REMINDER:
Do NOT submit your I-765 to USCIS without receiving your STEM recommended I-20 from ISS.
Attention: USCIS issued new policy guidance to pause the final adjudication of immigration benefits for individuals with a nationality or country of birth covered by the Presidential Proclamation 10998. Those affected may still file STEM OPT Extension I-765 applications, but approval by USCIS may be delayed.
The OPT STEM Extension is a twice-per-lifetime 24-month extension for eligible STEM majors on F-1 visas who are currently in an authorized period of post-completion OPT.
The STEM degree (bachelor’s or higher) may be from UW–Madison or based on a previously earned degree from an accredited U.S. college/university. To process the STEM extension application based on a degree earned at a previous institution, students must submit proof of degree completion and proof of immigration status.
Note: UW–Madison cannot employ F-1 OPT STEM Extension participants, because UW–Madison does not meet the E-Verify employer requirement EXCEPT for SMPH. Departments should contact International Faculty & Staff Services (IFSS) for employment-based visa options for UW–Madison employment. Read the full announcement.
Eligibility
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Student Eligibility (Who Can Apply?)
- To be eligible, a student must:
- Maintain valid F-1 status
- Be physically present in the U.S.
- Be currently in an authorized period of Post-Completion OPT
- Have a STEM eligible degree
- Have a job offer that meets all STEM OPT employment requirements
- Students cannot have:
- Been authorized for STEM OPT at the same or higher degree level
- Exceeded 90 days of unemployment while on OPT
- STEM OPT eligibility is based on the CIP code (6-digit code next to the major name on the I-20). Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the STEM Eligible list
- UW–Madison has a list of CIP assignments for each major
- It is possible to use a previously earned degree to apply
Before you are eligible for STEM OPT, you must have recently reported or verified that your OPT employment is up to date.
Employment Eligibility
- All work on STEM OPT must meet the following requirements:
- Be paid
- Each position must be over 20 hours a week
- Must be directly related to the qualifying STEM Major
- Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
I-983 Training Plan
Employer and student must complete the I-983 Training Plan together. This is a form created by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which will be submitted in the Terra Dotta application when applying for STEM OPT. The form shares information about the STEM eligible degree, employer’s name and address, and details about the STEM role, goals, and how you (the student) will be trained and assessed. Please do not upload the I-983 training plan to the USCIS website.
While on STEM OPT, your training plan must be updated within 10 days of a change. Further reporting requirements will be outlined in another section below.
ISS has created a guide to better explain the training plan and ideas for how to complete the sections. The training plan can now be signed electronically.
DHS also has instructions for the I-983 training plan.
How to Apply
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STEP 1: Open and complete the STEM OPT Extension form in Terra Dotta
The application process for STEM OPT starts with a request in Terra Dotta. You can apply for the STEM I-20 up to 115 days before your EAD expires.
- Open the STEM OPT Extension request and read the instructions carefully.
- You will need the following documents prepared to upload into your application in Terra Dotta:
-
- Current EAD
- OPT I-20
- Completed & signed Form I-983
- Transcript showing degree conferral
If you are applying for STEM OPT with a prior degree earned at a university other than UW–Madison you will upload the transcript and I-20 from the previous school.
If you are applying for STEM OPT with a prior degree from UW–Madison include this letter of reaccreditation.
STEP 2: Receive your STEM OPT recommended I-20 from ISS
Please plan ahead! It may take ISS up to 15 business days to complete a request. USCIS must receive your I-20 for OPT STEM Extension within 60 days of it being issued by ISS.
STEP 3: Gather required materials for USCIS application
- 2×2 passport quality photo
- I-94
- OPT EAD card
- Passport
- F-1 visa
- STEM OPT I-20 (student must sign)
- Official transcript (required)
- Copy of diploma (optional)
- Letter of accreditation if applying with previous degree
This list is not all-inclusive. Please check with your ISS advisor if you have questions on other required materials.
STEP 4: Submit the I-765 and Required Documents to USCIS
- If you file your I-765 form online you will need to create a USCIS account.
- Make sure to read your mailing address in your USCIS account carefully to check for accuracy.
- Once you pay your USCIS fee, your application will automatically submit.
As the applicant, you are responsible for completing and submitting your STEM OPT Extension application. USCIS has a full list of instructions on their website.
- In the I-765 you must enter your employer’s E-Verify number. This number is different than the EIN (Employer ID Number) that is listed on the I-983 training plan.
View ISS guidance for the USCIS Online I-765 STEM Extension Application. (Note: This guidance is intended to help you and should not be viewed as legal advice.)
There is an option to mail your I-765 application to USCIS. This is not recommended by ISS. Speak with your assigned ISS advisor if you are interested in this option.
STEP 5: Check your Receipt Notice
Your receipt notice confirms your I-765 application was submitted to USCIS and is confirmation of the date that the application was received. ISS recommends checking your receipt notice to confirm your address on the receipt notice matches the mailing address you want your EAD sent to.
ISS strongly recommends you sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS. This will allow you to track your EAD once USCIS mails it to you. In the event your EAD is lost or does not arrive, Informed Delivery verifications are helpful in obtaining a newly printed card from USCIS. It is your responsibility to update your address with USCIS if you move while your STEM OPT application is pending. The EAD will be sent to the mailing address provided on the I-765, unless you report a change of address to USCIS.
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has a strict application time frame during which an OPT STEM Extension application must be received.
Respect the following application time frame:
- Earliest you can apply to USCIS: 90 days before your post-completion OPT EAD expires. DO NOT apply to USCIS before you receive the OPT STEM Extension recommended I-20 from ISS.
- You can apply in Terra Dotta up to 115 days before your OPT EAD expires.
- Latest you can apply to USCIS: post-completion EAD expiration date
- USCIS must receive your I-20 for OPT STEM Extension within 60 days of it being issued.
- Processing times take an average of 2-5 months.
You are eligible to continue employment up to 180 days beyond the current EAD end date as long as you have proof of a pending OPT STEM Extension application with USCIS.
Not sure what dates to choose or when to apply? This STEM OPT Date Calculator can help you plan ahead!
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS reach out to your assigned ISS advisor immediately.
Each RFE is nuanced and may require the applicant to upload additional documentation to USCIS. It is possible to upload documents and reply to an RFE through the USCIS online account.
Employment Options
You are allowed to have multiple employers or switch employers while on STEM OPT.
Each employment opportunity requires the employment eligibility requirements are met and you must submit an I-983 training plan to ISS within 10 days of starting or ending a job.
- Switching Jobs BEFORE STEM OPT Approval
- Switching Jobs AFTER STEM OPT Approval
- Remote Work
- Unemployment
- STEM OPT Employment at UW–Madison
If you are considering switching jobs after submitting your I-765 to USCIS but before your STEM OPT Extension is approved, you must contact your assigned ISS advisor.
You are required to complete the final evaluation on page 5 of the I-983 training plan for the employer you are ending work with and work with your new employer to complete the I-983 training plan. You must submit both training plans to ISS before you will receive an updated I-20 with the new employer’s information on page 2.
Once you receive the new I-20 you will upload it to your USCIS online account along with a letter of explanation including:
- Your Name
- SEVIS ID
- Receipt number
- Old employer’s information (including when the employment is ending)
- New employer’ information (including E-Verify number and EIN).
- Brief explanation
After USCIS has approved your STEM OPT request the process to change positions or add a second employer while on STEM OPT is much easier.
Once you have your STEM OPT EAD– report using the OPT/STEM Extension reporting form. Include final evaluation from previous employer and submit a I-983 training plan for your new employer. There are no additional documents you must upload to your USCIS online account if you are already approved for the OPT STEM Extension.
Remote work is allowed on STEM OPT. If you are working 100% remotely make sure that your remote work address is listed on page 3 (section 5) of the I-983 training plan under “Site Address”. If you are working hybrid, your office address should be listed in Section 5.
It is crucial that the site address is accurate, DHS can perform site visits during STEM OPT, including a visit to the site address listed on the I-983 training plan.
You are given an additional 60 days of unemployment once approved for the STEM OPT Extension. Any unused unemployment days from Post-Completion OPT will still be available. In total, you receive 150 unemployment days between Post-Completion OPT and the STEM Extension.
If all 150 unemployment days are used before the STEM OPT EAD expires then STEM OPT is no longer valid and you need to depart the U.S. The federal government has the right to terminate a student’s SEVIS record once you have run out of unemployment days.
It is your responsibility to keep track of your unemployment days.
International Faculty and Staff Services released a memo in late 2017 to human resources and payroll specialists on campus regarding changes to the University’s E-Verify agreement with the federal government. Questions regarding the change and alternative visa options should be directed to your employing department on campus.
Note: UW-Madison cannot employ F-1 OPT STEM Extension participants because UW–Madison does not meet the E-Verify employer requirement EXCEPT for SMPH.
Reporting Requirements
You must update ISS with the information listed below throughout your OPT STEM Extension employment period. Failure to do so is a violation of your F-1 status and may result in the termination of your student immigration record and loss of legal employment authorization.
Report through the OPT and STEM Extension Reporting Form.
You can read about STEM OPT Reporting Requirements on the Study in the States website.
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Changes You are Required to Report to ISS Within 10 Days
Report any of the following:
Change in:
-
- Legal name
- U.S. or Foreign (home) address
- Employer name or address (same employer but new company name or location)
- (Or addition of) employer (requires I-983 Training Plan for new employer)
- Employer status (no longer employed, multiple employers, etc.)
- Must submit I-983 Training Plan including the final evaluation on page 5 when leaving an employer
- Material change or deviation to your Form I-983 Training Plan*
- Noncompliance with terms of Form I-983 Training Plan
*If any of the information on the I-983 training plan changes this is considered a “material change” and requires you and your employer update the training plan and submit a copy of the new plan to ISS.
If You Do NOT Have Changes
You must report to ISS every 6 months, starting from the EAD start date of your STEM OPT extension. We recommend that you set calendar reminders as soon as you receive your EAD.
| Reporting category | Your reporting time frame |
| 6–month validation | Within 10 days of 6–month validation date |
| 12–month self–evaluation | Within 10 days of 12–month anniversary of approved start date on STEM Extension EAD |
| 18–month validation | Within 10 days of 18–month validation date |
| Final evaluation | Within 10 days of end of training experience with a company OR at EAD expiration, whichever is first |
Self-Evaluations at 12 months and at 24 months
You must submit a self-evaluation of your progress toward the training goals no later than 10 days following the 12-month evaluation period and the end of the 24-month OPT STEM Extension EAD start date.
Evaluation pages for these progress milestones are found on page 5 of the form I-983 Training Plan.
Both you and your employer should keep a copy of your I-983 Training Plan, and make sure ISS always has your most updated version.
About the SEVP Portal
The SEVP Portal is optional. It CANNOT be used to submit the validation and self-evaluation reports.
Throughout your time on STEM OPT you may get reminders from the do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov about your reporting requirements. While you can log into the SEVP portal to view information YOU CANNOT submit the reports on the portal or by sending an information request to your ISS Advisor. To complete your reporting requirements submit the OPT/STEM Extension Reporting form.
If you need your portal access reset so you can view your information while on STEM OPT please send your Assigned ISS Advisor an information request through Terra Dotta.
Travel and STEM OPT
While on STEM OPT it is important to plan ahead, especially for any international travel. Check your documents and make sure you have the following:
- Passport valid for at least 6-months in the future
- Valid F-1 visa. Schedule your visa renewal and check appointment wait times on the Department of State’s website
- I-20 with travel signature less than 6-months old at the time of re-entry
- I-94 Arrival Record. Download your most recent I-94 from Customs & Border Protection, make sure the record accurately shows your last entry into the U.S.
- STEM OPT EAD
- Proof of employment or employment offer
To request an I-20 reprint, log into Terra Dotta and submit the I-20 Reprint Request. Make sure that your employer information is correct on page 2.
If you are going to be actively working while traveling internationally, make sure to check with your employer first.
ISS does not recommend that you depart the US if your STEM OPT Extension application is pending with USCIS. If you do need to travel, consider:
- You must be physically present in the U.S. to submit the I-765 application to USCIS
- You must have your STEM OPT EAD with you to return after your period of post-completion OPT ends
- Customs and Border Protection makes the final decision about who is allowed to enter the U.S.
H-1B Cap Gap
You may be eligible for the H1-B Cap Gap if your employer filed your H1-B petition and change of status in a timely manner. Cap-Gaps are not an option for those with a Consular Processing H1-B petition. Read more about the H1-B Cap Gap and how to request a new I-20 on the H1-B Cap Gap page.
When STEM OPT Ends
You earn a 60-day grace period after your EAD end date, if you maintained your F-1 OPT status. That means you:
- Reported your mandatory updates to ISS within 10 days of a change
- Employed at a job that qualified for OPT for over 20 hours per week (link to employment options)
- Did not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment
During your 60 day grace period, or before you accumulate 90 days of unemployment, you can do any of the following:
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Depart the U.S.
If you will depart the U.S. and do not intend to return before your EAD expires, report your departure to ISS on the online OPT/STEM Reporting Form. Submit proof of departure.
Return to UW for another program
The new full-time academic program must start within five months of your last date of employment or your EAD end date, whichever is earlier. To be eligible, you cannot have used all of your unemployment days.
Once you are admitted to another full-time academic program, you can submit the Change of Education Level request in Terra Dotta with sufficient financial documentation to ISS.
If this update is done before your EAD expires, you will lose any remaining OPT authorization you have at that same degree level.
Attend another school (transfer) for another academic program
The new full-time academic program must start within five months of your last date of employment or your EAD end date, whichever is earlier.
Once you are admitted to another full-time academic program, you can submit the Transfer Out request in Terra Dotta, with proof of admission, to ISS.
If this update is done before your EAD expires, you will lose any remaining OPT authorization you have at that same degree level.
Change your U.S. immigration status
If you have been approved for another U.S. visa status, submit proof of your approval to ISS at iss@iss.wisc.edu. ISS will update your SEVIS record and UW–Madison file.
If you are changing immigration status while on OPT, submit the online OPT/STEM Reporting Form to report your change in status.