Applying for STEM OPT

ISSO is happy to provide our STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Applications Basics Workshop on demand! Please review the video below to learn more about who qualifies for the STEM Extension of OPT, when and how you should apply, and how to maintain your status while on STEM OPT. This video will be most useful when you have questions about whether or not you qualify for STEM OPT, and when you are in the last 6 months of your post-completion OPT and beginning to prepare your STEM OPT application. The on-demand workshop will give you an overview of the entire process of applying for and maintaining your status while on STEM OPT. It will take you approximately 60 minutes to view the entire video.

  1. Attend an “STEM OPT Extension Application Basics” Workshop or Q&A Session to learn about applying for STEM OPT
  2. Review your eligibility for STEM OPT and the window for you to apply.
    • You may apply up to 90 days before the end of your current period of OPT.
    • Your STEM OPT applications must be receipted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) no later than the end of your current period of OPT.
  3. Meet with your employer to complete the USCIS Form I-983Training Plan for STEM OPT and to confirm your company’s E-Verify number.
    • The Form I-983 must be completed and signed by you and your employer before you can make a request to the ISSO, outlining your training plan for STEM OPT employment. Without this completed form, the ISSO cannot recommend STEM OPT. Further information about the Form I-983 can be found here.
    • Confirm with your employer:
      Company name as registered in E-Verify: _________________
      E-Verify Company Identification Number: _________________
  4. Navigate to the ISSOPortal and complete the request called “STEM OPT- Add New”.
  5. Follow the instructions in the request to complete the questionnaire, upload required documents, pay the required $200 STEM OPT Processing Fee with a credit card, confirm your understanding of conditions to maintain status and officially submit the request to ISSO. Take care to complete all required fields and upload all required documents. If any required field or document is missing, incomplete or not completed accurately, you will be asked for clarification which will delay the processing of your request. Please note an appointment in advance with ISSO is no longer required.
  6. After receiving a new Form I-20 with a recommendation for STEM OPT authorization from the ISSO advisor, you submitl your completed application to the USCIS. You can now choose whether you want to submit a paper STEM OPT application to USCIS via the mail (instructions below) or, whether you prefer to create an online account, upload all of your documentation and submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS electronically. The USCIS processing estimates are the same so you can choose if you prefer to send your application form, fee and supporting documentation via mail or, if you prefer to pay the fee, upload all documents and submit online instead. The recommendation for your STEM OPT will expire 60 days after it is made.