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STEM OPT Extension Guide

A clear, step-by-step guide to extending your U.S. work authorization — from eligibility to filing.

Qualifications

Check if you and your employer qualify.

Timeline

Know when you can apply and when you must.

Steps

A simple process from start to approval.

Forms (I-983 & I-765)

Understand the two required forms and what matters most.

Qualifications

You qualify if all of these are true:

You are in a STEM degree
You are currently on OPT
You have a job offer related to your degree
Your employer is enrolled in E-Verify

You can use STEM OPT twice — once for each qualifying STEM degree.

Timeline

Earliest

90 days before OPT expires

Latest

The day OPT expires

Applying early is strongly recommended.

Steps

1

Complete Form I-983 with your employer

2

Submit the I-983 to your DSO

3

Receive a new I-20 with a STEM OPT recommendation

4

File Form I-765 online with USCIS

5

Receive approval and your STEM OPT EAD card

Forms

Form I-983

Training Plan

What is Form I-983?
Form I-983 is the training plan for your STEM OPT extension. It is completed together with your employer and explains how your job provides structured learning related to your STEM degree.

Section 1 – Student Information (Student)

  • SEVIS ID on I-20
  • STEM OPT period is the day after your OPT ends, until two years after
  • CIP code on I-20
  • Employment Authorization number is the 9-digit USCIS number on your OPT EAD card

Section 2 – Acknowledgement (Student)

Section 3 – Employer Information (Employer)

  • Employer Name – as listed in E-Verify
  • Number of employees – approximately

Section 4 – Employer Acknowledgement

The employer confirms that the job is paid, does not replace a U.S. worker, and provides real training.

Section 5 – Training Plan (Student + Employer)

  • Site Name – headquarters, regional office, etc.
  • Student Role – responsibilities and how the role relates to the degree
  • Goals/Objectives – skills, knowledge, and techniques the student will learn
  • Employer Oversight – how supervision and training are provided
  • Measures/Assessments – how progress and learning are evaluated

It does not need to be super elaborate, as long as it is very clear that you are learning, not just working, and it relates to your degree.

Section 6 – Employer Acknowledgement

Official Form I-983 (PDF) — SEVIS/ICE

Form I-765

Application

What is Form I-765?
Form I-765 is the online application you file with USCIS to request your STEM OPT extension.

Filing Steps

  • Log in to USCIS
  • File Form I-765
  • Eligibility category: STEM Extension
  • Degree = degree level and major
  • Employer name in E-Verify = on I-983
  • Employer EIN = on I-983
  • Reason for applying = "initial permission to accept employment"
  • Previously filed I-765 = Yes

Personal & Immigration Information

  • Names must match I-20 and passport
  • Country of citizenship = all countries you hold
  • Current immigration status = F-1
  • SEVIS number = on I-20
  • A-number = USCIS number on OPT EAD
  • USCIS online account number = only if you have one

I-94

  • Search "Get my I-94" on DHS
  • Retrieve most recent I-94 and travel history

Documents

  • 2×2 photo
  • I-94
  • Most recent EAD card
  • I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation
  • STEM degree diploma

Final Steps

  • Review
  • Accept and sign
  • Pay and submit
Official Form I-765 (USCIS) — Filing & Instructions