1. International Affairs
  2. Current Students
  3. Working in the U.S.
  4. Optional Practice Training Extension

Optional Practice Training Extension

STEM OPT Application Guide

Eligibility for STEM Extension:

The 猫咪社区官网 Board of Regents decides upon the use of CIP Codes that designate specific STEM fields as determined by USCIS. The University is required to use the code listed for each major on the I-20s of all students admitted to that program. Please refer to the list known as the "." If your major appears on this list, along with the corresponding CIP code (this code can be found on the "Program of Study" section of your I-20, listed by the Major) then you are eligible for a 24 month STEM extension. If the CIP code listed on your I-20 does not appear on the "" then you are NOT eligible for a STEM extension.

Students currently on OPT Post-Completion wishing to apply for a 24 month STEM extension must meet the following conditions regarding their current employment:

  • Qualifying Job: Employment must be a paid job, for at least 20 hours per week.
  • Qualifying Employer: Employer must be enrolled in E-Verfiy and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN). Student may not be self-employed in order to apply for a 24 month STEM extension.
  • Form I-983 Training Plan: The STEM applicant and the employer must complete the Form I-983 Training Plan. Once all sections are complete (excluding page 5), the STEM applicant must either mail or scan and email the completed form to the OIA.
What documents must STEM applicants submit to the OIA?
Once the OIA receives these documents from the STEM applicant, the OIA will issue the applicant an I-20 recommending the applicant's 24 month STEM extension.
When can students apply for a 24 month STEM extension?
  • Student's on OPT Post-Completion can apply as early as 90 days before the end date on their Post-Completion EAD card, but applications must be received and receipted by USCIS prior to the EAD post-completion end date.
How long does the OIA take to issue an I-20 recommending a 24 month STEM extension?
  • It takes the OIA approximately 3 days to review the Form I-983 and issue the applicant an I-20 recommending a 24 month STEM extension.
How to determine if your degree is STEM eligible:
  • Please refer to the list known as the "" If your your major appears on this list, along with the corresponding CIP code (this code can be found on the "Program of Study" section of your I-20, listed by the Major) then you are eligible for a 24 month STEM extension.
After the OIA issues the I-20 to the applicant, what is the next step?
  • Once the student receives their I-20 from the Office of International Affairs, the student will receive an email with a STEM OPT Online Filing Guide with detailed instructions, complete the I-765 online, upload evidence which includes one passport photo (photo must be exactly 2" x 2"), and submit STEM OPT filing fee using your credit/debit card. Once you successfully submit the payment, your I-765 form is automatically submitted to USCIS for processing. Students must submit their STEM OPT online application to the USCIS within 30 days from the date the STEM OPT I-20 was issued. STEM OPT applications will be denied by the USCIS if a student submits their application past 30 days from the date the I-20 was issued.

Please visit for more information on the STEM Extension.