The STEM extension is available for students in F-1 status who are currently on valid post-completion OPT, have completed a degree in a qualifying STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) field in the U.S., and have secured employment with an E-Verify employer in their major field of study, who is willing to commit to creating and supervising a training plan during the student's STEM OPT extension.

It is strongly recommended that you discuss the Form I-983 and the requirements for the Training Plan with your employer well in advance before applying for your STEM OPT extension! Please refer your employer to the Employer Resources section at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub for more information.

STEM OPT requests must be submitted to OISS no earlier than 120 days before the Post-Completion OPT end date and no later than 30 days before the Post-Completion OPT end date.

STEM OPT applications cannot be submitted to USCIS more than 90 days before the expiration date of your post-completion OPT and USCIS must receive your application before the expiration date of your Post-Completion OPT. In addition, you must submit your application to USCIS within 60 days of OISS issuing your STEM OPT I-20.

OISS is offering walk-in hours via Zoom to Rice-sponsored F-1 students for questions related to the STEM OPT reporting requirements and the Form I-983. Students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may initially be placed in a waiting room until the advisor becomes available.

Quick Facts about STEM OPT

• STEM extension is available for 24 months.
• Student may be eligible for two STEM extensions during their lifetime.
• STEM extension may, under certain circumstances, be based on a previous degree in a STEM field, even if the degree on which the current post-completion OPT is based is not eligible for the STEM extension.
• Student may accrue up to 150 unemployment days in total during post-completion OPT (90 days) and 24-month STEM extension (60 days + days carried over the post-completion OPT period).
• Student and employer must commit to a training plan and annual evaluations, which will be documented with the Form I-983.
• Learn more by completing the STEM OPT Essentials course in Homebase (required in order to apply for STEM OPT)

How to Request STEM OPT I-20 from OISS

Step 1: Complete the STEM OPT Essentials course in Homebase and Review the FAQs below

Please complete the STEM OPT Essentials course in Homebase and read through the FAQs below before starting the STEM OPT application process. A copy of the STEM OPT course certificate of completion is required for STEM OPT requests.

Click here to access the STEM OPT Essentials course in Homebase.

Step 2: Verify that your SEVP Portal information is current

Please login to your SEVP Student Portal and make sure that all information is current and accurate.

Step 3: Complete the Form I-983 together with your STEM OPT employer

Both electronic signatures using software programs or applications and digitally reproduced copies of a signature are permitted on the Form I-983.

The Form I-983 is available at https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf. Please review the instructions available in the Study in the States STEM OPT Hub and work with your employer to complete the form.

In Section 1 of the Form I-983 you will be asked to complete the following:

• SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT – You will find Rice's School Code on your I-20 under the section titled "School Information"
• Designated School Official (DSO) Name and Contact Information – You can find the DSO name on your current I-20 in the School Attestation section on page 1. For contact information, please use 6100 Main Street, MS-365, Houston, TX 77005, 713-348-6095, oiss@rice.edu"
• Student SEVIS ID – You will find your SEVIS ID at the top of the first page of your I-20
• Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code – You will find your CIP code on your I-20 under the Major information in the section "Program of Study"

Here is an example of a Form I-983 with tips on how to complete it:

Step 4: Complete your STEM OPT request form online

Important: STEM OPT requests may not be submitted to OISS more than 4 months (120 days) before your Post-Completion OPT expiration date. STEM OPT requests must be submitted to OISS no later than 30 days before your Post-Completion OPT expiration date. OISS does not guarantee processing for requests submitted less than 30 days before OPT expires!

Please upload the following documents at http://bit.ly/stemdocs:

1) STEM OPT Essentials course certificate of completion from Homebase
2) Fully completed and signed Form I-983 "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
3) Your most recent I-94 record, available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94
4) Proof of payment of the $500 Rice STEM OPT administrative fee (http://signup.rice.edu/STEMextension)
5) If the STEM OPT extension is based on a previous degree from another university, provide copies of the corresponding I-20 and awarded degree (e.g., diploma or transcript)

How to File Online STEM OPT Application

Step 1: Prepare application materials

While OISS works on your new I-20 (please allow 1-2 weeks for processing), please make sure you have the remaining application items ready:

1) A passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months
2) Digital copies of your passport, most recent F-1 visa, and current I-94 record
3) Digital copy of the front and back of current (and any previous) EAD card(s)
4) Digital copy of your official Rice transcript
5) Digital copy of your diploma – if necessary, you may purchase a Facsimile Diploma on letter-sized paper from the Registrar's Office (https://registrar.rice.edu/students/diplomas)
6) Additional supplemental documents as appropriate

Step 2: Create a USCIS Online Account

If you do not already have a USCIS Online Account, create one at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please see https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account.

Step 3: Complete the Form I-765 online

STEM OPT applications cannot be submitted to USCIS more than 90 days before the expiration date of your post-completion OPT, and USCIS must receive your application before the expiration date of your Post-Completion OPT. In addition, you must submit your application to USCIS within 60 days of OISS issuing your STEM OPT I-20.

Please note that you must complete the online application very carefully. The system allows you to submit an incomplete application without all the required evidence, which can lead to delays and additional difficulties. If you start working on your online I-765 in advance, USCIS will keep your draft for up to 30 days, allowing you to return to finish it later. Do NOT submit the payment and application until you have received the STEM OPT recommendation I-20 from OISS and uploaded it under the Evidence section!

The guidance below is not intended to be legal advice but general suggestions for how you might proceed when completing the online I-765 application. Before completing the I-765, please also read through the official USCIS "Instructions for Form I-765" available under "Forms and Document Downloads" at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.

If you would like to provide any additional information about your immigration history beyond what is collected as part of the standard questions, please use the Additional Information section of the Form I-765. After submitting your application, you will also have the option of uploading additional documents as unsolicited evidence (see the end of this step).

Complete the Form I-765 online

	Login to your USCIS Online Account and select "File a form online"
	Select the Form I-765, your eligibility category of "STEM Extension," and click on "Start form." Read through all the provided information very carefully before proceeding to the questions.
	Although the menu on the left allows you to skip to any section of the I-765, it is recommended that you complete the form in order to ensure no responses are missed. Under eligibility category, select "c(3)(C) STEM Extension" In the remaining fields, provide your degree level and major (for example, "Bachelor’s degree in English"), your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify, your employer’s E-Verify Company Identification Number, or a valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number in the spaces provided. Make sure the employer's name matches your Form I-983.
	If you already know that you wish to pay for Premium Processing, you can indicate that here to pay for and submit both forms at the same time. If you do not request Premium Processing at this time, you can upgrade your pending STEM OPT application at a later time.
	The reason for applying should be "Renewal of permission to accept employment" Make sure to report your previously filed I-765.
	If a preparer or an interpreter assists you with completing the application, you must disclose it and answer additional questions regarding the preparer and/or interpreter.
	Enter your name exactly as it is listed on your Form I-20. Make sure to also report any other names you may have used, alternate spellings, and any alternate order in which your names may sometimes be listed, if applicable.
	Please make sure to respond to all questions carefully and accurately. If you use your own address for mailing, you should leave the “In care of name” field blank. If you use the address of a family member or friend, please enter their name in the "In care of name" field. You are welcome to use the OISS address for mailing purposes! Please list it as follows: OISS, Rice University 6100 Main Street MS-365 Houston, Texas 77005
	If you use a separate mailing address, i.e., an address where you do not currently physically live, you MUST report your physical address separately. This address should match what is reported as your physical address in SEVIS, so please make sure your address is current in the SEVP Student Portal before submitting your STEM OPT application.
	Please select the options that best apply to you.
	Please make sure to respond to all questions carefully and accurately. All dates should be listed in the MM/DD/YYYY format.
	Please make sure to respond to all questions carefully and accurately. If you are a citizen of more than one country, report them all by selecting "+ Add country" as needed. Your I-94 number is listed at the top of your I-94 record as “Admission (I-94) Record Number.” Your Status at last arrival is most likely F-1, so select “F-1 - F-1 - Student, Academic or Language Program” from the dropdown. Exception: If you originally entered the U.S. in a different visa status, filed and were approved by USCIS for a change of status to F-1, and have not traveled internationally since then, please make sure to select the correct status at the last arrival!
	Please make sure to respond to all questions carefully and accurately. Most F-1 students do not have a travel document, so you may leave that question blank.
	In order to qualify for STEM OPT, your current immigration status must be F-1. Please select “F-1 - F-1 - Student, Academic or Language Program” from the dropdown. Your SEVIS Number is available at the top of your Form I-20.
	Unless you specifically have and know your A-Number and/or your USCIS Online Account Number, you may select that you do not have or know these numbers.
	Please make sure to respond to all questions accurately. If you do not have an SSN or need a replacement card for any reason, USCIS no longer allows you to request a card to be issued on the Form I-765. Instead, you must visit a Social Security Administration office in person after you have received your EAD card to apply for the replacement card.
	Please read through the photo requirements carefully. Use the link to access the Department of State’s photo composition tools if you need to resize or otherwise adjust your photo to meet the requirements. Pay attention to the file requirements, including accepted file formats, file names, and maximum file size.
	Please upload a copy of your I-94 record (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94) or a copy of your USCIS I-797A Approval Notice if you have changed status to F-1 inside the U.S. and have not traveled internationally since then. Pay attention to the file requirements, including accepted file formats, file names, and maximum file size.
	Although the instructions for this section only request that one identity document be uploaded, we strongly recommend that you upload all of the following: 1) Passport biographical page 2) Most recent F-1 visa stamp even if it has expired (if applicable) 3) Previous EAD card(s) Pay attention to the file requirements, including accepted file formats, file names, and maximum file size.
	Please upload a copy of the new STEM OPT I-20 provided by OISS. No other I-20 copies should be uploaded in this section. Please make sure you have signed the I-20 (by hand in ink; electronic signatures from students are not accepted). The online application must be submitted to USCIS within 60 days of the issue date of your STEM OPT I-20 and before your Post-Completion OPT end date! Pay attention to the file requirements, including accepted file formats, file names, and maximum file size.
	Please upload copies of the following: 1) Official transcript showing conferred STEM degree 2) Diploma 3) (if STEM is based on a previous degree) Copy of your I-20 from the previous STEM degree program Pay attention to the file requirements, including accepted file formats, file names, and maximum file size.
	This document is only required if you are applying for the STEM Extension based on a previous degree, i.e., not the degree your current OPT is for. Contact an international advisor at your STEM degree institution for assistance regarding appropriate documentation to upload here. Pay attention to the file requirements, including accepted file formats, file names, and maximum file size.
	If you would like to provide any additional information regarding any of your responses on the Form I-765, you may do so here by clicking + Add a response.
	Please review any alerts and warnings very carefully. Although USCIS allows you to add unsolicited documents at a later stage, the application itself cannot be changed after submission.
	Please review your responses very carefully. The system allows you to submit your application without all the required documentation, and although USCIS allows you to add unsolicited documents at a later stage, submitting an incomplete application can lead to delays and additional difficulties.
	If you did not report having used an interpreter, you must attest to having read and understood every question and instructions related to the Form I-765.
	Please read the declaration very carefully and sign the online I-765 digitally by typing your full legal name where requested.
	If you indicated that you would like to use Premium processing, you will be directed to complete the Form I-907 "Request for Premium Processing Service" next. Please only do so if you have completed and reviewed all the sections of the Form I-765 and uploaded all the required supporting documents, as you will not be able to return to edit the Form I-765 after this step. If you did not select to use Premium Processing, you will move to the Form I-765 payment screen shown below.
	Your STEM OPT application will be submitted to USCIS once you have paid the application fee online. The available payment methods include a withdrawal from a U.S. checking or savings account or payment with a U.S. debit or credit card. USCIS does not accept foreign debit or credit cards. If you choose to start working on the I-765 in advance, USCIS will keep your draft for up to 30 days, allowing you to return to finish it. DO NOT SUBMIT THE PAYMENT AND APPLICATION until you have received the new STEM OPT I-20 from OISS and uploaded it under the Evidence section (under Form I-20).
	After you submit your application, an electronic receipt notice will be immediately available under Your Cases in the Documents tab. USCIS will also mail you a hard copy receipt notice, which you should receive in a few weeks. If you wish to add additional documentation to your application you may upload them as unsolicited evidence.

Step 4: Respond to any requests from USCIS, if applicable

If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) for your STEM OPT application, you will receive the notification through your USCIS Online Account. Please read through the request carefully paying special attention to the response deadline. Contact OISS if you need any assistance and upload your response through your USCIS Online Account as quickly as possibly.

FAQ for Students Applying for STEM OPT Extension

How do I know if my major is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension?

A list of majors that currently qualify as a STEM major is available at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/additional-resources/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem-opt-extension.

To confirm if your major is eligible for the STEM OPT extension, please refer to the 6-digit CIP code for your major (format xx.xxxx) that is listed on the first page of your I-20 in the Program of Study section. If the CIP code on your I-20 is included on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, it is eligible for the STEM OPT extension.

If you would like to check if a different program at Rice qualifies for the STEM OPT extension, you can find the assigned CIP code in the General Announcements: https://ga.rice.edu/programs-study/. Select the program you are interested in, and click on Codes at the top of the page to see the CIP code for each major.

When can I apply for the STEM OPT Extension?

You may submit your STEM OPT request to OISS up to 4 months (120 days) before the end of your 12-month OPT period, and you may submit your final STEM OPT application to USCIS as early as 90 days before the end of your Post-Completion OPT period. Your application must be received by USCIS before your OPT end date and within 60 days of the STEM OPT I-20 issuance date.

Can I apply for the STEM extension more than once?

Under the 24-month STEM extension regulations, students are eligible for up to two STEM extensions during their lifetime. If you complete another STEM-eligible degree at a higher academic level, you may apply for a second STEM extension as long as you meet the STEM OPT eligibility criteria.

Can the STEM extension be based on a previous degree?

Possibly. Students participating in a valid post-completion OPT based on a non-STEM degree may apply for the 24-month STEM extension based upon a prior eligible STEM degree if they did not have a STEM extension associated with this degree in the past and the degree is from within the last 10 years and from a currently accredited educational institution in the United States.

What happens after I submit the STEM OPT application and when will I get my EAD?

Once you submit your STEM OPT application, USCIS issues a receipt notice (I-797 Notice of Action) with your case number. You can use this case number to check the application status at https://egov.uscis.gov.

If the STEM OPT is approved, USCIS will send you the STEM OPT EAD card. If more information is required, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). Continue to monitor your MyUSCIS account for any updates.

You can check the current estimated USCIS processing times at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Below the provided estimate, you can enter your receipt date to learn the earliest date when USCIS will allow you to submit a case inquiry.

Please note that, unfortunately, the processing times listed in the MyUSCIS account have been unreliable and should, therefore, be disregarded.

What if I don't get my STEM OPT EAD card by the time my Post-Completion OPT EAD expires?

Even if your new STEM OPT EAD card has not arrived by the start of your 24-month extension period, you may continue working for an E-Verify employer for up to 180 days according to the Code of Federation Regulations (8CFR 213.2(f)(11)(i)(C) / 8CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv)). Once your new STEM OPT EAD card arrives, you should provide a copy to your employer and OISS.

Can I change jobs while the STEM OPT application is pending?

We do not recommend changing employers while your STEM OPT application is pending USCIS approval, as this change can disrupt the application process and can cause delays. If you are considering changing employers while your application is pending, contact OISS immediately for guidance.

Can I travel internationally while my STEM OPT application is pending?

Traveling while your STEM OPT application is pending is not recommended and should be undertaken with caution. Consider the following:

If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a certain deadline, and may not be able to do so from abroad.

If you are denied for STEM OPT while outside the U.S. and your Post-Completion OPT has already expired, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. to reapply.

If USCIS approves your application, you will be expected to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. USCIS can only send the EAD to your U.S. address, so you will need to arrange for your EAD to be sent to you abroad, which carries the risk of lost mail.

Please speak with an OISS advisor for more information. You may also find additional information on travel and OPT at https://oiss.rice.edu/OPTcompliance.

Can my STEM OPT application be expedited?

Possibly, as Premium Processing is available for STEM OPT applications. The premium processing filing fee for STEM OPT applications is currently $1,685 (subject to change, check https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055 for any updates). The guaranteed processing time with premium processing is 30 business days. To learn more, please see https://www.uscis.gov/i-907.

Premium processing can be added at any time while the application is pending. USCIS has instructions available under the "Forms and Document Downloads" section of their Premium Processing webpage.

For information on standard processing times without premium processing, please see https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.

What are the reporting requirements on STEM OPT?

There are several reporting requirements that apply to you while you are on your STEM extension to ensure that you are maintaining your F-1 status.

Immediately:

• Submit a copy of your EAD to OISS at http://bit.ly/oissdocs.

Within 10 days of change:

• Report change of address via SEVP Student Portal.
• Report changes in employment or I-983 Training Plan to OISS using our online reporting form.
• Report any change in your visa status or departure from the U.S. to OISS at oiss@rice.edu.

Every 6 months:

• Submit your validation reports to OISS through our online submission form.

Every 12 months:

• Submit your mandatory self-evaluations to OISS through our online submission form.

The Study in the States STEM OPT HUB has a great chart detailing the STEM OPT reporting requirement timelines for both students and employers. To view the chart, please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/assets/sevpstemoptreportingrequirementsfinal.pdf.

Please also see the Maintaining Status on STEM OPT section of https://oiss.rice.edu/OPTcompliance.

How many unemployment days are allowed during the STEM OPT Extension period?

Students are permitted a total of 150 days of unemployment in the combined 36-month period of OPT: 90 days during the 12 months of regular Post-Completion OPT, and 60 days + unused unemployment days carried over from the post-completion OPT period during the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Can I start my own business or work for a start-up company on STEM OPT?

Self-employment is not permitted during STEM OPT. In addition, the STEM OPT regulations require that during STEM OPT there "[must] be a bonafide employer and employee relationship." If you have a start-up, there must be someone else in the company who can serve as a supervisor and train you in the STEM field you have studied.

Important Resources

• Maintaining Status on OPT & STEM OPT
• Study in the States STEM OPT HUB
• Study in the States STEM OPT Reporting Requirements Timeline for Students, Employers and DSOs
• Recognize the Signs of a Potentially Fraudulent Employer

For more information on maintaining status while on STEM OPT, please see the Students on OPT & STEM OPT webpage.