24-Month STEM OPT Extension for F-1 UT Tyler Students

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. For a full list of eligible degrees visit STEM Designated Degree Program List.

Understanding the Basics

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 if your UT Tyler major is STEM eligible using the UT Tyler CIP Code List or review the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. You can find the CIP code 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. Please note the following timelines: you can submit your I-765 for your STEM OPT extension no earlier than 90 days before your OPT authorization end date. The deadline to submit your I-765 is the final day of your OPT authorization period. Applying outside these dates can result in an automatic denial from USCIS.
You must be employed for at least 20 hours per week (or have a future job offer directly related to your program of study).
Your employer must have an EIN.
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 must be complete the Form I-983 and abide by all employer obligations.
You are applying on more than 90 days before your 12-month OPT expires and no later than the expiration of your 12-month OPT EAD.

Do I need a job to apply for the STEM OPT Extension?

Yes. You must be employed or have a future job offer for at least 20 hours per week or more, directly related to your STEM program of study from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program. Your employer must have a e-Verify and an EIN number.

What will my visa status be while waiting for STEM OPT approval and during my STEM OPT employment?

During the pending STEM OPT application and after STEM OPT approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 authorization of UT Tyler. The STEM OPT Extension is a benefit of your F-1 status and extends your ability to remain in the United States for the purpose of seeking employment in your STEM field of study. This means that you will continue to use your the UT Tyler I-20 and F-1 documents to travel and you will still need to get updated travel signatures from OIP every 6 months. This also means that OIP is still responsible for reporting changes about your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on OPT.

Do I need a social security to work in the U.S.?

Yes, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN) for any paid employment in the United States.

Applying for STEM OPT Extension

The STEM OPT application process involves several steps and requires coordination between the student, their employer, and their DSO. It's important to plan ahead and ensure all materials are submitted accurately and on time.

When to Apply

The STEM OPT application process involves two major parts. First you must apply to OIP for a STEM recommendation on your I-20. Then you must submit a STEM OPT application, including a signed copy of your STEM OPT I-20, to USCIS.

You can apply for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the expiration of your OPT EAD card.
USCIS must receive your application before the expiration date of your OPT EAD card. Check your OPT EAD card for the expiration date.
USCIS must also receive your application within 60 days of when OIP recommends your I-20 for STEM OPT extension.
You must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your STEM OPT application.

How to Apply

Pay the $100 STEM OPT Extension Administrative Fee in your student account (instructions)
Submit the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request
- Attach the I-983 Form to the STEM OPT I-20 Request

Steps for Completing the I-765 Online Application

Create your online USCIS account:
Gather the following documents:
- Digital 2x2 color passport photo with white background.
- A scan of your passport photograph page.
- A scan copy of your visa.
- A scan of the front and back of any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
A digital copy of your I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation.
- Must be issued within last 60 days for STEM extension OPT. You MUST consult with OIP to receive a new I-20 before filing for your OPT online.
- The I-20 must be signed by an advisor at OIP and by you.
Your most recent form I-94
- Select “Get Most Recent Form I-94” .
Your diploma showing proof of the STEM eligible degree.
A credit card with which you can pay the filing fee.
File a form online
- Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
- Select (c) (3) (c)

Employment Guidelines

Learn the essential employment guidelines for the STEM OPT Extension, including when you can begin working, which jobs qualify, and the rules around working with temp agencies or third-party worksites.

STEM OPT: Employment Basics

When can I begin working?

As long as you have submitted a timely filed STEM application to USCIS, you can continue working for up to 180 days after the expiration of your original OPT EAD while you wait for the STEM EAD approval.

What types of jobs qualify for the STEM OPT Extension?

STEM-eligible employers must have E-Verify and EIN numbers, and the student must have a "bona fide employer-employee relationship." To establish a bona fide relationship, the employer may not be the student’s “employer” in name only.
You must be employed or have a future job offer directly related to your STEM program of study.
The job must be at least 20 or more hours per week.
Volunteer/Unpaid positions and self employment are NOT allowed by the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension.
Please review all USCIS guidance.

Can I be employed by a temp or staffing agency or work at a third-party worksite under the STEM OPT Extension?

Staffing and temporary agencies may employ students under the STEM OPT program only if they provide the practical training experience and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
STEM OPT participants may train at a location other than the employer’s principal place of business, provided all training obligations are met and the employer maintains a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
A STEM OPT employer may not assign or delegate its training responsibilities to a non-employer third party (e.g., a client or customer of the employer, or their employees or contractors). According to guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, if a student uses a temporary or staffing agency for placement in a training opportunity, the agency cannot complete and sign Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, unless:
- The staffing or placement agency is an E-Verified employer of the student.
- The staffing or placement agency provides and oversees the training.

Reporting Requirements & Unemployment While on STEM OPT

During the post-completion STEM OPT period of authorization, you must follow certain rules and regulations to maintain your F-1 status.

Reporting Requirements

STEM Validation Reports and Evaluations

Every 6 months (from the start date of the STEM EAD), students must submit a "Validation Report" by sending an email to oip@uttyler.edu.

At 12 months (from the start date of the STEM EAD), students must submit an Annual Evaluation signed by their current employer (top of page 5 of the Form I-983).
At the end of each employment (if the student stops working for an employer), students must submit a Final Evaluation (bottom of page 5 of the Form I-983).
At the end of the STEM OPT period, students must submit their 24-month Validation Report and upload their Final Evaluation(bottom of page 5 of the Form I-983).
Students should complete the Validation Report no more than 30 days before, and no later than 10 days after, the 6, 12, 18, and 24-month mark of your STEM OPT.

Types of OPT

Forms and Instructions

Employment Options

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