Employment authorization for STEM degree students for an additional 24 months of employment. Students must be in a period of valid Post-Completion OPT and meet all other eligibility requirements. This is a multi-step application process in which students must request and get an I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from ISSS to then file their application with USCIS. Employment authorization comes from USCIS. 

Quick Links:

• STEM OPT Eligibility
• When to Apply for STEM OPT
• STEM OPT Application Steps
• While your STEM OPT (form I-765) Application is Pending
• After your STEM OPT (form I-765) has been Approval
• Maintaining F-1 Status on STEM OPT
• Mandatory STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions (STEM OPT)

Tutorials:

• STEM OPT Tutorial
• ISSS I-983 Completion Guide  
• Online filing of I-765 for OPT/STEM OPT
• Mailing I-765 for OPT/STEM OPT

STEM OPT Eligibility

You must meet ALL of the following criteria to be eligible to apply for STEM OPT extension. For more information, visit Study in States: Determining STEM OPT Extension Eligibility.

• Been granted and currently active on post-completion OPT.
• Have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment on your current post-completion OPT. 
• Earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) from a SEVP-certified school. See the list of SJSU eligible STEM majors. You can find your CIP code on page 1 of your I-20.
• Work for an employer that is enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. Contact your employer for the requisite E-Verify Company ID number. *Therefore, self employment is not allowed on STEM OPT.
• The employer must guarantee you a minimum of 20 hours of work per week and provide you formal training and learning objectives. You must engage in paid employment that is directly related to your STEM degree.
• Have not previously used STEM OPT more than once. You cannot have more than one STEM OPT extension based on the same degree. 
• Be physically present in the U.S. when requesting the STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS and submitting your application to USCIS.
  

When to Apply for STEM OPT

The earliest we will allow students to submit the STEM OPT I-20 Request in iSpartan is 100 days before your Post-Completion OPT ends. The earliest that ISSS can do your STEM OPT recommendation is 90 days before your Post-Completion OPT end date. You will need to have an I-20 from ISSS with a STEM OPT recommendation to file your STEM OPT (form I-765) application with USCIS. You may apply up to 90 days before your current Post-Completion OPT employment authorization expires. Please allow ample time for ISSS to process your STEM OPT I-20 request.

STEM OPT Application Steps

1. View the STEM OPT Tutorial.
2. Required: Update your personal information (name, telephone number, or address) and current employment information in your SEVP Portal. If you have not been using the SEVP Student Portal for regular OPT reporting, use ISSS' SEVP Portal Access Request Form to request access. 
   
   1. Your SJSU email address will become inactive one year after you graduate from SJSU, which may affect your access to your SEVP portal. To request a change of your email address to a non-SJSU (personal) email address, you can submit the SEVP Portal Access Request Form to request this change. 
      
3. Pay the one-time $300 administrative STEM OPT fee by going to this link. Make sure you select the correct option-'Payment for the STEM OPT fee'. It is the second item on the menu. You will need to upload proof of payment receipt in your STEM OPT I-20 request e-form.  
   
4. Complete Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. *Review SEVP's Form I-983 instructions and ISSS I-983 Completion Guide.
   1. Upload a complete and signed training plan by you and your employer with your STEM OPT I-20 request e-form. Upload a legible copy of the training plan, all five pages, as a single pdf form. Refer to the e-form for details. Missing or incomplete Form I-983 training plan will result in a processing delay.
      

      1. Electronic signatures on Form I-983 are accepted, yet the signature will need to include digital validation. The ISSS I-983 Completion Guide gives examples on slide 5. 

   2. Photocopy of your current post-completion OPT EAD card (front and back);
   3. Photocopy of your most recent I-94 record of arrival into the U.S.
5. Request a STEM OPT I-20. Log into iSpartan Services to access the 24-Month STEM OPT I-20 request. For login instructions see E-Form Guide for Students. 
6. Allow 7-10 business days for ISSS to review your request. ISSS will email you an electronic version of your I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation on page 2, digitally signed by a DSO. However, you must still provide a wet signature on your I-20 for USCIS. Print and sign your STEM OPT I-20 in black ink.
7. While you are waiting for your STEM OPT I-20, review the following tutorial. It will give you a list of documents to gather for your application, as well as I-765 guidelines.

   *Online filing of I-765 for OPT/STEM OPT.

   Do not submit  your STEM OPT application to USCIS until you have the new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from ISSS.

8. Once you have your I-20 and have prepared your STEM OPT packet, please be aware that USCIS must receive your completed STEM OPT application within 60 days of date your STEM OPT was recommended by ISSS or by your OPT end date, whichever is first. Make sure to visit USCIS's website for the most up-to-date forms (I-765, G-1145) and instructions. 

9. USCIS offers 2 different ways to file an I-765 (STEM OPT) application with USCIS, via online or mailing. We recommend that you file the I-765 online. Review ISSS Online filing of I-765 for OPT/STEM OPT.
   Only if you are unable to file online, then you can mail your application and supporting documents to USCIS. Review ISSS Mailing I-755 for OPT/STEM OPT. (BEFORE mailing your application, we highly recommend meeting with an Advisor from ISSS to find out why you are unable to file online).

10. Approximately 2-4 weeks after USCIS receives your application, you should receive a receipt notice with a USCIS case number.
    1. If you file online, you will be able to access your receipt notice in your USCIS online account.
       
11. Once your STEM OPT is approved by USCIS, you should receive an approval notice (I-797 Notice of Action) and EAD (Employment Authorization Document. 
12. Know your required reporting requirements every 6 months on STEM OPT. 

While your STEM OPT (form I-765) Application is Pending

Continue to Work

Processing time with USCIS Potomac Service Center is 2-3 months, sometimes longer. If you file Form I-765, in a timely manner* your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while your STEM OPT application is pending. You will need to give a copy of your STEM OPT filing receipt to your employer. 

*Timely manner is defined as USCIS receiving your STEM OPT application (form I-765) within 60 days of the date your STEM OPT was recommended by ISSS, or by your Post-Completion OPT end date (whichever is first). 

Check Processing Time Online

Click here to check I-765 application processing times at Potomac Service Center.

Under <Forms> select ’I-765’, for <Service Center> select ‘Potomac Service Center’, click the ‘Get Processing Time’ button.

OPT processing can take 2-3 months, sometimes longer. You may add premium processing to your already filed OPT application, by filing the form I-907 and paying the premium processing fee. 

Check your Case Status Online

Enter the Receipt Number from your USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797C). You also have an option to sign up for an account to get automatic case updates, including a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) tracking number. 

Update Your Address

Have you moved after applying for STEM OPT?  And this move will affect where your EAD card will be mailed? Update your mailing address with USCIS here: Online Change of Address. Please note that the longer you wait to update your address once you have a pending Post-Completion OPT application, the less likely it is that USCIS will send your I-797 receipt notice and EAD to the correct mailing address. We advise you to use this feature with extreme caution and to speak with us before doing so. 

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery

Sign up for this service to receive delivery status notifications. 

Label Your Mailbox

To ensure proper and timely delivery of any USCIS notifications, including the application approval and EAD card, we strongly recommend you add a label to your mailbox with your full name (Last and First Name used on Form I-765).

After your STEM OPT Application(form I-765) has been Approved

EAD Typographic Error(s)

After receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), check the card for any errors, especially the work authorization dates.

If you receive an EAD card from USCIS that contains a typographic error, please email us at international-office@sjsu.edu to inform us of the error, so we can advise you accordingly.

STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

Once you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) you will need to give a copy to your employer. You are required to comply with federal STEM OPT reporting requirements to maintain F-1 status. You will no longer use the SEVP portal to do your employment updates, since ISSS must review your I-983 for any changes. Go here to learn more about STEM OPT Reporting Responsibilities.

Maintaining F-1 Status on STEM OPT

While on STEM OPT, you must follow certain rules to maintain your F-1 status while on STEM OPT:

1. All employment must be for an e-verified employer, related to your major field of study, paid, and at least 20 hours per week.
2. Report employment and changes in employment within 10 days of the change, via the STEM OPT Employment Update e-form.
3. Mandatory reporting requirements at the following times: 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months.
4. Maintain a valid travel signature.
   1. Validity of 6 months, when on STEM OPT.
5. Do not exceed 150 days of unemployment, applied to the entire period of standard Post-completion and STEM OPT.

Mandatory STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

Detailed information about your mandatory reporting requirements throughout the STEM OPT period may be found at Study in the States  STEM OPT Hub. Click here to download Study in the State’s STEM OPT Reporting Requirement handout. It is your responsibility to regularly check-in with ISSS throughout the extension period. ISSS will report the information to SEVIS on your behalf. 

• You must report any changes to your name, address, or employment within 10 days. *A change in employment, will require you to submit a new I-983 to ISSS via iSpartan.
  • Report a change in your I-983 training plan by providing an updated I-983 within 10 days of the change.
    • Per SEVP Form I-983 instructions, "Material changes in the plan can include (but are not limited to) the following: any change of EIN resulting from a corporate restructuring; any reduction in compensation from the amount previously listed on the Form I-983 that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked; any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity; and any decrease in hours below the 20-hours-per-week minimum required for STEM OPT."
  • While on STEM OPT extension, provide a validation report (confirming name, address, employment info) every 6 months even if there are no changes. Do so by completing ISSS’  STEM OPT Employment Update Report Form. If you are having problems accessing, go here. You may have to log-in using limited services.
  • Form I-983 Annual/Final Evaluation of Student Progress is due at 12 and 24 months. Upload the initial or final self-evaluation with a completed ISSS' STEM OPT Employment Update Report Form. If you are having problems accessing, go here. You may have to log-in using limited services.
  • Unemployment. STEM OPT students are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days. 90 days during the initial period of post-completion OPT plus the additional 60 days during the extension period.
  •  Inform ISSS if you plan to return to school full-time; transfer to another school; begin a new degree program; change your status to another visa category, or depart the U.S. prior to the STEM OPT end date.

Click here for a summary of your reporting responsibilities during STEM OPT.

Frequently Asked Questions (STEM OPT)

Since STEM OPT processing can take 2-3 months, sometimes longer for USCIS to process, is there a way to speed up the processing?

Yes. Students filing for STEM OPT Extension have the option to file for Premium Processing. USCIS will take adjudicative action within 30 days or will refund Premium Processing fee.

1. You can file for Premium Processing, when submitting your I-765 application to USCIS. You will be prompted to complete the Form I-907 along with your I-765.
2. You have the option to add the Premium Processing to your already filed application, by completing the Form I-907 for Premium Processing and paying the fee. 
If you choose to file for premium processing for your STEM OPT application, you still need to get an I-20 from ISSS with the STEM OPT recommendation prior to filing your application with USCIS. 

Filing Fee for Premium Processing: $1,685 if you are filing Form I-907 for a pending Form I-765 with eligibility category (c)(3)(C) STEM OPT Extension. Please note: These fees are in addition to all other filing fees required by the application or petition you are submitting. 

Can I change employers while my STEM OPT is pending?

Yes. If you change employers while your STEM OPT is pending, you will need to report the change in employment to ISSS within 10 days of the change to ISSS. Please email ISSS at international-office@sjsu.edu for further instructions on the process.
Please note that the new employer must be e-verified. If they are not, then you cannot work for them during your STEM period. The employment must be related to your major field of study as well as paid and at least 20 hours per week.

Am I allowed to travel abroad while my STEM OPT is pending?

Yes, you can travel with a PENDING STEM OPT application, as well as renew your F-1 visa during this time (if it has already expired). Please keep in mind the following before you decide to travel if your STEM OPT application is pending:
*If your application is denied and your post-completion OPT has ended, then you do not have an option to re-enter the U.S. and reapply for STEM OPT. 
*Before leaving the U.S. while your STEM OPT application is pending, make sure that you have an I-797c filing receipt confirming your STEM OPT application has been received by USCIS. 

What should I do once I receive my EAD in the mail?

Please keep both hard and soft copies for your records and review for accuracy (start/end dates, name, birth date, etc.) If there are any errors, email ISSS to let us know. You may also submit a copy of your EAD to ISSS via our general inbox at international-office@sjsu.edu

How do I report my employment while on STEM OPT? 

Since ISSS is required to review an I-983 training plan for all jobs on STEM OPT, employment reporting is done via the STEM OPT Employment Update within 10 days of the change. We recommend you review our webpage on STEM OPT Reporting Requirements so you understand how to report employment changes.

What type of employment can I have while on STEM OPT? 

While on STEM OPT, students must be working in a position that is directly related to their SJSU major. The employer you are working for must be enrolled in USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. The employer must guarantee you a minimum of 20 hours of work per week and the employment must be paid.  

How many unemployment days do I get on STEM OPT?

With the approval of your STEM OPT, once your STEM OPT goes into effect, you will get an additional 60 days of unemployment, for a total of 150 days. 
90 days during the initial period of post-completion OPT plus the additional 60 days during the extension period. 

Can I change employers during STEM OPT?

Yes. If you change employers, you will need to report the change in employment to ISSS within 10 days of the change. In terms of your change in employment, you are required to submit the final evaluation, bottom part of page 5 of the I-983 by your current employer within 10 days of leaving. Submit a new I-983 for your new employer within 10 days of starting. Employment Reporting is done via our STEM OPT Employment Update form. 
Please note that the new employer must be e-verified. If they are not, then you cannot work for them during your STEM period. The employment must be related to your major field of study as well as paid and at least 20 hours per week.

What type of status do I have during STEM OPT?

You will continue to be in F-1 status. Review the requirements to maintain valid F-1 status while on STEM OPT. You will need to make sure that you know the type of employment you can do while on approved STEM OPT, as well as your reporting requirements to ISSS directly via the STEM OPT Employment Update form. 
 
You will be granted an additional 60-day grace period once you complete STEM OPT, during which you can make arrangements to return home, or choose to go into another degree program at SJSU or at another US school.

Am I allowed to travel abroad after my STEM OPT is approved?

Yes, students on STEM OPT may travel after their OPT is approved and they have received their EAD. Prior to travel, students should review the ISSS Travel and Re-Entry information. Before traveling, students should ensure that they have a valid EAD and job verification (job offer letter) in addition to a valid passport, valid F-1 visa, signed I-20 with travel signature (valid for six months), etc. Please note students cannot be outside of the U.S. for longer than 5 months.

Am I required to file taxes while on OPT?

Yes. Please review the following resources that ISSS & Sprintax have developed for Post-OPT and STEM-Extension recipients to help file their taxes!