Office of International Student ServicesLiberty University, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515
Phone (434) 592-4118Fax (434) 582-2969mystatus@liberty.edu www.liberty.edu/international
Updated 2/14/2017
24-Month STEM Extension Application
for F-1 International Students
General Information:
The 24-Month STEM Extension allows certain F-1 students who are on post-completion OPT to apply for a 24-month
extension of their one-year post-completion OPT. The STEM extensions can be issued based on your current
degree
or a previous degree that is a qualified STEM major.
Qualifications:
Valid passport
You are currently approved for post-completion OPT.
You completed a bachelor's or master's in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field. Visit
the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for the STEM Designated Degree Program List
.
Eligible degrees are listed by their Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. Your degree's CIP
code is listed on the "primary major" line on page 1 of your I-20.
You have a job with an E-Verify employer.
You are limited to one STEM extension per STEM degree (For example, if you received a STEM extension
for a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, you would not qualify for a STEM extension for an MBA.)
To be completed by STUDENT
Student’s Full Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Student’s Non-Liberty Personal Email Address: ________________________________________________
Student’s Mailing Address: ______________________________________ Phone Number: _______________
LU I.D. #:________________________________ Date of Birth: ___________________________________
Start Date of current EAD: _________________________ End date: __________________________________
Employment Information while on first Post Completion OPT of your STEM degree:
APPICATION PROCEDURES
1
st
Employer
2
nd
Employer
3
rd
Employer
Employer’s Name
Name of
Supervisor
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Email Address
Dates of
Employment
From:
To:
From:
To:
From:
To:
Office of International Student ServicesLiberty University, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515
Phone (434) 592-4118Fax (434) 582-2969mystatus@liberty.edu www.liberty.edu/international
Updated 2/14/2017
Part #1: Complete the OPT 24-Month Extension Packet:
1. Complete the I-983 along with your current supervisor
2. Copy of 24-Month Extension Application (this document)
3. Completed Form I-765
4. Original Employment Verification Letter from your current employer
5. Money Order for $410.00 made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
6. Two photographs (Must meet US CIS Color Photograph Specifications). Quality photos must
be less than 30 days old and can be taken at the local CVS, Walgreens or Wal-Mart.
7. Final transcripts in a sealed official envelope from the Registrar’s Office (Since these will be
sent to you in a sealed envelope just scan the stamp on the envelope -do not open the
transcripts)
8. Color copy of student’s current I-20 with the current OPT recommendation
9. Color copies of ALL previously issued I-20s
10. Color copy of student’s valid EAD card
11. Color copy of the student’s passport
12. Color copy of the student’s I-94
13. Color copy of the student’s visa (even if it has expired)
14. Proof of all employment periods while on the first post completion OPT period (cannot exceed
more than 90 days of unemployment) - Original letters from the employers on official letterhead
will be accepted. Documents must show dates of employment and employee contact
information.
15. Complete G-1145 for electronic filling updates (optional).
Part #2: Meet with International advisor OR send all required documents to mystatus@liberty.edu
.
1. Appointments can be made by calling the International Student Center at 434-592-4118.
2. Your International Student Advisor will review the application, recommend OPT (if approved)
on a new I-20, and return your I-20.
3. The expected processing time for the I-20 will be 24 hours.
Part #3: Send the completed OPT Extension Application to USCIS for approval and issuance of an EAD:
1. OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days after the OPT I-20 is issued. Mail
the above documents via FedEx to:
Department of Homeland Security USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
Part #4: If for any reason you later decide not to mail your OPT STEM application to USCIS (Form I-765 plus
supporting documentation), you must notify your International Student Advisor immediately so that we may
cancel your OPT STEM recommendation in SEVIS in a timely manner. Failure to inform an OISS advisor that
you are not applying for OPT can cause problems for you in the future.
Part #5: Once you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), submit a color copy to OISS.
USCIS requires that a copy of this document be kept in your file with the university. Please do not forget this
step!
Part #6: The student’s employer must report to the OISS within 5 days when the employment is terminated. The
student must make periodic reports to the OISS with name, and address changes and any interruptions in
employment as well as completing a year self-evaluation.
Signature of Student: ____________________________ Date: ________________________
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signature
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