documents
    • Valid passport
    • STEM OPT I-20 with a valid travel endorsement signed within 6 months by the ISA
    • STEM OPT receipt: I-797 Notice of Action
    • Job offer letter from employer (for future employers) OR current employment verification letter 
    • EAD  Card (Employment Authorization Document)

     

  • STEM OPT Pending

    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.
    • Communicate with your ISA about your travel plans. 
  • Travel on Cap Gap

    Traveling outside the U.S. may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. We strongly advise that you consult with your employer and their legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the U.S. Click here to access the latest travel information from the USCIS.

  • Travel for F-2 Dependents 
    • Valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an ISA (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the United States)


    • Valid F-2 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)

    • Valid passport

    • Photocopy of F-1’s EAD

SEVP Portal

The Department of Homeland Security launched the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal in March 2018 with the intention of making it easier for F-1 students on OPT to report their employment, address, and telephone number directly to DHS.  While this portal may provide some convenience, please remember that the immigration regulations have not changed. The regulations still state that F-1 students must report employment to their Designated School Official (International Student Advisor). Students will receive an automated link from SEVP to create an account in the SEVP Portal at the beginning of their OPT/STEM OPT period.  

The exact regulation is in 8 CFR 214.2(f)12)(i) and reads:

(i) General. An F-1 student who is granted employment authorization by USCIS to engage in optional practical training is required to report any change of name or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a student for OPT is responsible for updating the student’s record to reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that training is authorized.

The above information is based on relevant immigration regulations for general information purposes, only, and does not constitute legal advice.  Always contact your ISA with specific questions.

International Enrollment & Services (IES) provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up-to-date information available. However, any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information on this webpage) does not constitute legal advice. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. IES does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. IES is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

Employment Resources

Sample Form I-983

STEM OPT Request Form Guide

STEM OPT Online Application Guide

STEM OPT Reporting Reminder

STEM OPT Reporting Tool

Sample Explanation Letter for Missing Documents

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