OPT extension for STEM
F-1 students who receive specified STEM degrees can apply for an additional 24-month extension of OPT. This applies for your bachelor's, master's and/or doctoral degree. To qualify, you must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Eligibility
- You hold a degree included on the list of STEM Designated Degree Programs.
- The degree is granted by a school (such as Wayne State University) that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education accrediting agency and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- You are on post-completion 12-month OPT and working for an E-verify company.
- Your employer meets all the requirements specified by USCIS.
- You and your employer have completed Form I-983 and submitted it to your OISS advisor.
- You have submitted Form I-765 within 90 days of your current OPT authorization expiring, and within 60 days of the date your advisor entered your STEM OPT recommendation into SEVIS.
Applying for a STEM OPT extension
To apply for an extension, you must file:
- Form I-765 (including the application fee). Please review the guidelines for completing the form 1-765 (pdf) for assistance. DO NOT FILE this petition online or via mail before OISS has provided you with an updated I20 recommending STEM OPT. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct I20 prior to submitting your petition to USCIS.
- Form I-20 (endorsed for OPT STEM by your OISS advisor within the last 60 days). The I20 will have STEM OPT listed on page 2 in the Employer section.
- A copy of your STEM degree
- Submit the application for STEM OPT extension (pdf) to OISS.
More information can be found at the STEM OPT hub.
Please make sure you meet all reporting requirements for your OPT extension.
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Can I apply for the extension on a previously obtained STEM degree?
Can I apply for the extension on a previously obtained STEM degree?
Yes. If you are working in a period of post-completion OPT based on a non-STEM degree (such as an MBA), but you previously obtained a STEM degree from an SEVP-accredited school, you can use that degree to apply for the extension. You can only receive one STEM extension based on that degree, and the extension employment must be directly related to your STEM degree.
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Can I apply for another extension if I receive another STEM degree in the future?
Yes, if the new STEM degree is at a higher level than the one previously earned (such as a master's degree following a bachelor's).
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What if my current OPT expires while I'm waiting for a decision?
If your extension application is awaiting a decision and your current OPT period expires, your employment authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days. That extension ends as soon as USCIS makes a decision about your application.
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Can I travel or change employers while awaiting a decision?
We do not recommend that you travel or change employers while your extension decision is pending.
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I got an extension. Now what do I do?
Once you receive an extension, you must report to OISS every six months to confirm your information is accurate and provide the status of your current employment/practical training experience.
You must report to OISS within 10 days if any of this information changes:
- Your legal name
- Your residential or mailing address
- Your email
- Your employer's name and/or address
- Your employment status
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Can I travel during the 24-month STEM extension?
Yes. You can travel abroad and return to the U.S. in F-1 status if you have these documents:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa permitting multiple entries
- Current Form I-20 that was signed for travel by your OISS advisor within the last six months
- Valid EAD
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Can I change employers during my extension?
Yes, as long as the new employment meets the STEM OPT requirements and all reporting requirements are met. You and your new employer must complete a new Form I-983 and submit it to OISS within 10 days of the change. Please also follow all instructions on the Change of Employment form and submit all required paperwork to OISS.
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How long can I be unemployed while on OPT?
You are eligible for 90 days of unemployment during your initial post-completion OPT. If you receive the 24-month extension, you are eligible for another 60 days, for a total of 150 days.
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My extension was denied. What should I do?
Contact your OISS advisor, or email oissmail@wayne.edu.
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I am an employer who wants to provide an opportunity to a STEM OPT student during their extension. What do I need to know?
If you are an employer who wants to provide an opportunity to a STEM OPT student during their extension, you can find full details on the USCIS site. Your responsibilities include:
- Enrolling in the U.S. government E-Verify system.
- Completing and submitting Form I-983, a training plan for STEM OPT students.
- Reporting any changes to the student's employment to their Designated School Official within five business days.
- Implementing a formal training program that augments the student's academic learning with practical experience.
- Providing an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers as related to duties, hours and compensation.