1 Updated 11/2019
5000 Forbes Ave, Posner Hall 3
rd
Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 268-5231 Email: oie@andrew.cmu.edu Web: www.cmu.edu/oie
STEM OPT For Designated STEM Degree-Holders
This handout explains the various extension periods of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for which some students, with degrees in a designated-STEM
program, are eligible.
Eligibility for 24-month STEM OPT Extension:
Applicant must be an F-1 student who is currently engaged in post-completion OPT with a job or job offer from a participating E-Verify employer in a
position directly related to the major field of study.
Applicant must have completed a degree in a designated STEM field from a U.S. accredited institution with SEVP certification within the last 10 years and
may not have already utilized this degree to apply for a STEM OPT extension,
o Or applicant is in a period of post-completion OPT, is currently engaged in a designated STEM Master’s or PhD program, has been certified by the
department before the end date listed on the 12-month EAD Card.
Applicant must be in an active period of post-completion OPT at the time of requesting the STEM OPT extension.
Applicant must submit a completed I-983 with all attestations and supporting documentation to OIE to request the 24-month STEM extension.
Applicant files the I-765, with all required documentation and filing fee, to USCIS to request the STEM OPT extension within the required filing timeline.
Applicant must be working in a full-time (20+ hours per week) paid position for a participating E-Verified employer; cannot be self-employed. (See note
on Attestation page)
Applicant must have his/her application received by USCIS within 60 days of the STEM OPT Recommendation in SEVIS, or the application will be denied.
If you are unable to adhere to this deadline, then you must contact OIE for a new I-20. This will cause a delay in your filing as reissued STEM I-20s take
longer to process.
Conditions and Limitations:
The STEM OPT start date will begin the day after the initial OPT ends. You do not choose the dates.
TWO STEM OPT extensions are allowed per lifetime.
A STEM OPT Extension can only be applied for while the applicant is in a valid period of post-completion OPT
If the application has been timely filed, you can continue to work while the application is being processed for 180 days, even if you do not receive your
new EAD before the end of your initial 12-month period of OPT.
YOU MUST PAY ATTENTION TO AND COMPLY WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES. Failure to comply with reporting requirements will
result in the loss of your immigration status and employment authorization.
Individuals engaged in a period of 24-month STEM OPT extension cannot be unemployed for an aggregate of more than 150 days (90 days on Post-OPT,
plus an additional 60 days on STEM OPT).
Application Process:
You must submit a timely application to USCIS in order to continue working and obtain the STEM OPT extension. Review the OIE STEM Extension
PowerPoint as a reference.
STEP 1: Be Informed: Read this handout thoroughly and carefully. For more detailed information, consult the DHS “STEM HUB” Website.
STEP 2: Obtain the OIE Recommendation and new I-20
Complete the form-fillable PDF STEM OPT Extension Request Form and submit it to OIE by emailing oie@andrew.cmu.edu, with all necessary attachments
including a copy of the EAD card, 24 month planning tool, and a completed I-983, no more than 100 days prior to the end of your initial OPT period. You, not
your employer or company attorney, must submit this form. Carefully follow the instructions on the Request Form to avoid processing delays. Upon
receiving your complete request, your STEM I-20 will typically be issued within 10 business days. When your I-20 is ready, you will receive an email from OIE
with the next steps to create a shipping label for your document.
STEP 3: APPLICATION MATERIALS (submitted in this order):
Form G-1145. Use this form if you wish to receive email or text confirmation (within 1 week) of your receipt number from the Lockbox facility. Clip the
form to the front of the OPT application.
Fee of $410.
You can pay by:
o A check - payable to the “US Department of Homeland Security.” You may send a money order or personal check drawn on a US bank, NO CASH.
o A credit card to pay by credit card you must fill out Form G-1450 and attach it to your application.
Form I-765 (follow instructions on how to complete form on page 2).
Two “passport” photos. Print your name and write your admission number (I-94#) on the back of each photo.
o NO GLASSES can be worn in the passport photos. Use powder to prevent glaring and be sure there are no shadows in your photos! You may put
the photos and check in an envelope and attach carefully to the front of the I-765 (do not staple photos!).
A copy (NOT original) of page 1 and 2 of the new STEM Extension I-20 from OIE with recommendation for STEM OPT on page 2.
o Sign the new STEM I-20. This I-20 cannot be more than 60 days old when it arrives at USCIS or OPT will be denied!
o A copy of ALL previously issued I-20 documents dating back to beginning of F-1 status (signed).
A copy of your I-94 record.
o Printout of the electronic I-94 record Do Not send a copy of your “Travel History Page”
A copy of the photo page (identification page) and expiration date page of your passport.
A copy of the most recent F-1 visa page in your passport (even if expired).
A copy of any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card(s).
Proof of degree completion: Official transcripts confirming your degree and/or a copy of your diploma.
2 Updated 11/2019
Instructions For Completing Form I-765:
o Download the Form I-765 from www.uscis.gov and complete it as a form-fillable pdf OR if the form does not allow for certain characters you can hand write
the information in black ink. Remember to write clearly!
o Part 1
o Check the 1.c box: Renewal of My Permission to Accept Employment.”
o #1 Name: Type or write your family/last name in all capital letters and your first name in sentence case.
o #2, #3, #4 Other Names Used: Leave this blank unless you have had a legal name change with an updated passport.
Part 2
o #5, 6, 7 U.S. Mailing Address: This must be an address where you can receive mail for at least the next 100 days into the future. Governmental Mail is
NOT FORWARDED. If the EAD is sent to an address with a “forwarding order”, or if you cannot receive mail at the address you used on the I-765, then your
EAD will be returned to USCIS.
o Put both your name on inside and outside of your mailbox. You should also put a notice on the inside of your mailbox saying “do not return the priority
mail.”
o If you want to use a friend’s address, you need to make sure your name is on the mailbox, and that you put their information for questions 5.
Return Address: Note: If the mailing address you indicate on the I-765 is not located in Pennsylvania, refer to the I-765 instructions
(www.uscis.gov) or OIE for the proper mailing address for your application.
o #8 and 9 “Alien # & USCIS Account: Leave BLANK
o #10: Gender: List Gender as shown in your passport
o #11 Marital Status: Enter current marital status
o #12 Have you ever before filed an I-765 before: Check YES -> if you have filed an I-765 Form with USCIS in the past. If that does not apply to you -> then
check NO.
o #13.a Has the SSA ever issued you a SSN: Check yes or no
o #13.b If you answered YES to 9a: Then enter your social security number
o #14, 15 (If you do not have an SSN) Do you want the SSA to issue you a SSN:
If you check NO -> Skip to #18
If you check YES -> Answer questions 15, 16.a to 17.b
o #18.a Country of Citizenship or Nationality: Enter your passport’s country – if you have more than one use the one listed on your I-20
o #19.a, 19.b, 19c, Place of Birth: Enter your place of city/state/country of birth (if you do not have a state/province, then leave it blank
o #20 Date of Birth: REMEMBER to write this in the US date style format (mm/dd/yyyy)!
o #21.a I-94 Number: You can find this I-94 Website
o #21.b Passport Number: Enter most recent passport number
o #21.c Travel Document: Leave Blank
o #21.e Passport Expiration Date: Enter most recent passport expiration date (mm/dd/yyyy)
o #22 Date of the last arrival into the US: Check the POE (Point of Entry) Stamp in your passport. Do Not check the I-94 “Travel History Page”.
o #23 Place of your last arrival into the US: Check the POE (Point of Entry) Stamp in your passport. Do Not check the I-94 “Travel History Page”.
o #24 Status of last entry: For most, it will be “F-1 Student”
o #25 Current Immigration Status: Input “F-1 Student
o #26 Current SEVIS Number: Find this on your immigration document
o #27 Eligibility Categories: Fill out as follows: ( c ) ( 3 ) ( C )
o #28.a Degree: Enter degree stated on your diploma
o #28.b: Employer’s Name as Listed in E-Verify: Ask your employer this question!
o #28.c: Employer’s E-Verify Number: Ask your employer this question!
Part 3
o #1.a to 2 Applicant’s Statement: Check as it applies to you
o #3, #4, #5 Contact Information: Enter in US phone numbers and a PERSONAL email address
o #7.a, 7.b Certification: Sign and date the I-765 in dark blue ink. Sign WITHIN the box do not go outside the box.
Part 4-5
o If this applies to your situation, fill in as applicable OR if this doesn’t apply to you, draw a diagonal line across each page you are not completing, and
write “NA” next to your line.
Part 6
o Complete this section only if you have been approved for CPT, and/or OPT, and/or you have used a different SEVIS ID in F-1 status in the US in the past.
If you need to complete this section because one or more of these apply to you, please complete item 1
For each of the items listed above, complete one box in Part 6. We suggest using the following to complete the Page number, Part Number, and Item
number, as this information is required specific to Category (c)(3)(C) (per the I-765 instructions, page 4):
Page 3, Part 2, Item 27
We suggest this format see an example in the OIE STEM OPT PowerPoint:
CPT Authorizations:
Degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), Full-Time or Part-Time, CPT, with Employer Name: Start date to End date (You can find your CPT
details on the I-20 that was approved for each period of CPT)
OPT Authorizations:
Degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), Post-Completion OPT, Start date to End date (You can find your OPT details on the I-20)
Page 3, Part 2, Item 26
Previous SEVIS ID Number(s):
Degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), Program Start Date – Program End Date, SEVIS ID: N00…. (You can find your SEVIS
Number in the top right hand corner of your I-20)
3 Updated 11/2019
If the address used on the I-765 is in:
Mail Your Application To:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota,
Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
USCIS Phoenix Lockbox - For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries:
USCIS - Attn: NFB AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico,
New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Oklahoma,
Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, or West Virginia
USCIS Dallas Lockbox - For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
STEP 4: Wait for the EAD
Within one month of sending the application to the USCIS, you should get a standard receipt notice. If you do not get this notice within 6 weeks contact an OIE advisor
for more information. The “Receipt Number” in the top left corner of this receipt notice can be used to check the status of your case on the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov or by calling the phone number indicated on the receipt. Keep in mind that this information is updated infrequently.
Other Important Information
Reporting Requirements and Limitations on Unemployment
F-1 regulations REQUIRE you to report any change in your residential address, your personal contact information, your employer’s address and
supervisor contact information within 10 days to immigration: https://www.sevp.ice.gov/opt.
o However, for any other changes, email oie@Andrew.cmu.edu for next steps. Material Changes may require updated documentation being
emailed to OIE!*
Additionally, you must report to OIE every 6 months, within 10 business days, to confirm that the employer information you submitted with this
request is still correct. The first report is due 6-months after the end of your 12-month OPT period. After that, the report is due every 6 months (refer to
your 24 month planning tool) until your STEM OPT ends, or you change status or depart the US. Send STEM reports and evaluations (page 5 of the I-983)
when due to oie@andrew.cmu.edu.
Periods of “unemployment” are limited to 150 days while on STEM OPT. This dates back to the start of your initial 12-month OPT period days (90 days on
Post-OPT, plus an additional 60 days on STEM OPT).
You must report status changes directly to OIE (oie@andrew.cmu.edu) while you are on STEM if:
o If you apply for and are granted a change of status from F-1 (OPT) to H-1B or any other status.
o If you leave the US and make a new entry in another status.
o If you leave the US permanently before the end date of your EAD card.
o If you plan to return to CMU as a student or continue studies elsewhere after STEM.
Authorization May Not be Rescinded. Once authorization to engage in OPT is granted, it may not be rescinded or canceled. This means that after OPT is
authorized by the USCIS, it is impossible to have it canceled and restored at a later date. If you do not use the work authorization, it is forfeited.
Change of Employer after STEM OPT has been Authorized: You must report any change of employer within 10 days directly to OIE. This CANNOT be done
through the Immigration Portal. If you change your employer during STEM OPT, you must submit a new STEM OPT Extension Request Application to OIE. You will
also need to submit the final evaluation (page 5 of the I-983) from your old employer. You will do this by emailing the materials to oie@andrew.cmu.edu. OIE will
then update SEVIS and you will receive a new I-20.
Social Security and Other Taxes: In general, F-1 students who have been in the US fewer than five tax years are “nonresidents for tax purposes” and are exempt
from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare taxes (see Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, “US Tax Guide for Aliens”). However, your earnings are subject to
applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Beginning in the sixth tax year, most students in F-1 status become “residents for tax purposes” and employers should
withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes. Tax returns must be filed on or before April 15 each year for the previous calendar year, for both “nonresidents” and
“residents.
Traveling Outside of the US While on OPT:
Reentry provisions of the regulations require students who have graduated and are on authorized OPT to present the following documents to reenter the US:
STEM OPT I-20 signed (page 2), within the last 6 months. Should you require an updated travel signature and are no longer in Pittsburgh, email OIE for next steps
(oie@andrew.cmu.edu).
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
A valid passport.
A valid F-1 visa stamp (e.g. unless traveling to contiguous territory for less than 30 days - see travel page).
A job offer letter/proof of employment. F-1 regulations allow for travel and reentry in order to “resume employment.”
Dependent Travel: Since dependents do not receive an EAD, an F-2 dependent must carry copies of the F-1 student’s I-20 with OPT recommendation, EAD card and job offer letter,
in addition to the F-2 I-20 when traveling.
Employment Authorization with a Pending H-1B petition (“Cap Gap” employment authorization)
All students on OPT who have a pending or approved H-1B petition with a request for change of status will have their F-1 status and OPT authorization
automatically extended if the employer has filed a timely H-1B petition with a change of status request with a requested October 1 start date.
Should your employer require a new Cap-Gap I-20, contact oie@andrew.cmu.edu
The OPT employment authorization automatically ends if the H-1B petition is denied, rejected or withdrawn (although the student can continue working until
the end date indicated on the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The F-1 would have a 60 day grace period with no work authorization after
the end of OPT.
Other Key Changes to the New Regulation:
Students granted a 24-month OPT extension may not accrue an aggregate of more than 150 days of unemployment dating back to the start of the initial 12-
month OPT period. (90 + 60 = 150 TOTAL)
A student meeting the eligibility requirements for a 24-month STEM extension may request an extension of employment by filing Form I-765 up to 90 days
prior to the expiration date of the student’s current OPT employment authorization.
The student seeking the 24-month extension must properly file the I-765 with USCIS within 60 days of the date the DSO recommends OPT in the SEVIS
system.
Students may not be their own (sole) employer or provide employer attestations on their own behalf. Additionally, there must be an employer/employee
relationship with the employer providing training on site, which means that people will typically need to be employed directly by the company, not employed
by a third party or temp employment agency. The government guidance is that the “employer that signs the Training Plan must be the same entity that
employs the student and provides the practical training experience.”
To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the position must be at least 20 hours per week or more. Employment with multiple employers is only possible if
both positions will be at least 20 hours per week and if both employers comply with all of the STEM OPT regulations, including completing and signing the I-
983 Training Plan.
4 Updated 11/2019
5000 Forbes Ave, Posner Hall 3
rd
Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 268-5231 Email: oie@andrew.cmu.edu Web: www.cmu.edu/oie
STEM OPT Request Form
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND EMAILED TO OIE VIA FORM-FILLABLE PDF.
To request the STEM OPT I-20 you MUST submit all of the following to OIE by emailing oie@andrew.cmu.edu.
1. This STEM OPT Extension Request Form
a. The Attestation Form (KEEP A COPY OF THIS FORM FOR YOUR RECORDS) entirely completed.
2. Photocopy/scan of your EAD cards
3. I-983 Form (pages 1-4 ONLY!)
4. STEM Planning Tool
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Surname/Family Name:
Given/First Name:
Date of Birth:
Email:
US Phone Number:
Current EAD Expiration Date:
Did You Have A Secondary MAJOR/Dual Degree? (YES or NO):
CMU Degree/Major (most recent):
Current US Address:
(Street) (Apt #) (City) (State & Zip Code)
TYPE OF STEM EXTENSION
What Type of I-20 Are You Requesting? Check ONE Box Below:
Initial 24-Month STEM OPT Extension
Change in current STEM OPT EMPLOYER:
Please Indicate:
Previous Employer/Company Name:
First and Last Name of Previous Supervisor:
Previous Supervisor Phone Number:
o Submit the “Final Evaluation” (page 5) of the I-983 from your Previous Employer
o Submit a new and complete I-983 (pages 1-4) from the New Employer
Reissue of STEM OPT I-20 (not timely filed/over 60 days past OIE issuance)
EMPLOYER INFORMATION
Be careful of Spelling/Capitalization/Punctuation. Data will appear in SEVIS EXACTLY as you enter it below.
Employer Name:
(confirm with employer how this should appear on I-20)
Employer Address:
(Street) (City) (State & Zip Code)
Job Title:
E-Verify Number (usually 4-6 digits):
Employer’s EIN Number:
Start Date With Employer (ACTUAL start date even if a date in the past and/or
future):
:
(NOTE: The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is not the same as the E-verify number. The EIN
is a number assigned to every employer by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a public
number & it appears on IRS withholding forms. The EIN will appear on the employee’s Form W-2.
My Employment is Full Time? (YES or NO):
(Immigration views Full-Time as working more than 20 hours per week)
Supervisor’s Surname/Family Name:
Supervisor’s Given/First Name:
Supervisor’s Phone Number:
Supervisor’s Email:
Yes
5 Updated 11/2019
Describe your job duties and explain how they are directly related to the degree/major field of study which qualified you for OPT. You can find sample
explanations on the OIE Website.
(Note: This is a required field in SEVIS. Students who work in a position unrelated to their major field of study fail to comply with federal regulations. If the Department of Homeland Security identifies that your
work is not directly related to your major field of study, your SEVIS record could be terminated for failing to maintain status. Therefore, make sure you are clear in how the job directly relates to your major field.
It is also important that you keep good records of all employment during the OPT period job offer letters, job description, pay stubs, etc. This way, should you ever be asked to show this information in the
future, you will have it to refer back to.)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________ _____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ _________
(Maximum 1000 characters)
RECEIVING YOUR STEM OPT I-20
I will pick up the I-20 from OIE
I designate ______________________________________________to pick up the I-20 for me at OIE.
I choose eShipGlobal for express mailing (FedEx/UPS) payable by my credit/debit card. OIE will email you with instructions if you choose this
method.
CERTIFICATION
By checking this box, I certify all information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and I request that OIE issue a STEM OPT I-20. I
also confirm that after receiving my STEM OPT I-20 from OIE, I will adhere to the guidelines in the Attestation and will then apply to USCIS for the
STEM OPT Extension in a timely manner as I understand that USCIS has strict filing deadlines.
NAME: DATE:
STEM OPT EXTENSION ATTESTATION
By signing the bottom of this page you are stating that you UNDERSTAND and have READ each item. You MUST complete this section.
KEEP a copy of this form for your records and provide a copy to your employer so they are aware of their requirements.
My employer participates in the E-Verify program. I will demonstrate this in one of two ways: The E-Verify Company Identification Number or E-Verify
Client Company Identification Number is: ________________________________(usually 4-6 digits long) OR I have attached a letter from my employer verifying
their participation in the E-Verify program if they do not wish to provide the number.
NOTE: OIE MUST have either E-verify Number or Employer Letter to issue STEM I-20.
I understand that staffing and temporary agencies may seek to employ students under the STEM OPT program, but only if they will be the entity that
provides the practical training experience to the student at its own place of business and they have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with
the student. For instance, a student might possibly receive STEM-related training while working in such an entity’s information technology (IT)
department.
I will provide my employer with a copy of this certification and advise my employer that they are required by law to contact OIE within 48 hours if my
employment ends prior to the end of my OPT. OIE’s contact information can be found at the top of this form.
If traveling, I will make timely requests for OIE signatures (at least 10 days before traveling outside the US) on my I-20. To request the signature, I will
email OIE (oie@andrew.cmu.edu) for next steps.
I must submit 6 month validity/evaluation reports to OIE***. I must include my name, my address, my employer’s name and my employer’s address on
the dates listed on the planning tool. I realize that I have a 10-business day period to make this verification. Submit reports to oie@andrew.cmu.edu.
See planning tool for the dates of your reporting deadlines.
I realize that failure to submit the validity and evaluation reports is considered a violation of status and will result in the termination of my SEVIS record
and loss of my legal status in the US and my employment authorization.
I understand that there must be an employer-employee relationship at the location of my employment and that self-employment is not supported on
the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.
If my immigration status changes, I will notify OIE by providing a copy of the approval notice and my I-94 showing my new status so that my F-1 SEVIS
record can be properly updated.
I will always provide a current email address to OIE AND I will read OIE emails to insure that I am aware of any changes pertaining to my immigration
status.
I will notify OIE if I lose my job or if I am considering changing employers. Federal regulations REQUIRE that I will notify OIE of any change of employer
within 10 days and submit a STEM OPT request to OIE to obtain a new I-20.
**Validity Reports are due Every Six Months
The mid-point evaluation is due 12 Months after the start of STEM OPT (page 5 of the I-983).
And the final evaluation is due at the end of the STEM OPT period (page 5 of the I-983).
(Six Reports in Total)**
By signing the below, “I CERTIFY THAT” I have read and understand all the information stated above and that by providing materially false,
fictitious, or fraudulent information may subject you to criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C.1001. Other possible criminal and civil violations may
also be applicable.
____________________________________ ______ ___ ________________ ______ _ ___/ _____/ ________
Name (signature) Date Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
click to sign
signature
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