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

✓ 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 (self-taken pictures are not allowed: check Required Documentation section of USCIS for photo instructions!) Expect biometric appointment notifications.
✓ 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. the I-765 form handout
6. Check the USCIS website for the most up to date fees
7. 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

• Please see below the link for tips for filing online:
  • https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/tips-for-filing-forms-online
• Please see the link below for benefits of filing online:
  • https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/benefits-of-a-uscis-online-account
• Please use the link below to check the status of your application:
  • https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

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 have submitted your STEM extension application to USCIS before the end date of your post-completion OPT written on your EAD card.
2. What does qualify as acceptable employment while on STEM extension?
   • ✓ The work must be a paid job.

     ✓ Employers must be E-Verify registered and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN).

     ✓ Students may not be self-employed, nor hired by an agency unless that agency is their direct employer and directly supervises their work: there must be a bona fide employer-employee relationship.

     ✓ The work must be at least 20 hours per week.

     ✓ Multiples employers are allowed as long as they are all E-Verify registered and have an EIN number: each employment needs to be directly related to the student’s USD program and at least 20 hours per week.
3. Form I-983 Training Plan
   • The student and employer must complete a form I-983 Training Plan, and the student must email the completed I-983 to the DSO before the DSO recommends STEM extension 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?
   • See the I-983 form handout for instructions.
5. How many days of unemployment am I allowed to have while on STEM?
   • 60 days of unemployment are allowed in addition to any unused unemployment days from your post-completion OPT (these days are calendar days and cumulative).
      
6. Are there reporting requirements while on STEM extension?
   1. STEM Extension OPT updates will need to be emailed 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.