OPT 17-Month STEM Extension Information and Application Checklist

Certain F-1 students who are currently authorized for post-completion OPT may qualify to apply for a 17-month extension of that OPT authorization, bringing the total OPT available to 29 months. Students should read the information below thoroughly to determine eligibility and contact the ISO to complete the application.

Eligibility Requirements

● Student must be maintaining valid F-1 status.
● Student must currently be authorized to engage in post-completion Optional Practical Training.
● Student’s most recent U.S. degree and the degree for which the current OPT authorization was granted must be a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in one of the designated STEM fields —
S cience, T echnology, E ngineering or M athematics. These fields may be grouped into the areas of Actuarial Science, Computer Science Applications, Engineering, Engineering Technologies, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Military Technologies, Physical Sciences, Science Technologies, and Medical Scientist (MS or PhD). Please visit the SEVP web site at: U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement or contact the ISO for a specific list of eligible degree programs included.
● Student must have a job or a job offer from a U. S. employer that is registered with the E-Verify system for verifying employment eligibility. Student should inquire with employer about participation in E-Verify and to obtain E-Verify Company ID number. Please visit the Department of Homeland Security website for more information on E-Verify at: Homeland Security.
● Students who have previously been granted a 17-month STEM extension are not eligible.

Application Instructions and Procedure

● Student must request the Application for Optional Practical Training from the Notre Dame Immigration Services Office. The ISO will provide this application to the student. Once a completed application is received by the ISO, a new I-20 bearing a STEM OPT recommendation will be issued by the ISO and sent to the applicant.
● Student must assemble the application packet to mail to USCIS that includes the following materials:
□ Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
□ I-765 filing fee (currently $340.00 USD)
□ Two passport style photos
□ Copy of current EAD for OPT as well as copies of any previously issued EADs
□ Copy of new signed I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation
□ Copy of degree certificate showing student’s major field of study
□ Copies of the student’s
□ All I-20 forms issued to the student
□ Passport (biographical and issuance/expiration information)
□ I-94 card (front and back)
□ Visa (most recent, if available)
● Applicant must mail the application packet to the USCIS service center that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s current place of residence in the U.S.

Processing Notes

● Application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of the student’s current OPT period.
● Students who have filed a timely application for a STEM extension may continue to work for the STEM employer beyond the expiration of the current EAD for up to 180 days while USCIS adjudicates the application.
● STEM extension begins the day after the expiration of the current period of OPT and to expire 17 months later.

Obligations During OPT STEM Extension

● Student must continue to report any change in name, U.S. address, employer name, employer address or changes or termination of employment to the ISO.
● Student must provide a validation report to the ISO every six months for the duration of the STEM extension verifying the above information, regardless of whether or not there has been a change.
● Student’s employer must report any interruption or termination of the student’s employment during the STEM extension period to the ISO or to the Department of Homeland Security through any means identified by DHS.