OPT STEM Extension
The 24-month STEM Extension of OPT is an extension of temporary employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students in STEM qualifying degrees after their initial 12-month Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.
Regulatory citation: 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree. Consistent with paragraph (f)(11)(i)(C) of this section, a qualified student may apply for an extension of OPT while in a valid period of post-completion OPT authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(i)(B).
Eligibility:
- You are in legal F-1 immigration status.
- Your degree must be from an accredited, SEVP-certified, U.S. institution of higher education. Your degree CIP code is on the STEM Designated Degree Programs List.
- You are on active Post-Completion OPT.
- You have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment at any point during Post-Completion OPT.
- If you have exceeded 90 days, please consult ISS before applying.
- You did not receive more than two previous 24-month STEM extensions.
- You have not already applied for STEM OPT extension for your STEM OPT eligible degree.
- You will be employed in a STEM OPT eligible position directly related to your field of study (we also recommend that the position be commensurate with your education level).
How do I apply for an OPT STEM extension?
Step 1: Login to your ISSS application on this site and verify that all your documents (Passport, Visa, I-94, I-20) are current.
Step 2: Read, fill out, and sign the OPT STEM Reporting Requirements and Application Filing Responsibilities, then upload the signed agreement to your ISSS application. Select the Documents tab and the ISSS OPT STEM Docs option under Upload New Documents.
Step 3: Complete and sign the form I-983, then upload the form to your ISSS application. Select the Documents tab and the ISSS OPT STEM Docs option under Upload New Documents.
Step 4: Email ISSS (isss@trinity.edu) after finishing steps 1, 2 and 3.
Step 5: Your file/records will be reviewed and if everything is correct, ISSS will provide you with an updated I-20 for your OPT STEM application. Your new I-20 will be uploaded to your ISSS application.
Step 6: Follow the OPT STEM Online Filing Instructions to file your OPT STEM online.
Step 7: Upload your OPT STEM Approval Notice and EAD Card to the ISSS application. Select the Documents tab and the ISSS OPT STEM Docs option under Upload New Documents. Email ISSS (isss@trinity.edu) after finishing the upload Use subject line: “OPT STEM Approval Documents Received”.
NOTE: Please schedule an appointment with ISSS (isss@trinity.edu) if you have additional questions on the filing process.