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What is STEM OPT Extension?

An extension of post-completion OPT available to students who graduate with a qualifying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) designated degree and meet eligibility requirements. Qualifying students may apply to extend their 12-month post-completion OPT for an additional 24 months.


How do I know if my program is considered STEM?

If you earned a degree in a field that that appears on the US government's official list of STEM fields, you may be eligible for the 24-month OPT extension. To check if your degree is on the list, look at the "Program of Study" field on page 1 of your I-20 to find the 6-digit code listed under "Major 1" and then look for that code in the CIP code column of the DHS STEM OPT Designated Programs List.

Current STEM-designated degrees at CCA:

BACHELORS : Animation (BFA), Architecture (B'Arch), Comics (BFA), Graphic Design (BFA), Interaction Design (BFA),

MASTERS : MBA in Design Strategy (DMBA), MFA Comics (full residency model only), Master of Design in Interaction Design (MDes), Graduate Architecture (M'Arch and MAAD)


Who is eligible to apply?

To qualify for the 24 month STEM eligibility extension, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be in active F-1 status
  • Currently working in a period of post-completion OPT, and not exceeded the 90 days of unemployment
  • Must be inside the United States at the time of application for the STEM OPT extension
  • Have completed a bachelors degree or masters degree from a US school in an eligible STEM field
  • Have a job offer that meets all STEM OPT employer requirements. Review STEM OPT Employer Requirements below.
  • Be able to meet all reporting requirements during STEM OPT period. Review Maintaining F-1 Status on STEM OPT to confirm all reporting requirements can be met.

IMPORTANT: Self-employment, freelance projects, and unpaid / volunteer work is not authorized during the STEM OPT Extension period.


STEM OPT Employer Requirements

Please note all employers during STEM OPT must meet the following requirements, whether you are first applying for STEM OPT or whether you are changing employers during your STEM OPT period:

  • The job is with an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program. Check with your employer for this information if necessary.
      • PLEASE NOTE : the E-Verify number is NOT the same as the EIN. They are two different numbers. You will need both from your employer.
  • The job is not freelance work. No freelance is allowed during STEM OPT.
  • The job offers at least 20 hours per week (this cannot be split up between employers, the requirement is that each employer constitutes at least 20 hours)
  • The job will provide documented formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree
  • Be able to complete the I-983 training plan with your employer and submit it to ISS at the time of STEM OPT application. Please review the I-983 form instructions for assistance.
  • The job is paid. There is no self employment is allowed on STEM OPT.

Important! Self-employment, freelance projects, and unpaid / volunteer work is not allowed during the STEM OPT period.


When to Apply

  • USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current 12-month OPT EAD card expiration date.
  • You may apply as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT EAD card expiration date.

Documents required to apply for the STEM OPT Extension:

  • STEM OPT Extension Request Form
  • 1 recent digital U.S. passport-sized photos
  • Completed Practice Form (Worksheet Only for ISS Review) I-765 *STEM eligibility category: (c) (3) (C)
  • Scan of the new STEM OPT I-20 with ISS’s STEM OPT recommendation on page 2.
  • Scan of any previously issued EAD (front and back)
  • PDF most recent I-94.
  • Proof of STEM degree: electronic final transcript and/or scan of your CCA diploma (or proof of your former schools degree if applying based on a previous degree completed)
  • Pages 1 - 4 of Form I-983 training plan (Save page 5 to use for your 12 month and final evaluations)
  • Credit card for $470 filing fee

To get your new I-20 with the STEM OPT Recommendation, submit a complete STEM OPT Extension request form, through your CCA Workday Account. An ISS advisor will materials, if all correct, will issue your STEM I-20 with extension recommendation. DO NOT apply without your new STEM OPT I-20. Applications submitted without it will be denied by USCIS.

STEM Extension applications are submitted online at USCIS.GOV

Please allow 3 business days for processing your STEM OPT request once your request is submitted to ISS through Workday with complete supporting materials.



Reporting Requirements on STEM OPT

You must meet the following reporting requirements during your STEM OPT. Failure to meet these requirements could have a negative impact on your F-1 status and on any future application for benefits from USCIS (change of status to H-1, etc)

Review Maintaining F-1 Status on STEM OPT for more information.


Applying for STEM OPT based on a previous degree

The new rule allows F-1 students to use a prior degree earned in the United States to qualify for the STEM extension. To be eligible based on a previously earned degree:

  • You must have received your prior, qualifying STEM degree (bachelor's or higher) from an SEVP-approved US institution within 10 years of the date that you apply for the STEM extension with USCIS.
  • The work being done on STEM OPT is directly related to the previously earned STEM degree program.
  • You must have received your most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM) in the US and currently be on post-completion OPT
  • The prior degree must be on the DHS STEM Designated Program List at the time you submit your STEM extension application. Note: You may need to contact the International Office at your previous school to determine if the CIP code used for that program is STEM-eligible.