STEM OPT Extension Based on a Prior Degree

General Timeline of STEM OPT Based on a Prior Degree Process

Must be completed in this order:

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Part 2: Completing the Form I-983

The “Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students” is a document that clearly articulates the student’s learning objectives and affirms the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those objectives.

Students can download the Form I-983 from the USCIS website. Students and their employers are required to complete and sign Form I-983 before students can request their STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) from OIS. For guidance on how to correctly complete Form I-983, refer to the “Sample I-983 for USC Graduates” by clicking the button at the end of this section. Additional guidance on requirements for Form I-983 can be found on the Study in the States website.

Tip: Print the Form I-983 to a PDF and save. Ensure that all boxes can be seen and upload the saved version to the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request (Prior Degree) in Trojan International.

Students will submit the completed Form I-983 to OIS (not USCIS) when submitting the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request (Prior Degree) in Trojan International.

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Part 3: Requesting a STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) from OIS

When to Submit the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request to OIS

Students can request their STEM OPT I-20 from OIS as early as 90 days before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date. OIS recommends submitting the STEM OPT I-20 (Prior Degree) request as soon as the student’s application period opens.

The deadline for students to request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIS is 15 business days before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date. For example, if a student’s Post-Completion OPT EAD ends on Friday, 10/25/2024, then they must submit their STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request by Friday, 10/04/2024. This will ensure OIS has ample time to review the STEM OPT I-20 (Prior Degree) Request, have students correct any issues if needed, recommend the STEM OPT in SEVIS, email the STEM OPT I-20 to the student, and provide enough time for student to submit their STEM OPT application to USCIS before the date their Post-Completion OPT EAD expires.

How the STEM OPT Start and End Dates Are Calculated

When completing the STEM OPT I-20 (Prior Degree) Request, students must enter a STEM OPT start date that is one day after their Post-Completion OPT end date. The system will then automatically calculate the STEM OPT end date to reflect the 24-month extension.

Example: If a student’s Post-Completion OPT ends on 11/19/2024, they must request 11/20/2024 as the STEM OPT start date. The system will then automatically calculate their STEM OPT end date as 11/19/2026 (24 months from 11/20/2024).

How to Request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIS

Students can request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIS through Trojan International. The “STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request” requires students to pay the $200 STEM OPT Administrative Processing Fee* to OIS prior to accessing the rest of the form. Once the payment has been confirmed, students will gain access to six videos as well as six short assessments meant to ensure that students understand the application requirements as well as the expectations while on STEM OPT Based on a Prior Degree. Students are required to view each video and successfully pass each assessment. Once they have completed all six parts, students will be required to complete the following tasks:

• Enter their STEM OPT information which will include:
  • The day after their OPT EAD end date
  • STEM OPT Extension employer information, including company Employer Identification Number (EIN) and supervisor contact information.
• Upload PDF copies of the following documents:
  • Current Post-Completion OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (front side only)
  • Completed Form I-983 (typed and signed)
  • Letter of Explanation from Student
    • This letter should explain student is applying based on a previously obtained degree and include the date, student’s name, SEVIS ID, I-94 Admission Number, STEM-eligible degree name with CIP code, a list of the supporting documents being included for review and the student’s wet signature.
  • Letter of Support from Employer
    • Must be on official letterhead and include the date, employer contact information, and the employer’s wet signature. Refer to sample letter.
  • Proof of STEM-eligible degree
    • Diploma and/or transcript
  • One or both of the following:
    • Photocopy of I-20 for Previous Degree with STEM OPT Eligible CIP Code, if applicable.**
      • This may be an I-20 from a school other than USC.
    • Letter from School’s Designated School Official (DSO)**
      • This letter must be from a DSO at the school where the STEM-eligible degree was obtained and confirm the student earned a degree on the DHS STEM-Eligible CIP Code list. The letter must be on official school letterhead and signed by the DSO.

**If the student’s STEM-eligible degree was earned at USC and the student did not receive an I-20 for the degree, the student will request the letter from the DSO when completing the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) request.

Please click the red button below to initiate your request.

*The one-time, non-refundable OIS STEM OPT Administrative Processing Fee supports OIS services related to DHS reporting requirements and maintenance of status throughout the period of request and STEM OPT Extension employment. Extended services provided to STEM OPT Extension students include I-20 travel endorsements, review and processing of mandated reports, and continued access to advisors for questions pertaining to their F-1 and STEM OPT Extension employment matters.

OIS Processing Time

STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request Processing Time: 10 business days

• The 10 business days do not begin until OIS receives a complete and accurate STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request.
• An OIS advisor will review the student’s immigration record to determine if the student has met all STEM OPT Extension Based on a Prior Degree eligibility requirements.
• OIS will email students via their USC email accounts if the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request is incomplete or incorrect. Students will need to review, correct, and resubmit a STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request (Prior Degree) in Trojan International. The 10-business-day processing time will restart once OIS receives the resubmission

Receiving the STEM OPT Extension I-20 from OIS

If the information provided on the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) Request is accurately completed and no further clarification is needed, the OIS advisor will issue a STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) that is electronically signed* and email it to the student’s USC email account within 10 business days from when the request was received by OIS.

*SEVP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of State (DoS) have confirmed they will accept I-20s electronically signed by Designated School Officials (DSO), also known as Senior International Student Advisors at OIS.

Once students receive their STEM OPT I-20 from OIS, they must print, sign, and date it. USCIS does not allow students to sign the Form I-20 electronically; therefore, students must sign their Form I-20 by hand in black ink.

Please note that the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) will indicate the student’s most recently obtained degree CIP Major from USC and not the CIP Major of their prior degree.

For students who request a DSO Letter of Support, the letter will be included with the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree).

Students must quickly move on to Part 4 of the STEM OPT Extension Based on a Prior Degree Instructions as the STEM OPT I-20 (Prior Degree) is valid for only 60 days from the I-20 issue date, which is referenced in the example below.

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Part 4: Filing the Form I-765

How to File Form I-765 for the STEM OPT Extension

After receiving the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) from OIS, students must file Form I-765 online via their myUSCIS account. Students will need to upload a copy of their hand-signed STEM OPT I-20–along with other supporting documents–and pay the non-refundable Form I-765 filing feed using a credit or debit card. Students must ensure their bank account has sufficient funds to cover the fee to avoid a rejection of their application from USCIS.

Guide to Filing Form I-765

Refer to OIS’ “Guide to Filing Form I-765 for STEM OPT Extension” for detailed instructions and a list of required documents for filing Form I-765. Carefully review this guide to avoid mistakes that could lead to a rejection, a request for evidence, or a denial of your application.

Students must be physically present in the U.S. when filing Form I-765. Filing from outside the U.S. will result in a denial of their Form I-765. Once Form I-765 is timely filed with USCIS, students may remain in the U.S. while their application is pending (under review).

Please Note: Filing the Form I-765 for STEM OPT Extension Based on a Prior Degree requires the following documents to be uploaded to the institutional accreditation section of the application:

• Letter of Explanation from Student (refer to Part 3)
• Letter of Support from Employer (refer to Part 3)
• Photocopy of I-20 for Previous Degree with STEM OPT Eligible CIP Code, if applicable.**
  • This may be an I-20 from a school other than USC.

-And/Or-

• Letter from School’s Designated School Official (DSO)**
  • This letter must be from a DSO at the school where the STEM-eligible degree was obtained and confirm the student earned a degree on the DHS STEM-Eligible CIP Code list. The letter must be on official school letterhead and signed by the DSO.

**If the student’s STEM-eligible degree was earned at USC and the student did not receive an I-20 for the degree, the student will request the letter from the DSO when completing the STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree) request.

Important Dates to Consider

• Students may file Form I-765 and all supporting documents as early as 90 days before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date and no later than their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date.
• After receiving their STEM OPT I-20 from OIS, students must file Form I-765 and all supporting documents within 60 days of the I-20 issue date.
• USCIS will deny any application received more than 60 days after the I-20 issue date or after the Post-Completion OPT EAD end date–no exceptions. Students who are at risk of missing a deadline should contact OIS immediately.
• Examples:
  • Student who files their Form I-765 after the Post-Completion OPT EAD End Date: Student has an EAD end date of 08/01/2024. The student is issued a STEM OPT I-20 on 7/20/2024. The student files Form I-765 on 08/02/2024, after their Post-Completion OPT end date. USCIS denies the I-765 application.
  • Student who files their Form I-765 more than 60 days after STEM OPT I-20 is issued: the student has an EAD end date of 08/01/2024. The student is issued a STEM OPT I-20 on 05/15/2024. The student files Form I-765 on 07/24/2024, more than 60 days after the STEM OPT I-20 issue date. USCIS denies the I-765 application.

Premium Processing Service (optional)

Students who wish to receive a response from USCIS prior to the estimated processing time can apply for Premium Processing for an additional fee.

To apply for Premium Processing, students can either request Premium Processing when initially filing the I-765 application, of they can file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service at a later time. USCIS guarantees a response within 30 days of filing for students who apply for Premium Processing.

Moving/Changing U.S. Address While Form I-765 is Pending with USCIS

If students are aware that they may be moving while their Form I-765 is pending with USCIS, OIS recommends using the mailing address of a friend or family member for the I-765 application. If students use their own address as the mailing address on their I-765 OIS does not recommend moving from that address until after the student has been approved and has received the EAD. Doing so can cause delays and/or denial of Form I-765 due to mismatched addresses.

If students do move from their mailing address, they must notify USCS by completing the online USCIS Change of Address form to try and prevent USCIS from sending their EAD to the incorrect address.

Changes to Employment While Form I-765 is Pending with USCIS

OIS strongly advices against changing employers while a STEM OPT Extension is pending with USCIS to avoid complications, delays, or potential denials with USCIS. If the change of employer is unavoidable and a students needs to change employer while their STEM OPT Extension application is pending, they must follow these steps within 10 days of the change:

1. End Employment with Previous Company (if applicable)
   • If the employment ended before the STEM OPT Extension start date, submit the OPT Employment Update request in Trojan International and complete steps 1, 2B, and 3.
   • If the employment ended on or after the requested STEM OPT Extension start date, submit the STEM OPT Extension Final I-983 Self-Evaluation Report in Trojan International.
2. Add Employment with New Company
   • Submit the STEM OPT Employment Update in Trojan International and complete steps 1, 2A, and 3.
   • There is a 10-business-day processing time from the date OIS receives your completed request.
3. Submit Updated Information to USCIS
   • OIS will email the updated STEM OPT I-20 with the new employer information to student’s USC email account.
   • Students will print, sign, and date the Form I-20 and make a copy. Students must sign the Form I-20 by hand and in black ink.
   • Students will create a letter addressed to USCIS that includes their full name, I-797 receipt number, and their new employer’s E-Verify name and E-Verify number.
   • The copy of the hand-signed I-20 and the letter addressed to USCIS will then need to be uploaded to the unsolicited evidence section of the student’s I-765 application through their myUSCIS account.

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Part 5: USCIS Application Decision

USCIS Receipt Notice and Processing Times

After filing Form I-765 online with the supporting documents and filing fee, students will be issued the “I-797C Notice of Action: Receipt.” This includes a receipt number which they can use to check their case status.

Students can check the current estimated processing time on the USCIS website. Select “Form I-765” and “Potomac Service Center” from the drop-down menu.

If filing the Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, USCIS guarantees a response within 30 days.

Automatic 180 Day Extension

If a student files their Form I-765 in a timely manner, (within 60 days of STEM OPT I-20 issuance AND prior to their EAD end date) they can continue working after their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date until a decision has been made or for 180 days, whichever comes first. Please review your I-797C Notice of Action: Receipt for additional verbiage from USCIS.

Receiving Approval and EAD from USCIS

If the STEM OPT Extension application is approved, USCIS will issue an approval notice which will be available in the student’s myUSCIS account.

In addition to the approval notice, USCIS will send students their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) via USPS. Students must check the EAD for accuracy.

STEM OPT Extension EAD Issues

If a mistake is made on the EAD, students should join OIS Live to speak to an advisor. Examples of mistakes may include the following:

• Misspelled name
• Incorrect birthdate
• Incorrect category
• Incorrect start and/or end date

How to Request a Replacement EAD for an Error Made by USCIS

1. Submit an I-20 Reprint Request via Trojan International to get a printout of your STEM OPT I-20 that shows your STEM OPT Extension approval.
2. Make a photocopy of the original EAD with the error and keep it for your records.
3. Prepare your documents.
   • Original EAD with the error
   • A detailed letter explaining the EAD error
   • Copy of the most recently issued STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree)
   • Supporting documentation for the correct information (e.g., passport bio page)
4. Mail your request to USCIS
   • Mail your documents to the USCIS center using the United States Postal Services (USPS) and ensure you obtain a tracking number.
   • Processing Time:
     • USCIS typically processes replacement request due to USCIS error within about 30 days.
   • For Premium Processing Applicant:
     • If you used premium processing and receive an incorrect EAD, email psc-premium.processing@uscis.dhs.gov.
     • Provide a detailed explanation of the situation and attach a scan of the EAD with the error for further guidance.
     • Make sure to keep copies of all correspondence and receipts for you records.

How to Request a Replacement EAD for Lost/Stolen/Damaged/Student Error

1. Submit an I-20 Reprint Request to obtain a new copy of your I-20 showing your STEM OPT Extension approval.
   • File a New Form I-765 online via the USCIS website:
     • Reason for Applying: Select “Replacement of lost, stole, or damaged employment authorization document.”
     • Previous Form I-765: Select “Yes.”
2. Document to include:
   • Copy of the most recently issued STEM OPT Extension I-20 (Prior Degree)
   • Copy of the I-797 STEM OPT Extension Approval Notices
   • (If available) Copy of your STEM OPT Extension EAD
3. Pay the Form I-765 filing fee
   • Processing Time:
     • USCIS typically processes replacement EAD requests in three to five months.
     • Student who want to receive a quicker response can apply for premium processing.
     • Make sure to keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts for your records.

STEM OPT Rejection, Request for Evidence, or Denial

USCIS may send students an I-797C Notice of Action: Rejection, Request for Evidence (RFE), or an I-797C Notice of Action: Denial. If students receive one of these responses, they must join OIS Live to speak with an advisor.

Rejection

If an application is rejected, the student will receive an I-797C Notice of Action: Rejection. USCIS will indicate the reason for rejection on the I-797C. A student who receives a rejection notice should:

• Meet with an advisor in OIS Live to determine eligibility for resubmission of Form I-765.
• If eligible, request an updated STEM OPT I-20 using the STEM OPT I-20 Reprint Request in Trojan International.
• The student will then file a new Form I-765 along with supporting documents through myUSCIS no more than 60 days from the new STEM OPT I-20 issue date and before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date.

Request for Evidence (RFE)

A student may receive a RFE if USCIS needs more information before their applications can be processed. The RFE will explain which additional documents are required and a specific deadline by which to respond. The student must join OIS Live to speak with an advisor before responding to the RFE.

Denial

If an application is denied, the student will receive an I-797C Notice of Action: Denial for the STEM OPT application, in which USCIS will indicate the reason for denial. Due to processing times with USCIS, a student who is denied may not be eligible to reapply if their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date has pass. A student who receives a denial notice should:

• Immediately meet with an advisor in OIS Live to determine eligibility for resubmission of Form I-765.
• If eligible, request an update STEM OPT I-20 using the STEM OPT I-20 Reprint Request in Trojan International.
• The student will then file a new Form I-765 along with supporting documents through myUSCIS no more than 60 days from the new STEM OPT I-20 issue date and before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date.

Missed Filing Deadline

Students who miss the filing deadline should join OIS Live to discuss their plans with an advisor.

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Part 6: Maintaining F-1 Status While on STEM OPT Extension

STEM OPT Requirements

• Employer must be enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system
• Employer must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service for tax purposes
• Employer must have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student
• Employer must implement a format training program to augment the student’s academic learning through practical experience
• Students must be paid–volunteer/unpaid work is not permitted on the STEM OPT Extension
• When applying for the STEM OPT Extension, students must begin working for the employer on or before the STEM OPT Extension start date
• The employment must be directly related to the student’s STEM designated degree program
• Students must work 20 hour or more per week.
• Students and their employers must attest to the information on the form I-983
• Multiple Employers
  • Students on STEM OPT are permitted to work for more than one employer. However, each employer must meet all eligibility requirements, including working for more than 20 hours for each individual employer. Students must file a Form I-983 for each employer. Please follow the instructions for adding an employer under the “Guide for Change/Updates to Employment” section below.
• Remote Work
  • Students may work remotely within the United States. Refer to the Sample I-983 for instructions on how to report this on the I-983. If you are switching modalities from in-person to remote, refer to the table below titled “Guide for Changes/Updates to Employment,” specifically the section titled “Changes to Current STEM OPT Employer” for instructions on how to update OIS.

Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in the automatic termination of the student’s immigration status by SEVP and/or USCIS.

Unemployment

Students cannot exceed 150 days of unemployment while on STEM OPT. Any unemployment days accrued during the Post-Completion OPT period will count towards the allotted days.

Table from USCIS – “Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM OPT Students (STEM OPT)“

STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

While on STEM OPT Extension, students are required to report certain personal and employment related information to OIS via Trojan International within a given timeframe. Failure to comply with the following requirements may result in the automatic termination of the student’s immigration status by SEVP and/or USCIS.

U.S. Address Update

Students must submit the SEVIS U.S. Address and Contact Update via Trojan International within 10 days of any change in their U.S. address.

STEM OPT Data Validation and Evaluation Reports

Students must submit data validation and/or evaluation reports to OIS every six months (i.e., at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months) while on STEM OPT. Students can submit their data validation and evaluation reports to OIS in Trojan International up to 30 days before it is due. OIS is unable to update late submissions in SEVIS. missing a reporting deadline can negative impact a student’s immigration status in the future, so please set reminders as needed.

OIS processing time is 10 business days from the date OIS receive the validation/evaluation in Trojan International.

Guide to STEM OPT Data Validation and Evaluation Reports

Changes to Employment During an Authorized Period of STEM OPT

Students must report any updates to their employment within 10 days of the change through Trojan International. Please refer to the chart below for instructions on what type of changes to report and how to submit the update to OIS.

Guide for Changes/Updates to Employment

Travel and Re-Entry to the U.S. While on STEM OPT

Please refer to the Requirements for Re-entry to the U.S. page of the OIS website.

Options for F-1 Students After STEM OPT Extension Ends

Once students reach the end of their STEM OPT Extension authorization period, they will have a 60-day grace period in which they can remain in the U.S. and prepare for one of the following next steps.

New Program of Study at USC

Students must apply to their new program, be admitted, and be issued a new I-20 from the Office of Graduate Admissions (GA) before the end of the grace period. Proof of funding is required to issue the new I-20. Please contact GA (category: immigration matters) with questions regarding I-20 issuance.

Transfer to Another Institution

Students must apply to another institution, be admitted, and have their USC SEVIS record transferred out to the new institution before the end of the 60-day grace period. In addition, the start date at the transfer-in school must be within five months from the last date the student is on STEM OPT. For instructions on how to request a SEVIS transfer, refer to the Transfer SEVIS Record from USC to Another Institution page. 

Departure from the U.S.

Students may choose to depart the U.S. upon completion of their STEM OPT. They must depart by the end of their 60-day grace period. 

Change of Status

If eligible for another non-immigrant or immigrant status, students may apply for a change of status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS must receive the application to change the immigration status before the end of the grace period. 

OIS Advising and Contact Information

Please join an OIS Live drop in advising session to speak with an advisor about questions related to STEM OPT. 

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