Updated October 2019
24-Month STEM OPT Extension Instructions
How to Apply
1. Complete USCIS Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization.”
● Download from http://www.uscis.gov/
. Under Forms, select I-765.
● See the I-765 Basic Guidelines and official I-765 instructions for information on how to complete Form I-765.
2. Complete USCIS Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”
● Download from https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2016/I-983.pdf
.
● Review USCIS’s detailed online tutorial on how you and your employer should complete Form I-983 at
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/assets/stem-opt-hub/story.html
.
3. Complete USCIS Form G-1145, “E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance” (optional).
● Download from http://www.uscis.gov/. Under Forms, select G-1145.
4. Complete the attached ISSS form: “Request for STEM OPT Recommendation.”
5. Pay the $100 STEM OPT Maintenance fee to ISSS via the ISSS Online Payment Portal https://isss.ucsc.edu/get_involved/payment.html
.
6. Bring the following documents to an ISSS advisor or email legible copies (in pdf format) to istudent@ucsc.edu
.
Original or photocopy of ISSS form: Request for STEM OPT Recommendation
Photocopy of completed, signed Form I-983 (this does not get mailed to USCIS)
7. An ISSS advisor will review your request and determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, the advisor will recommend a STEM OPT
extension in SEVIS, generating a new STEM I-20. Once you receive the new I-20, sign and date page 1. Make a photocopy of each page to
submit with your application to USCIS. Keep the original. You should also make a photocopy of your entire application for your records.
8. Assemble your STEM OPT application packet. Include the following documents in this order:
$410 check/money order payable to: “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
2 passport photos taken within 30 days of filing for STEM OPT
Original, completed, signed Form G-1145 (optional)
Original, completed, signed Form I-765
Photocopy of current passport identification page(s)
Photocopy of most recent F-1 visa OR I-797A F-1 status approval notice
Photocopy of most recent paper or electronic I-94 (download at
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
Photocopy of current EAD card for OPT
Photocopy of new STEM I-20 showing the STEM OPT recommendation
Photocopies of all previous I-20s (especially those showing previous CPT or OPT)
Photocopy of your official transcript or of your diploma with stated field of study
9. Mail the STEM OPT application to USCIS. USCIS must receive your application no more than 30 days after your new I-20 was issued
and before your current OPT expires, or your application will be denied. Send your application to the address listed below.
* We strongly recommend you use a service that includes tracking and delivery confirmation.
If sending via express (e.g. FedEx, UPS):
If sending via USPS, including via Certified Mail:
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
P.O Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
*If you live outside California, refer to this link: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/uscis-phoenix-and-dallas-lockbox-facilities
for the lock box address to mail your application to.