STEM Extension Application Process (International Students)

Question

What process do I need to follow to apply to STEM extension as an international student?

Is there a Facts Sheet for STEM extensions?

Answer

STEM Extension Application Process

The following documents are part of the application packet that must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the STEM extension I-20 recommendation issuance and/or before the end date of your post- completion OPT written on your EAD card, whichever is earlier. The application can be filled online at this time:


✓ Copy of your I-20 with the STEM recommendation on it (remember to sign and date it!)
✓ Form I-765 (see the I-765 handout for instructions on how to fill it out)
✓ Copy of your most recent form I-94
✓ Copy of your transcript that lists your degree and copy of your diploma
✓ Copy of your current and all EAD previous cards (if any): front and back, pdf format
✓ Copy of your passport (biographic page and visa page)
✓ Copies of all previous I-20s (highly recommended)
✓ 2X2 passport photo (check Required Documentation section of USCIS for photo instructions!)
✓ Check the USCIS website for the most up to date fees. They can be paid by credit/debit card. 

Note: The I-983 Training Plan does not need to be submitted to USCIS (unless USCIS requests a copy during STEM OPT extension processing). Gallagher International Center keeps a copy of the plan, and you should keep a copy of the plan for your own records as well. This USCIS is subject to change, your DSO will let you know if that will be the case.

 

How to file the application online:

  1. Create an account with USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account
  2. Click File a Form Online
  3. Choose Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
  4. Read the notes on the Form Overview Page
  5. Complete all steps of the application that apply to your case and upload all required documents. See the I-765 form handout
  6. Review your application and make sure you have uploaded all required documents
    Note: Once an application has been submitted, corrections cannot be made, and if denied for not having all documents uploaded, there will be no fee refunds

 

 

STEM Extension FAQs

  1. Can I work with an expired EAD while my STEM extension application is pending?
    • Yes. Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM extension application is pending, if you applied on time.
  2. What does qualify as acceptable employment while on STEM extension?
    • ✓ The work must be a paid job
    • ✓ Multiple employers are allowed
    • ✓ Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • ✓ Student may not be self-employed, nor hired by an agency unless that agency is your direct employer: there must be a "bona fide employer-employee" relationship.
  3. Form I-983 Training Plan
    • The student and employer must complete a form I-983 Training Plan, and the student must present the completed I-983 to the DSO before the DSO recommends STEM OPT in SEVIS (no evaluation student progress sections filled out at the time of application, leave page 5 blank when you apply). The plan does not have to be submitted to USCIS at the time of the application (if this USCIS policy will change, your DSO will notify you).
  4. How do I fill out the form I-983?
  5. Are there reporting requirements while on STEM extension?
    1. STEM Extension OPT updates will need to be sent to DSO within 10 days of any of the changes below:
      1. Name and contact information (address, phone number, non-USD email etc.)
      2. Change of immigration status
    2. You must also submit an updated I-983 form within 10 days, if any of the changes below will occur:
      1. Employer name and address
      2. Compensation decrease
      3. Working hours decrease (less than 20 hours)
      4. Employer's EIN
      5. Employment loss or termination
      6. Change of employers: submit a final evaluation of your I-983 form for former employer and a new I-983 form for the new employer.
    3. Validation Reporting: verify contact and employment information every six months (email our office to let us know if anything changed in your contact and employment information or not; we will report it in SEVIS).
    4. Evaluation on Student Progress Reporting (page 5 of I-983 form):
      1. Email us page 5 with the evaluation on student progress report at 12 months
      2. Email us page 5 with final evaluation on student progress report at 24 months.
        Note: Both of them need to be emailed to our office along with the validation information for contact and employment information.

 

STEM Extension Travel FAQs

  1. Can I travel abroad while my STEM extension application is pending?
    • It is highly discouraged to travel abroad while your STEM extension application is pending. We recommend that you wait to travel outside U.S. until USCIS adjudicates your case.
  2. What documents do I need to re-enter the United States during STEM extension?
    • ✓ valid I-20 (travel signature within the last 6 months)
    • ✓ valid passport (valid at least 6 months in advance at all times)
    • ✓ valid F1 visa
    • ✓ valid EAD card
    • ✓ job offer letter/proof of employment
    • ✓ financial documents (highly recommend)
  3. Do I need to renew my F1 visa if it has expired and if I plan to travel outside U.S.?
    • Yes, if you will travel abroad, you will need to renew your F1 visa before re-entering U.S.
  4. What is the process to renew my F1 visa while on OPT?
    • Please check with the U.S. embassy/consulate in your country regarding visa renewal application requirements.
  5. Is a DSO travel signature needed if I want to travel while on STEM extension?
    • Yes. A DSO travel signature is required, and it is valid only 6 months.
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Reference Article relating to Resources for International Students
International Students can find information from the Gallagher International Center.