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STEM OPT Extension

A 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for F-1 students with a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field. 

  • Must be currently on approved post-completion OPT.
  • Must have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field that appears on the DHS STEM-Designated Degree Program List. 
  • Must be employed by an E-Verify employer.
  • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience. Your employer cannot be a staffing/temporary agency or consulting firm unless they will be the entity that provides your practical training experience.
  • Must be a paid position for at least 20 hours per week.

USCIS must receive the STEM OPT extension application before the expiration of the student's current post-completion OPT, but no sooner than 90 days before that date.

To apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, please email ISSS at isssemployment@american.edu to discuss your eligibility and timeline for applying.

You will need the following materials in order to apply:

  • Form I-983 (PDF)
  • Proof of STEM Degree (official transcript and copy of diploma)
  • Copy of I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from ISSS
  • Copy of your unexpired passport (valid for at least 6 months in the future at the time of filing) 
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Copy of previous I-20s with authorized CPT(s) or OPT(s)  
  • Copy of previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card(s)
  • One passport-size photograph
  1. Review the STEM OPT Extension handout (PDF). 
  2. Know when to apply.
    • USCIS must receive the STEM OPT extension application before the expiration of the student's current post-completion OPT, but no sooner than 90 days before that date.
  3. Email ISSS at isssemployment@american.edu to discuss your eligibility and timeline for applying.
  4. Email the required application materials to isssemployment@american.edu. Students must be physically in the U.S. to apply for STEM OPT. 
    1. Form I-983 (PDF)
      1. Use the I-983 Guide to complete this form. ISSS will provide this guide after discussing eligibility in Step 3.  
    2. Proof of STEM Degree (copy of diploma only)
      1. The official transcript may be needed for the online filing.
    3. Copy of your unexpired passport
    4. Copy of your F-1 visa
    5. Copy of most recent I-94
    6. Copy of previous I-20s with authorized CPT(s) or OPT(s)
    7. Copy of previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card(s)
  5. Within 3-5 business days after you submit the required application materials to isssemployment@american.edu, ISSS will review and issue a new I-20 with STEM OPT recommended dates. 
    • You will download your new STEM OPT I-20 from iEagle and receive a handout with tips on how to file your STEM OPT online to your AU email address.
    • While ISSS is reviewing your STEM OPT application materials, please prepare 1 color passport photo taken within the last 30 days. The online filing fee is $410 paid to USCIS by credit or debit card at the time of your online filling.   
  6. Create a myUSCIS account and file your STEM OPT application online with USCIS.
    • USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application within 60 days of your new STEM OPT I-20 issue date or before the end of your Post-completion OPT authorization period, whichever comes first. If not received within those timelines, your STEM OPT application will be denied, and appeal is not possible.  
  7. STEM OPT applications typically take 2-3 months to process. You may check case processing times with USCIS here.
    • For more information on STEM OPT, please review the FAQs at the bottom of this page. 

STEM OPT Application Disclaimer:  The STEM OPT webpage and other ISSS-produced handouts are not comprehensive and are based on frequently made mistakes. They contain helpful tips and can be used as a tool to assist you with your online application. 

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to follow all instructions in the online application to ensure your online form is accurate and complete before submitting your STEM OPT request to USCIS.  

F-1 students on STEM Extension OPT have legal reporting requirements to maintain status. Failure to report in a timely manner may lead to the termination of your F-1 status.

In addition to maintaining the SEVP portal, STEM Extension OPT students must also report to ISSS the following:

  1. Employment Authorization Document (EAD): As soon as you receive your STEM Extension EAD card, please review it for accuracy and upload a copy of the front and back to iEagle > Click on Optional Practical Training (OPT) > Employment Authorization Document Card (EAD) Upload.
  2. 6-Month Validation Report: Please confirm your address and employment information every six months. Log into iEagle > Click on Optional Practical Training (OPT) > STEM OPT 6 Month Employment Reporting. Complete the e-form and submit.

    Students will receive a reminder email 30 days before the validation report is due. Reports must be submitted within 30 days of that email.
  3. Evaluation of Student Progress: A self-evaluation is due 12 months after your STEM OPT starts and a final self-evaluation is due 24 months after your STEM OPT starts. Please email a complete Form I-983 that includes a self-evaluation on page 5 to isssemployment@american.edu. 

    Students will receive a reminder email 30 days before the evaluation on student progress is due. Evaluations must be submitted within 30 days of that email.
  4. Update Training Plan (Form I-983): Any updates to the current Training Plan (Form I-983) must be reported as soon as it occurs and within 10 days of the change at the latest. Please email a new Form I-983 to isssemployment@american.edu.
  5. Change Employer: Ending any STEM OPT employment and starting employment with a new employer must be reported as soon as it occurs and within 10 days of the change at the latest. Please email a new Form I-983 for the new employer and a complete Form I-983 that includes a final self-evaluation on page 5 for the previous employer to isssemployment@american.edu.
  6. Update Personal Address: Any updates to your personal address that happen before your validation or evaluation is due must be reported as soon as it occurs and within 10 days of the change at the latest. Log into iEagle> Click on Current Student > Complete the Address and Contact Information Update.
  7. End STEM OPT Early: Please inform ISSS if you decide to leave the United States permanently before your STEM OPT end date. Please submit a complete Form I-983 that includes a final self-evaluation on page 5 for the employment you have ended within 10 days of the end date. Log into iEagle > Click on Optional Practical Training (OPT) > Ending OPT Early.
  8. Change Immigration Status: Please inform ISSS via email at isssemployment@american.edu if you change your immigration status before your STEM OPT end date. Please submit a complete Form I-983 that includes a final self-evaluation on page 5 for the employment you have ended and/or proof of your new immigration status. 

STEM OPT Reporting and DHS Site Visits: DHS may, at its discretion, conduct a site visit of the employer to ensure that program requirements are being met, including that the employer possesses and maintains the ability and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences consistent with the Form I-983 Training Plan. Students should make sure their employer information and home addresses are up to date by updating their information via the SEVP portal and by reporting to ISSS.

Frequently Asked Questions

The below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were designed to provide international students with up-to-date answers to help navigate their STEM OPT Extension applications. 

  • When can I file my STEM OPT application online?  
    Students may begin applying for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the end of your Post-completion OPT authorization period.

    ISSS recommends that students apply as soon as possible within the regulatory window since students may not apply for the STEM OPT extension after their Post-completion OPT authorization period ends. Please remember that the USCIS process for a STEM OPT approval typically takes 1-3 months. 
  • Can I file a STEM OPT application based on a prior STEM degree (a degree not pursued at AU)?
    Under certain circumstances, students may apply for a STEM OPT Extension with a prior STEM degree earned from a currently accredited SEVP-certified school. This only applies if you have not already received a STEM OPT extension based on that degree. 

    Students must first consult with ISSS to confirm their eligibility based on a prior STEM degree.
  • Do I choose my STEM OPT start date?
    No, your STEM OPT start date is the day after your Post-completion OPT end date.
  • How can I check the status of my pending STEM OPT application with USCIS? 
    You will automatically receive an application receipt notice in your myUSCIS account after filing. USCIS will also send you a paper copy of your receipt notice by mail within 2 to 3 weeks after filing. Please save these notices as it will include your USCIS receipt number, which you can use to periodically check your application process here. You may also check your application status from within your myUSCIS account.

    In addition, you may sign up for case status alerts through your myUSCIS account. ISSS recommends taking this action, so you are automatically notified when an action is taken on your case.  
  • When should I expect to receive STEM OPT authorization from USCIS?  
    OPT applications are generally processed by USCIS in 1-3 months. If 80 days have passed from the receipt date and you have not received your EAD card, you may try to contact USCIS to request an update on your pending case. You may contact USCIS for an update via phone at 1-800-375-5283 or via their online “Emma” bot.

    You may also check case processing times on USCIS’ website here.
  • If I decide not to file my STEM OPT application, should I notify ISSS?  
    Yes, you must notify ISSS immediately for a timely immigration action to be taken on your SEVIS record and to receive prompt advice on your immigration options.  

    After your STEM OPT application is received by USCIS, ISSS can no longer cancel your pending STEM OPT recommendation in the SEVIS immigration system. You will need to officially request to have your STEM OPT application withdrawn. Please contact USCIS for further instructions on how to withdraw your STEM OPT application. You must also contact ISSS to let us know you are withdrawing your application.
  • What do I do if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), Rejection Notice, or Denial Notice from USCIS?  
    Please contact ISSS immediately. Depending on the information in the notice, our advice may vary, but prompt action is crucial.   
  • What do I do if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) indicating that I did not provide sufficient evidence to establish that I graduated with a STEM degree?
    In this case, you will likely need to contact your academic unit to provide a letter confirming that you were enrolled and graduated with a STEM degree. ISSS cannot issue letters on academic matters. However, you should contact our office and provide a photocopy of the RFE for our review.
  • How long after STEM OPT approval will I receive my EAD Card? 
    You should receive your EAD Card within 2 weeks of your STEM OPT approval by USCIS. Please check your case status within your myUSCIS account to understand when your card was mailed and make note of the mail tracking number. The case status will update once delivered.  

    If you do not receive your card after the case status shows it was delivered, you may need to re-submit a new STEM OPT application. Please contact ISSS immediately.  
  • I received my EAD Card but there was an error. What do I do? 
    Please contact ISSS immediately so we can advise accordingly as some EAD card errors result in a delay in employment start dates. 
  • May I work with my STEM OPT employer if my Post-completion OPT authorization period ends, and my STEM OPT application is still pending with USCIS?
    Yes, you may continue working with your STEM OPT employer for up to 180 days (about 6 months) after your Post-completion OPT authorization has ended if you have appropriately filed a STEM OPT application with USCIS.
  • What kind of employment options are not permitted under STEM OPT? 
    Students may not be self-employed or pursue volunteer or unpaid work while on STEM OPT. STEM OPT requires paid employment with an E-Verify employer for at least 20 hours a week.
  • May I work with multiple employers under STEM OPT?
    STEM OPT is employer specific, so you may only work with the employer that is listed on your Form I-983. Multiple employers may be possible, but it is rare. You should discuss employment options with ISSS before starting any new employment.
  • How many days of unemployment do I have under STEM OPT? 
    Students on STEM OPT are allowed 150 days (about 5 months) of unemployment. These 150 days is combining unemployment during your Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT. This means that any unemployment accrued during your Post-completion OPT will remain counted under the 150 allowable days during your STEM OPT.

    It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of unemployment days and take the necessary action in a timely manner if you anticipate reaching the unemployment limit while on STEM OPT. ISSS recommends students either leave the U.S., start another academic program, or change status before reaching the 150th day of unemployment.

    If leaving the U.S., please notify ISSS immediately through iEagle > Optional Practical Training (OPT) > Ending OPT Early e-form.

    If starting another academic program, please request a Change of Level I-20 or transfer immigration status.

    If changing status, please email proof to isssimmigration@american.edu so we may close your F-1 immigration record.
  • May I change employers while under STEM OPT?
    You may change employers while on STEM OPT, but each employer must meet the necessary eligibility requirements:
    • The employer must be an E-Verify employer.
    • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience. Your employer cannot be a staffing/temporary agency or consulting firm unless they will be the entity that provides your practical training experience.
    • The position must be paid for at least 20 hours per week.

 In addition, you must report any updates to employment within 10 days of  the change. To change employers under STEM OPT, you must email a new  Form I-983 for the new employer and a complete Form I-983 that includes  a final self-evaluation on page 5 for the previous employer  to isssemployment@american.edu.

  • May I take classes while on STEM OPT? 
    Only recreational and avocational classes are permissible during your STEM OPT period.
  • Do I have a grace period after the end of my STEM OPT? 
    Yes, students who successfully complete their STEM OPT have 60 days to:  
    1. Leave the U.S. 
    2. Change visa status 
    3. Start a new education program   

    Successful completion of STEM OPT includes meeting all reporting requirements and not reaching the 150-day unemployment limit.  
  • What type of visa am I on during STEM OPT?  
    You maintain your F-1 immigration status while on STEM OPT. 
  • May I travel outside the U.S. while on STEM OPT? 
    It is not recommended to travel at any point during your STEM OPT authorization period until after your STEM OPT has been approved and you have received your new STEM OPT EAD Card. Travel before receiving your EAD Card and anytime during STEM OPT without a job or EAD Card is considered very risky and not recommended. It is also not recommended to travel close to the end date of your STEM OPT period.

    During your STEM OPT, you should never try to re-enter the U.S. on any other visa status (e.g., B-1/B-2, Visa Waiver, etc.) as this would cancel your STEM OPT. If you travel outside the U.S. while on STEM OPT, you will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.: 
    • Your valid STEM OPT I-20 signed for travel within the last 6 months 
    • An unexpired F-1 visa (if your F-1 visa has expired, you must apply for renewal while outside the U.S.) 
    • An unexpired passport with at least 6 months left on the expiration date 
    • Your unexpired STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card 
    • A signed letter of employment on company letterhead (If you do not have proof of employment, you may be denied re-entry to the U.S.) 
  • May I travel outside the U.S. if I have a pending Change of Status (COS) application?
    You should not travel outside the U.S. while a Change of Status case is pending. If you leave in this circumstance, USCIS may consider you as abandoning your application. Please consult with an immigration attorney before planning any travel abroad.
  • Who should I notify if I will leave the U.S. and end my STEM OPT early?   
    You must inform ISSS if you decide to leave the U.S. permanently before your STEM OPT end date. ISSS will close your F-1 status in the SEVIS immigration system, so you will stop accruing unemployment days.

    To report to ISSS, you must take the following two actions.
    • Log into iEagle > Optional Practical Training (OPT) > Ending OPT Early.
    • Email a complete Form I-983 that includes a final self-evaluation on page 5 for your STEM OPT employer to isssemployment@american.edu.

 Informing ISSS of your intentions immediately is an important part of your  legal STEM OPT reporting requirements and will ensure that your F- 1 immigration status is closed by ISSS in a timely manner. 

  • What happens if I want to start a new academic program during my STEM OPT? 
    Your STEM OPT will automatically end if you begin another academic program. You cannot save the unused portion of your STEM OPT or continue employment while attending school for a new program.

    If you will start a new academic program at American University, follow the instructions here to receive your new Change of Education Level I-20.

    If you will start a new academic program at another U.S. institution, follow the instructions here to request a transfer of your immigration status.

    Do not submit the Ending OPT Early e-form in these situations.
  • Who should I notify if I change my immigration status during STEM OPT?
    Please inform ISSS via email at isssimmigration@american.edu if you change your immigration status before your STEM OPT end date. Please email proof of your new immigration status, so we may close your F-1 immigration status in a timely manner. 
  • May I extend my STEM OPT?
    There are no employment extensions possible under your F-1 immigration status following the end of your STEM OPT.  
  • May I have a second STEM OPT for the same degree level?
    A student may only be authorized for two lifetime STEM OPT extensions.

    To receive a second STEM OPT authorization, a student must complete another qualifying STEM degree at a higher degree level.
  • What is the H-1B Cap-Gap for STEM OPT? 
    The "Cap-Gap" refers to the period of time where F-1 students on STEM OPT have a gap in their visa status. The Cap-Gap I-20 will allow students to maintain their F-1 immigration status and continue STEM OPT employment until the H-1B immigration status begins. To receive the I-20 with the Cap-Gap notation, you must email ISSS at isssemployment@american.edu with proof that an employer has filed an H-1B petition.

    Please be aware that Cap-Gap is not automatic, and students should consult with ISSS to ensure this option is available.

    Students should also consult an immigration attorney for more information on H-1B visas.