Reviewing the information below will help you begin the process of applying for OPT STEM 24-Month Extension.
OPT STEM Information Sessions
The International Center provides bi-weekly information sessions that will review the 24-Month OPT STEM Tutorial with an International Student Advisor. Click here to register for the session you wish to attend.
24-Month OPT STEM Extension Application Instructions:
F-1 students with degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) may be eligible for an extension of their Post-Completion OPT work permission. The extension permits those on OPT to apply for an additional 24 months of full time work authorization. As with the original OPT application, OPT STEM is recommended by an advisor at the International Center, but final approval is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Step 1: Review the 24 Month OPT STEM Presentation
- Review the 24-Month OPT STEM Presentation
Step 2: Request OPT STEM Recommendation from International Center
- STEM OPT Extension Request
- OPT/OPT STEM Employment Update
- I-94 Document
- Photocopy of Post-Completion EAD card
- Draft of the form I-765
- I-983 Training Plan
- Meet with your employer to complete the Form I-983
- The I-983 will not be returned to you and does not need to be mailed to USCIS. The I-983 is retained by the International Center for SEVIS reporting purposes.
- Meet with your employer to complete the Form I-983
- Submit Post-Completion Administrative Fee Payment Receipt
- The Post-Completion Administrative Fee is a one-time fee of $300 for OPT STEM Extension
* If applicable include the OPT STEM Prior Degree Checklist ONLY if you are applying for OPT STEM based on a previously earned STEM degree.
Step 3: Upload your OPT STEM I-20 Request Documents
- When you are in your 90-day window of time to apply, upload your application items here – if you have any issues uploading, please email the .pdf attachments of your application to internationalcenter@uci.edu.
Step 4: Receive your OPT STEM I-20 from the International Center
- Your application will be reviewed by an International Student Advisor, after review of your application, you will receive a new I-20 with an OPT STEM Recommendation on Page 2.
- Your I-20 visa document will be sent electronically via DocuSign.
- Review Processing Times
Step 5: Prepare Your Application for USCIS
Apply Online: Create a USCIS online account and submit the form I-765 electronically, uploading electronic copies of documents listed below, and paying fees online.
- Go to https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ to log in or sign up for a USCIS online account
- Access the I-765 application by selecting “File a Form Online”
- Choose Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) and follow instructions on the USCIS website and OPT STEM Presentation in Step 1
- The payment amount for the application will be generated automatically based on your responses on the application.
- Payments can be made from your checking/savings account or credit/debit card
- See the fee schedule for I-765 filing here.
- Once you submit your application you can no longer go back and edit your responses.
Instructions Documents (as listed in online filing system) | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2” x 2” Passport Photo | Upload your photo. See “Photo Requirements” in the online filing system. U.S. Department of State Photo Requirements U.S. Department of State Photo Check Tool |
| I-94 | Upload your most recent I-94. |
| Employment Authorization Document | Upload your current Post-Completion OPT EAD card. |
| Form I-20 | Upload all 3 pages of your new I-20 (showing OPT STEM recommendation on page 2)Make sure to sign the I-20 on page 1*You do not need to include other prior I-20s here |
| College Degree | Upload your UCI STEM Degree Diploma |
| *If applicable: Institution Accreditation | If you are applying for OPT STEM based on a prior degree earned, upload a copy of your STEM degree diploma and I-20 from prior STEM degree*Additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of USCIS |
Step 6: Submit Your OPT STEM Application to USCIS
- USCIS must receive your OPT STEM Application within 30 days of the issuance of your OPT STEM I-20 and before your Post-Completion EAD card expires.
- It is recommended to keep a copy of your application for your records.
- For information regarding the USCIS Premium Processing Option, read below. The International Center highly recommends applying early and to use premium processing only if necessary for your individual situation.
- Beginning February 26, 2024 USCIS will increase premium processing fees for OPT and OPT STEM extensions. Premium processing is submitted through Online Filing of USCIS Form I-907 and is available to F-1 students in categories (c)(3)(B), and (c)(3)(C). Premium processing provides expedited processing services within 30 calendar days. This is a non-refundable fee and can only be submitted at the time of your application to USCIS. Before you seek out this option, check USCIS’s current processing times.
- On April 1, 2024 USCIS will increase filing fees for I-765 filing. Fees vary for online vs. paper filing. The International Center is recommending the use of online filing for all OPT/OPT STEM applications.
Step 7: Wait for USCIS to Adjudicate Your Request
- I-797C Receipt Notice:
- Immediately after applying, your online application will show a case number on the confirmation screen. This case number can be used to track the progress of your application on the USCIS Website.
- USCIS will also mail you a paper I-797 Receipt Notice within 2-4 weeks of receiving your application.
- I-797C Approval Notice/Employment Authorization Card (EAD):
- If your OPT application is approved, you will receive an I-797C Approval Notice/Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to your mailing address.