STEM OPT I-20 Process
Submit a "STEM OPT Extension (24 Months)" request within the ISSS Portal along with the following documents:
- Completed Form I-983
- Front and back copy of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, if not previously submitted
- Pay the $200 STEM OPT Administrative Fee within the ISSS request
The Office of Global Services (OGS) advisers will review your request and process a new STEM OPT I-20 in approximately 7 business days.
Once the I-20 is ready to download in the ISSS Portal, we will send you an email letting you know it is available along with further instructions on how to apply for yoru STEM Extension with USCIS. Please be sure to read the email carefully.
It is your responsibility to make sure USCIS receives the documents listed below within 60 days of the STEM OPT I-20 issue date and before the expiration of your current EAD card.
Submit to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Please note, these directions are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are the adjudicator on your OPT/STEM OPT application. It is your responsibility as the applicant, to ensure that your application is accurate and complete before you submit it to USCIS. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. OGS in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT application.
There are two ways you can file your STEM OPT Application with USCIS:
- Filing the STEM OPT application via USCIS Online Account
- Filing the STEM OPT Application via mail to the USCIS Lockbox Address
Submission via USCIS Online Account
Online filing allows applicants to submit forms electronically, check the status of their case anytime from anywhere, and receive notcies from USCIS online instead of waiting for them in the mail.
STEP 1: Gather and Scan Your Supporting Documents
- A photocopy of STEM OPT I-20 endorsed by the DSO within 60 days before filing form I-765.
- A copy of your most recent I-94 record (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
- Employment Authorization Document OR Government ID:
- Previously issued EADs, including your current EAD card.
- A photocopy of the biographic page of your passport and expiration date (if on another page).
- A photocopy of the U.S. F-1 visa stamp.
- Filing fee for $470 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The fee can be paid online by credit card, debit card or directly from a bank account.
- One recent U.S. passport style photograph. Use the USCIS photo composition tool to verify: https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/photo
- A photocopy of your IIT transcript or diploma stating your STEM degree.
- Proof of institution accreditation ONLY if your STEM Extension will be based on a previously earned STEM degree.
- If applicable, a copy of I-797 (F-1 approval notice) if you changed immigration status while in the U.S.
STEP 2: Create a USCIS Account of Sign In to your Already Existing USCIS Account
STEP 3: Select the I-765 Form to File
STEP 4: Complete the I-765 ( You can find the USCIS instructions to fill out the I-765 here)
STEP 5: Review and Submit
Submission via mail to Lockbox:
STEP 1: Gather your Supporting Documents
- Completed form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (keep a copy for your records).
- A photocopy of STEM OPT I-20 endorsed by the DSO within 60 days before filing form I-765.
- Photocopies of all pages of previously issued I-20s for your current degree level. ATTENTION: Sign your I20s before photocopying!
- A copy of your most recent I-94 record (available at https:// i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
- A photocopy of the biographic page of your passport and expiration date (if on another page).
- A photocopy of the U.S. F-1 visa stamp.
- Filing fee for $520 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The fee can be paid by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card (if paying by credit card, fill out form G-1450).
- Two recent U.S. passport style photographs. Using a pencil write your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo.
- A photocopy (front and back) of previous EAD cards.
- A photocopy of your IIT transcript or diploma stating your STEM degree.
- Completed form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.
- If applicable, a copy of I-797 (F-1 approval notice) if you changed immigration status while in the U.S.
STEP 2: Assemble and Review your Application
STEP 3: Send your Application by USPS/UPS/FedEx/DHL to USCIS
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680
For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries (UPS/FedEx/DHL):
USCIS, Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
The decision to file online or by mail is a choice each applicant will make for themself, and each applicant is fully responsible for their own OPT & STEM OPT application.