STEM OPT Extension Based on a Prior Degree

Updated 03/05/2024

Most USC students apply for STEM OPT Extension based on their most recently obtained USC degree (i.e. student graduated from MS Computer Science and is on Post-Completion OPT and will apply for STEM OPT Extension based on the MS Computer Science degree). However, students who are currently on Post-Completion OPT may be eligible for STEM OPT Extension if they earned a prior bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from USC or another U.S. school in a degree assigned a CIP listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs List. The prior degree must have been earned at a U.S. school within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT Extension with USCIS and the qualifying degree must be listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time of application. In addition to having obtained a designated STEM degree, the student must meet all other STEM OPT Extension eligibility and employment requirements. For additional guidance, review the STEM OPT Extension page on the OIS website.

Application Instructions for STEM OPT Extension Based on Prior Degree

STEP 1: Join OIS Live to Discuss Eligibility Requirements with a Senior International Student Advisor

STEP 2: Student submits STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request (Prior Degree) in Trojan International. Attach the following supporting documents:

  • 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.
  • Completed Form I-983 Training Plan. In order for OIS to recommend graduates for the STEM OPT Extension and issue the Form I-20, they must submit a Form I-983 Training Plan. Refer to the Sample I-983 for USC Graduates for guidance. Additional information can be found in the STEM OPT Extension Instructions or on the Study in the States website. As a reminder, USCIS requires original, scanned, or copied wet signatures for the Form I-983. Electronic (such as Adobe or DocuSign), typed, or other such signatures are not authorized.

OIS Processing Time: 10 Business Days

STEP 3: OIS Advisor Emails STEM OPT Extension I-20 to Student

  • The STEM OPT Extension I-20 will indicate the student’s most recently obtained degree name (major and CIP) from USC, which is why the student must submit supporting documentation as evidence they are applying based on their prior STEM-eligible degree.

STEP 4: Student submits Form I-765 and supplemental documents via the USCIS Online Application System

Refer to the Guide to Filing Form I-765 for STEM OPT Extension

Upload the following supplemental documents as evidence for Institutional Accreditation

  • Letter of Explanation from Student (refer to STEP 1 for required information)
  • Letter of Support from Employer (refer to sample letter provided in STEP 1)
  • Proof of STEM eligible degree
  • 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 must first request a DSO letter from OIS. Please attach copies of the USC transcript and/or diploma in an email to ois@usc.edu [Subject line: Request for DSO Letter for Prior USC Degree: Last Name, First Name — SEVIS ID #]. Upon receiving the DSO letter, the student may proceed with their STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request.

Approval of STEM OPT Extension based on a prior degree is at the discretion of USCIS. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for additional information, students must consult with OIS prior to responding.

While STEM OPT Extension Application is Pending with USCIS

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

Reporting Requirements for STEM OPT Extension Based on Prior Degree

Immigration regulations require students on STEM OPT Extension to validate their personal and employment information with their Designated School Official (DSO) every six months during the 24-month period. Validation reports must be submitted to OIS DSOs in Trojan International. OIS will then update the information in SEVIS. Use the STEM OPT Extension Reporting Tool for USC Graduates to check submission deadlines for each Validation Report. They can be submitted in Trojan International up to 30 days before the report due date. Students will be able to submit late submissions in Trojan International, but OIS will be unable to officially update the submission in SEVIS. Missing reporting deadlines may negatively affect the student’s F-1 status and/or future U.S. visa applications. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure Validation Reports are submitted accurately and on time.

OIS Processing Time: 10 Business Days

Submitting Validation Reports in Trojan International

WHEN TO SUBMIT TO OISTYPE OF FORM TO SUBMIT TO OIS
6-months after STEM EAD Start DateSTEM OPT Extension 6-Month Validation Report+
Enter STEM OPT EAD start and end dates, major, and employer information
12-months after STEM EAD Start DateSTEM OPT Extension 12-Month I-983 Self-Evaluation Report+
Enter STEM OPT EAD start and end dates, major, and employer information.
Upload copy of Form I-983 (all 5 pages) with signed self-evaluation in top section of Page 5 – refer to the Sample I-983 and use the Reporting Tool.
18-months after STEM EAD Start DateSTEM OPT Extension 18-Month Validation Report+
Enter STEM OPT EAD start and end dates, major, and employer information
STEM EAD End DateSTEM OPT Extension Final I-983 Self-Evaluation Report+
Enter STEM OPT EAD start and end dates, major, and employer information.
Upload copy of Form I-983 (all 5 pages) with signed final self-evaluation in bottom section of Page 5 – refer to the Sample I-983 and use the Reporting Tool

Report Changes to Employment for STEM OPT Extension Based on Prior Degree

Immigration regulations also require changes to STEM OPT employment to be reported to OIS, before or within 10 days of the change. Reports will be processed within 10-business days; incomplete and/or incorrect requests will require resubmission. All changes should be submitted in Trojan International. Changes that require reporting include:

TYPE OF CHANGETYPE OF FORM TO SUBMIT TO OIS
Changing employersSTEM OPT Employment, I-983, or Address/Supervisor Change+
Follow instructions on form; refer to the Sample I-983 and use the Reporting Tool.

Students who change employers while their STEM OPT application is pending with USCIS must take additional action; see Slide 19 of the STEM OPT Extension Instructions.
Loss of employmentSTEM OPT Extension Final I-983 Self-Evaluation Report+
Enter STEM OPT EAD start and end dates, major, and employer information.

Upload copy of Form I-983 (all 5 pages) with signed final self-evaluation in bottom section of Page 5 – refer to the Sample I-983 and use the Reporting Tool.
Material changes, as defined by DHS, made to the Form I-983 Training PlanSTEM OPT Employment, I-983, or Address/Supervisor Change+
Copy of updated Form I-983 (all 5 pages) with material changes – refer to the Sample I-983.
Early end of STEM OPT Extension due to change of visa status (e.g., to H1B), SEVIS transfer out, or F-1 status forfeitureSTEM OPT Extension Final I-983 Self-Evaluation Report+
Enter STEM OPT EAD start and end dates, major, and employer information.

Upload copy of Form I-983 (all 5 pages) with signed final self-evaluation in bottom section of Page 5 – refer to the Sample I-983 and use the Reporting Tool.

Students who are changing their status to H1B: Must submit the Final Self-Evaluation at least 15 days before the H1B becomes effective.

OIS Advising and Contact Information

Need additional guidance? Contact OIS.

  • OIS Live: OIS Advisors are available for one-on-one consultation Monday through Friday via Zoom. Refer to the OIS Live schedule for advising hours and Zoom meeting link. No appointment necessary.
  • OIS Group Advising and Webinars: OIS offers group advising sessions during the peak application season covering topics such as STEM OPT Extension via Zoom.  Refer to the OIS eCalendar  for upcoming sessions.