STEM OPT Extension

The hard deadline for students to request a STEM OPT I-20 from OIS is 15 business days before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date. However, students may request their STEM OPT I-20 from OIS as early as 90 days before the end date of their Post-Completion OPT EAD. 

OIS recommends submitting the STEM OPT I-20 request as soon as the student’s application period opens.

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

For example, if a student’s post-completion OPT ends on Nov. 19, 2026, they must request Nov. 20, 2026 as the STEM OPT Extension start date. The system will then automatically calculate their STEM OPT Extension end date as Nov. 19, 2028, which is 24 months from the STEM OPT Extension start date.

Students can request a STEM OPT Extension I-20 from OIS through Trojan International. Students are required to pay a $200 administrative processing fee* to OIS before completing the rest of the form. 

Once the payment is confirmed, students will gain access to six short assessments to ensure they understand the application requirements and expectations during STEM OPT Extension. Once students pass each assessment, they must:

• Enter their STEM OPT Extension information, which will include:
  • The day after their OPT EAD end date
  • STEM OPT Extension employer information, including, but not limited to, the company’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) and supervisor contact information. This information should match the Form I-983.
• Upload PDF copies of the following documents:
  • Current Post-Completion OPT EAD (front side only)
  • Completed Form I-983, typed and signed

OIS takes up to 10 business days to process the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request. The 10-business-day period does not begin until OIS receives a complete and accurate STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request.

An OIS advisor will review the student’s immigration record to determine whether the student has met all STEM OPT Extension eligibility requirements. OIS will email students via their USC email accounts if the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request is incomplete or incorrect, at which point students will need to review, correct and resubmit a STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request in Trojan International. The 10-business-day processing time will restart once OIS receives the resubmission.

*The one-time, non-refundable OIS STEM OPT administrative processing fee supports OIS services related to U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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.

If the information provided on the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request is accurate and no further clarification is needed, an OIS advisor will issue an electronically signed STEM OPT Extension I-20 and email it to the student’s USC email account. 

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

Students must quickly move on to the next step: filing Form I-765, as the STEM OPT Extension I-20 is valid for only 60 days from the I-20 issue date, as shown in the example below.

• 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 follows Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) for submission deadlines. Your application must be submitted by 23:59 UTC on the specified deadline, regardless of your local time zone. To avoid denials for missed filing deadlines, we strongly recommend submitting your application at least one day before the due date. Please plan accordingly and confirm UTC conversions for your time zone.
• USCIS will deny any application received more than 60 days after the Form I-20 issue date or after the Post-Completion OPT EAD end date without exception. Students who are at risk of missing a deadline should contact OIS immediately.

• Make sure you are physically present in the United States when you file the Form I-765. Filing from outside the United States will result in a denial of your Form I-765.
• Ensure your bank account has sufficient funds to cover the non-refundable Form I-765 filing fee to avoid USCIS rejecting your application.
• Carefully review our guide to filing online Form I-765 for a STEM OPT Extension to avoid mistakes that could lead to a rejection, request for evidence, intent to deny or denial of your application.

Students will need to upload a copy of their hand-signed STEM OPT Extension I-20 — along with other supporting documents — and pay the non-refundable Form I-765 filing fee using a credit or debit card. 

Students who want a response from USCIS before the estimated processing time can apply for Premium Processing for an additional fee.

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

If students anticipate moving while their Form I-765 is pending with USCIS, OIS recommends using a friend’s or family member’s mailing address for the I-765 application. 

If students use their own address on their I-765, OIS does not recommend changing it until after the student has been approved and received the EAD. Doing so can cause delays and/or denial of Form I-765 due to mismatched addresses.

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

OIS strongly advises against changing employers while a STEM OPT Extension is pending with USCIS to avoid complications, delays or potential denials. 

If the change of employer is unavoidable and a student needs to change employers while their STEM OPT Extension application is pending, they must follow these steps within 10 days of the change:

Step 1: End Employment With Your Previous Company (If Applicable)

If the employment ended before the STEM OPT Extension start date, submit the OPT Employment Update 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.

Step 2: Add Employment With Your 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.

Step 3: Submit Updated Information to USCIS

OIS will email the updated STEM OPT Extension I-20 with the new employer information to the student’s USC email account. Print, sign and date the Form I-20 by hand and in black ink and make a copy. 

Then, create a letter addressed to USCIS that includes your full name, I-797 receipt number, and your new employer’s E-Verify name and E-Verify number.

Finally, upload a copy of the hand-signed Form I-20 and the letter addressed to USCIS to the “Unsolicited Evidence” section of your I-765 application through your myUSCIS account.

In December 2025, USCIS updated its policy on how photographs are collected and reused for immigration applications.

At this time, OPT and STEM OPT applicants must still submit two passport-style photos that meet U.S. Department of State passport photograph requirements, in accordance with current USCIS and OIS instructions.

USCIS may also determine that a new photo is needed and may require a biometrics services appointment at a local Application Support Center. If you receive a biometrics notice or scheduling instructions, you must follow them carefully.

Please regularly check your email, USPS mail and USCIS online account for a biometrics notice and to ensure your mailing address is up to date. If you receive any USCIS notice about photos or biometrics and have questions, submit the Request to Review USCIS Notice Form and then attend OIS advising for assistance.

If you have been notified that a biometrics appointment will be scheduled but have not received your biometrics appointment notice within two weeks, you should submit a USCIS Case Inquiry for Non-Delivery of Notice.

USCIS has expanded the use of social media review in certain immigration applications. As a result, officers will conduct a closer review of a student’s immigration history and compliance with U.S. laws and students’ online activity may be considered as part of USCIS’s vetting process. 

Promoting or supporting anti-American or antisemitic views will be considered serious negative factors and may lead to a denial of the application. The new policy is effective Aug. 19, 2025, and applies to both pending requests and those filed on or after that date.

If a student files their Form I-765 in a timely manner (i.e., within 60 days of STEM OPT I-20 issuance and prior to their EAD end date), they may 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.

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.

If an error is made on the EAD, students should join OIS drop-in advising to speak with an advisor. Examples of mistakes could include:

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

If you used Premium Processing and received 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 your records.

If you did not use Premium Processing, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Submit an I-20 Reprint Request

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.

Step 2: Document the Original EAD Error

Make a photocopy of the original EAD with the error and keep it for your records.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Collect the following documents:

• Original EAD with the error
• Detailed letter explaining the EAD error
• Copy of the most recently issued STEM OPT Extension I-20
• Supporting documentation for the correct information (e.g., passport bio page)

Step 4: Mail Your Request to USCIS

Mail your documents to the USCIS center using USPS and ensure you obtain a tracking number. USCIS typically processes a replacement request due to USCIS error within about 30 days.

Step 1: Submit an I-20 Reprint Request

Submit an I-20 Reprint Request via Trojan International to obtain a new copy of your Form I-20 showing your STEM OPT Extension approval.

Step 2: File a New Form I-765

File a new Form I-765 via the USCIS website. 

Under “Reason for Applying,” select “Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document.” 

Under “Previous Form I-765,” select “Yes.”

Include the following documents:

• Copy of the most recently issued STEM OPT Extension I-20
• Copy of the I-797 STEM OPT Extension Approval Notices
• Copy of your STEM OPT Extension EAD, if available

Finally, pay the Form I-765 filing fee.

USCIS typically processes replacement EAD requests in three to five months. Students who want to receive a quicker response may apply for Premium Processing.

Make sure to keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts for your records.

USCIS may send students an I-797C Notice of Action: Rejection, Request for Evidence (RFE), or an I-797C Notice of Action: Denial. If you receive one of these notices, you must submit the Request to Review USCIS Notice form to receive further guidance. After submitting the form, an advisor will review your case and follow up with the next steps.

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:

1. Submit the Request to Review USCIS Notice form.
2. Meet with an advisor during OIS drop-in advising to determine eligibility to resubmit Form I-765.
3. If eligible, request an updated STEM OPT I-20 using the STEM OPT I-20 Reprint Request in Trojan International.
4. File a new Form I-765, along with supporting documents, through myUSCIS no more than 60 days after the new STEM OPT I-20 issue date and before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date.

Request for Evidence

A student may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) if USCIS needs more information before processing their application. The RFE will specify which additional documents are required and the specific deadline for responding. The student will need to submit the Request to Review USCIS Notice form before responding to the RFE.

Notice of Intent to Deny

Upon review of the supporting evidence, USCIS may identify concerns and issue a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). This warning letter allows students to provide any new evidence addressing the concerns noted. The NOID includes a response deadline and failure to respond by that date can result in a denial of their application. The student will need to submit the Request to Review USCIS Notice form before responding to the NOID.

Denial

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

1. Submit the Request to Review USCIS Notice form.
2. Immediately meet with an advisor during OIS drop-in advising to determine eligibility to resubmit Form I-765.
3. If eligible, request an updated STEM OPT I-20 using the STEM OPT I-20 Reprint Request in Trojan International.
4. File a new Form I-765, along with supporting documents, through myUSCIS no more than 60 days after the new STEM OPT I-20 issue date and before their Post-Completion OPT EAD end date.

Students who miss the filing deadline should join OIS drop-in advising to discuss their plans with an advisor.

In addition to complying with U.S. laws and immigration requirements, a student’s OPT must meet the following requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the automatic termination of the student’s SEVIS record by SEVP and/or USCIS:

• 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
• Employers must implement a formal training program to augment the students’ academic learning through practical experience.
• Students must be paid for their practical training. Volunteer/unpaid training is not permitted on the STEM OPT Extension.
• Employers must provide STEM OPT students with compensation comparable to that of U.S. workers performing similar duties and with similar educational and professional backgrounds. While OIS will verify that a student is receiving compensation, we cannot verify whether that compensation is appropriate for the position. This responsibility falls to the employer, who will attest in Section 4 of Form I-983 that the compensation is appropriate.
• 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 hours or more per week.
• Students and their employers must attest to the information on the Form I-983.
• Students on STEM OPT are permitted to work for more than one employer. However, each employer must meet all eligibility requirements, including working at least 20 hours per individual employer. Students must file a Form I-983 for each employer. Please follow the instructions for adding an employer under the changes to employment section below.
• Students may work remotely within the United States. Refer to the sample Form I-983 for instructions on how to report this on the Form I-983. If you are switching modalities from in-person to remote, refer to the “changes to current STEM OPT employer” row of the changes to employment table below for instructions on updating OIS.

Students may not exceed 150 days of unemployment during STEM OPT. Any unemployment days accrued during the Post-Completion OPT period will count toward the allotted days.

Source: USCIS

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.

Students must submit data validation and/or evaluation reports to OIS every six months (at six, 12, 18 and 24 months) while on STEM OPT Extension. Students may submit their data validation and evaluation reports to OIS via Trojan International up to 30 days before the due date. OIS is unable to update late submissions in SEVIS. Missing a reporting deadline can negatively affect a student’s immigration status, so please set reminders as needed.

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

Students must report any employment changes during an authorized STEM OPT period to Trojan International within 10 days of the change. Please refer to the chart below for instructions on what type of changes to report and how to submit the update to OIS.

Students must apply to their new program, be admitted and be issued a new I-20 from the USC Graduate Admission office before the end of the grace period. Proof of funding is required to issue the new I-20. Please contact the USC Graduate Admission office with questions regarding I-20 issuance; the request category should be “immigration matters.”

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 of the last date the student is on STEM OPT. For instructions on requesting a SEVIS transfer, refer to our page on attending another institution.

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

If eligible for another nonimmigrant or immigrant status, students may apply for a change of status with USCIS. USCIS must receive the application to change the immigration status before the end of the grace period.

Students requesting a STEM OPT Extension I-20 from OIS will be required to pay a non-refundable $200 fee. This fee supports OIS services related to U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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 status and STEM OPT Extension employment matters.

Refer to our page on getting a STEM OPT Extension based on a prior degree for more information.

The following are common reasons for USCIS to reject a STEM OPT Extension:

1. If USCIS receives the Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after a student’s OPT EAD end date, the application will be denied. 
2. USCIS denies any application received more than 60 days after the “issued date” on page 1 of the STEM OPT Extension I-20, even if an application is submitted before the OPT EAD end date.
3. If a student’s signature is missing or invalid on the Form I-20, USCIS will deny the application. Students must sign I-20s by hand in black ink; USCIS does not accept typed or electronic student signatures.

If a student’s application is returned or rejected for any reason, or if they receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial notice, the student must contact OIS immediately before responding to USCIS.

OIS recommends students use a U.S. mailing address they can reliably retrieve mail from for up to six months after filing their STEM OPT Extension application — this may require using a friend’s or relative’s address.

Students are strongly advised not to change their U.S. mailing address while their STEM OPT Extension application is pending with USCIS, as this can delay the processing and timely receipt of their EAD.

Refer to the guide to filing form I-765 above for more information. USPS does not forward mail from USCIS, even if a student has signed up for mail forwarding. If the EAD is undeliverable due to a change of address, it will be returned to USCIS. The student will not be notified if this happens.

Students must notify USCIS by completing the online USCIS Change of Address form. They must also notify OIS by completing the SEVIS U.S. Address and Contact Update in Trojan International.

No. Students must provide a wet signature (i.e., hand signed in black ink) on their Form I-20s. A student’s typed or electronic signature on a Form I-20 will not be accepted.

Yes. Students who have filed a timely STEM OPT application may remain in the United States while their OPT application is pending with USCIS.

No, students must be present in the United States at the time of submitting the STEM OPT Extension application. Otherwise, the STEM OPT Extension will be denied.

Students who file a timely application with USCIS may continue working after their Post-Completion OPT EAD expires until they receive the final decision from USCIS on the application (i.e., approved or denied) or for 180 days — whichever comes first.

Travel document requirements while a STEM OPT Extension is pending or approved are available on our reentry requirements page.

STEM OPT Extension cannot be canceled after it is approved, but students may choose to forfeit their STEM OPT Extension. 

Students who wish to forfeit their STEM OPT Extension and return to their home country must notify OIS and submit a Form I-983 Final Self-Evaluation through Trojan International to complete their SEVIS record. Refer to the STEM OPT Extension reporting requirements for further guidance.

Failure to report departure information to OIS may result in the automatic termination of the student’s SEVIS record due to exceeding the allowable unemployment limit (90 days during standard OPT or 150 days total for students participating in a STEM OPT Extension). This could negatively impact future U.S. visa applications.

Per USCIS regulations, students may not be enrolled in a certificate or degree-seeking in-person or online program while on STEM OPT Extension. Students may take only classes that are avocational or recreational and incidental to their employment.

Yes, students may work remotely in another state within the United States. They must report their remote address as their employer’s onsite address and continue to comply with all STEM OPT reporting requirements.

Yes; however, the student must file a Form I-983 for each employer. In addition, the student must work at least 20 hours per week, and each employer must meet all remaining eligibility requirements.

Students must submit their Form I-983, along with a completed final self-evaluation, via Trojan International. Refer to the STEM OPT Extension reporting requirements for further guidance.

Students are allowed to remain in the United States for up to 60 days after the approved STEM OPT Extension end date printed on their EAD. This period of time is called a “grace period.” 

During this time, students may not work and may not leave and reenter the United States as F-1 students. During their 60-day grace period, students may:

• Begin a new degree program at USC. Students must apply to the new program, be admitted and be issued a Change of Education Level Form I-20 from the USC Graduate Admission office.
• Transfer their SEVIS record to another school. Students must submit a SEVIS Transfer Out Request to OIS.
• Change their visa status. USCIS must receive and approve the application to change the immigration status before the end of the grace period.
• Depart from the United States.

If your EAD contains an error due to a mistake made by USCIS, you will not be required to file a new Form I-765 or pay the application filing fee. To request a replacement EAD due to a USCIS error, follow these steps:

1. Request a reprint of your Form I-20 showing your STEM OPT Extension is approved by submitting an I-20 Reprint Request. This step is optional.
2. Make a photocopy of the incorrect EAD. You must keep a copy on file for your personal records.
3. Assemble the following documents:
   1. The original card containing the error
   2. A detailed letter of explanation of the card error
   3. Copy of the most recently issued STEM OPT Extension I-20
   4. Supporting documentation on the correct information (for example, a copy of your passport bio page)
4. Mail your request to the center that processed your STEM OPT Extension application and make sure you get a tracking number. Check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date addresses. USCIS will process your EAD replacement request within about 30 days.

If you are a student who applied for STEM OPT Extension via Premium Processing and received an incorrect EAD due to a USCIS error, please email psc-premium.processing@uscis.dhs.gov, explain the situation and attach a scanned copy of your EAD with the error for further guidance from USCIS.

If your EAD has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to submit an application for a replacement EAD with USCIS by following these steps:

1. Request a reprint of your I-20 showing your STEM OPT Extension is approved by submitting an I-20 Reprint Request.
2. Submit a new Form I-765 online to USCIS, following our guide to filing Form I-765 with USCIS, noting the following changes:
   1. Your reason for applying should be “replacement of lost, stolen or damaged employment authorization document.”
   2. Select “yes” for the question “Have you previously filed Form I-765?”
   3. Include copies of your most recently issued STEM OPT Extension I-20, I-797 STEM OPT Extension Approval Notice and STEM OPT Extension EAD (if you have it).
   4. You will be required to pay the Form I-765 filing fee again.

USCIS will process your EAD replacement request within about three months. 

USCIS follows Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) for submission deadlines. UTC is typically seven to eight hours ahead of Pacific Time, depending on whether Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time is in effect. 

To avoid missing your filing deadline, we strongly recommend submitting your Form I-765 at least one day in advance of the due date.

While your USCIS account may show an estimated decision time of nine months under the “myProgress” tab, the typical processing time for STEM OPT Extension applications is still approximately three to four months, provided there are no errors or issues with your application.