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17-Month STEM Extension for Optional Practical Training
Degree Eligibility
The STEM extension is only available to those students who graduate with degrees in certain fields (Science, Technology, Engineering,and Mathematics)
A complete, updated list of those degrees that qualify for the STEM Extension can be found on the following website: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm
If a student previously earned a degree in a STEM field but is now pursuing a degree that is not STEM designated, he/she is not eligible to apply for a STEM extension based on the previous degree.
If a student is a dual-major and one of the majors is a STEM degree, the student is allowed to apply for the STEM extension. A student does not qualify for the extension based on a minor.
Employer Eligibility & E-Verify
Eligibility for the extension is limited to those students who, at the time of application, are working for an employer who is registered with the federal E-Verify system.
During the extension period, a student may change employers, but each successive employer must be registered with E-Verify.
Any change of employer must be reported to the Center for International Studies.
Filing for the Extension
A student who qualifies is eligible to apply for the STEM extension up to 120 days prior to the expiration of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued for the Standard 12 month OPT period.
An application for the extension will not be accepted ifthe USCIS Service Center receives the application in the mailroom after the expiration date listed on the original EAD.
For a complete list of documents, fees, etc. that need to be included with the application, please see the "STEM Checklist" on the Center for International Studies website.
In order to apply, you will need to submit to the USCIS a new Form 1-20 that recommends the STEM Extension for OPT. You will need to meet with the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official in the Center for International Studies in order to obtain the STEM Extension request in the SEVIS System.
The application should be mailed to the uscrs Service Center that has jurisdiction over the area ofthe student's address as listed on the 1-765.
Employment Eligibility Issues
A student who files a timely application for the STEM extension is eligible to continue working while waiting for the new EAD to be processed, even if the original EAD has expired.
Counting for the 17-month extension will automatically start on the day after the original EAD expIres.
The employment must be related to the STEM degree.
Reporting Issues
A student with an approved STEM extension is required to report certain information, such as current address and employment, to the Center for International Studies at both the 6 and 12 month marks of the STEM Extension. The Center for International Studies, in tum, reports this information to the USCIS through the SEVIS system. You will be contacted by the Center for International Studies for this information when it becomes necessary.
A student is required to report to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official in the Center for International Studies any change of employer and/or residential mailing address. This information should be reported no later than 10 days after the change is made.
OPT 17-Month STEM Extension Checklist
Application Form I-765
Completed Sample Form of STEM Extension