F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Extension

F-1 STEM OPT Extension Guide

Purpose of guide: This guide is for students in a valid period of post-completion OPT who wish to request an additional 24 months of OPT authorization.

Review eligibility: Students with STEM Designated Degrees should review the eligibility requirements, application process, regulatory considerations, and reporting responsibilities. 

The STEM OPT Extension Process

1. Determine Eligibility

Review STEM OPT Extension eligibility requirements.

2. Form I-983

Prepare Form I-983 Training Plan with your employer

3. OPT I-20 Request from ISSS

Submit your OPT I-20 request form in iPenn

4. Submit Application to USCIS

Within 60 days of receiving your I-20, submit your application to USCIS. 

5. Reporting Requirements

Follow the reporting requirements.

Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension

To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, you must:

  • Degree requirement: Have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs list. 
  • Employment requirement: Be participating in post-completion OPT, working for a U.S. employer in a job directly related to your STEM major. 
  • E-Verify employer: Have a paid job offer from an employer registered with the E-Verify system at the time of application.
  • Limit on extensions: Only two STEM extensions are allowed per lifetime.

Applying for STEM Extension Based on a Previously Earned Degree

You may apply for a STEM OPT Extension based on a previously earned degree if: 

  • Accredited institution: The degree was granted by an accredited U.S. educational institution. 
  • STEM major requirement: Your major is currently on the list of STEM Majors. 
  • Recency requirement: The degree was obtained within the past 10 years. 
  • No prior STEM extension: You have not previously used the degree as the basis of a STEM Extension. 

What’s Next?

Prepare Form I-983: Prepare Form I-983 Training Plan with your employer before requesting a new I-20 in iPenn. All fields are required to apply, except for the evaluation pages, which will be completed after 12 and 24 months.

Application timeline: Apply up to 90 days before the end of your regular OPT for the new I-20 and for an EAD card from USCIS using Form I-765.

Additional guidance: For additional information on completing Form I-983, visit the DHS Study in the States STEM OPT Hub. 

Filing Fees

  • STEM OPT Extension: $290 Penn Internal Processing Fee 
  • I-765 USCIS Application Fee: $470 
  • Optional Premium Processing: $1780 Form I-907 Premium Processing Fee

Working While Application is Pending

Continuation of employment: If you file a non-frivolous application for a STEM OPT extension on time, you can continue employment while the application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first. 

USCIS Biometrics Requirement for STEM OPT Applicants

USCIS now requires most Form I-765 applicants, including students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions, to attend a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA) at an Application Support Center (ASC).

USCIS will send a biometrics appointment notice through your myUSCIS online account and by mail. The notice will include the date, time, and location of your appointment.

You must attend your scheduled appointment or request a reschedule before the appointment date. Failure to do so may result in significant processing delays or denial of your application.

Rescheduling Your Biometrics Appointment

Before your appointment

If you already missed your appointment

If You Miss Your Appointment

If you miss your biometrics appointment and do not request a reschedule, USCIS may consider your application abandoned and deny your application.

Examples of circumstances USCIS may consider as good cause include:

Approval of a reschedule request is entirely at USCIS’s discretion.

Processing Impact

USCIS must receive your biometrics before it can begin processing your OPT or STEM OPT application.

Rescheduling your appointment may delay:

If you paid for Premium Processing, the 30-day processing period generally begins after USCIS receives your required biometrics and resumes adjudication of your application.

STEM OPT Form I-983 Tutorial for Penn Students

This video will provide tips on how to complete Form I-983 for the OPT STEM Extension