The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of approved F-1 12-Month OPT. Eligible students currently on 12-Month OPT may qualify to apply for a 24-Month STEM OPT Extension to receive an additional 2 years of employment authorization directly related to their STEM degree program.
In order for Jessup ISSO to issue you an I-20 recommending the STEM extension, we must have a completed Form I-983 (Please find an overview here). Specific guidance for you and your employer can be found here.
Eligibility
Eligibility
You must be a recipient of a U.S. Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) designated degree program. (You can check the CIP code listed on your I-20.) You can apply based on any previous STEM degree from an SEVP, accredited U.S. institution within the last 10 years.
You must be currently authorized for 12-month OPT and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment.
You must be employed for at least 20 hours per week (or have a future job offer) directly related to your STEM field of study from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program.
Your employer must have an EIN number.
Employment must be paid and "commensurate with the terms and conditions of employment for other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment”. Volunteer (unpaid) employment is NOT permitted.
Your employer is able to fully complete the Form I-983 and abide by all employer obligations, including Dept. of Homeland Security Site visits.
You are applying no more than 90 days before your 12-month OPT expires and no later than the expiration of your 12-month OPT EAD.
STEM OPT Document Checklist:
STEM OPT Document Checklist:
USCIS must receive your I-765 application (I-765 Online Guide) no later than 60 days immediately following the date on page 1 of your STEM OPT I-20, or the date your current OPT EAD expires, whichever is sooner.
Please find the process for your reference:
1. Log into your USCIS Online Account and follow all USCIS instructions for this process.
2. Select Form I-765 and indicate your eligibility category as follows: STEM OPT is (C)(3)(C).
3. Upload all required documents:
A passport-style photo of yourself that follows USCIS guidelines as outlined on page 20 of USCIS’s Instructions for Form I-765. Make sure file format and size is acceptable per USCIS requirements.
Form I-94
F-1 visa stamp (OR I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS if applicable)
Passport identity and validity page
Form I-20 with OPT/STEM OPT recommendation
Transcripts or diploma (as requested)
Previous I-20 forms issued for CPT or OPT
Previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), front and back.
Employment offer or verification letter.
The Form I-983 Training Plan must be completed by both the F-1 student and employer. For step-by-step guidance, you may review our Form I-983: Guide for the STEM OPT Training Plan below:
I-983 Guide - Jessup 2026.pdfPage updated
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