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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

STEM Extension OPT

F-1 students who earn a bachelor's or master's in certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are eligible for an extension of post-completion OPT鈥攃alled STEM Extension OPT.

STEM regulations last changed on May 10, 2016.  Key changes include:

  • Extends the length of time from 17 months to 24 months
  • Requires employers to complete a
  • Allows students who graduated with a non-STEM degree but who received an earlier STEM degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. to apply for the STEM extension

Eligibility

  • Qualifying degree and school
    • Valid F-1 status.
    • Completed a bachelor's or master's in a STEM degree listed on the  and are currently engaged in post-completion OPT.
      • Double major degrees will be considered, but not minor degrees.
  • Qualifying job
    • Job must be paid employment for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • Qualifying employer
    • Employer must be registered in the .
  • Form I-983 Training Plan
    • Employer must design a training program and sign agreement on .
  • Filing deadlines
    • Application must be received by USCIS no earlier than 90 days before the expiration of current post-completion OPT and no later than the expiration of the current post-completion OPT.
    • Application must be received no later than 60 days from the date the DSO recommended the STEM OPT Extension on the new I-20.

Application Process

Because it takes approximately 90-120 days for the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve your application, you are strongly encouraged to apply early.  NOTE: You may apply up to 90 days before your OPT end date, but no later than the END date of your OPT.

Important:
Applicant is responsible for electronically submitting the STEM Extension OPT application to USCIS before the current I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card expires.
  1. Email the International Student Advisor in the Office of Global Education for application process instructions: intl@csusm.edu
  2. Complete form I-983 form with employer and send to the International Student Advisor for review and approval before meeting virtually to review the I-765 form.
  3. Gather all documents for the STEM Extension OPT application, complete I-765 in DRAFT form.  
  4. Schedule a virtual appointment with the International Student Advisor to review the I-765 form and required documents. 
  5. After appointment, your new I-20 with the requested STEM OPT Extension dates will be issued to you. Print the I-20, sign it in the "Student Attestation" section at the bottom of page 1, scan the I-20 with your signature and upload the I-20.
  6. Proceed to file your application online with USCIS.
  7. Continue employment. If the STEM Extension OPT is timely filed, employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the application is pending with USCIS. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C) and 8 CFR 247a.12(c)(6)(iv)