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

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

Once you have received your STEM OPT I-20, you can apply for the STEM OPT Extension online.

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.

Follow the steps below:

• Create your online USCIS account:
• Gather the following documents:
  1. Digital 2x2 color passport photo with white background.
  2. A scan of your passport photograph page.
  3. A scan copy of your visa.
  4. A scan of the front and back of any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
  5. A digital copy of your I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation.
     1. 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.
     2. The I-20 must be signed by an advisor at OIP and by you.
  6. Your most recent form I-94
     1. https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
     2. Select “Get Most Recent Form I-94” .
  7. Your diploma showing proof of the STEM eligible degree.
• A credit card with which you can pay the filing fee.
• File a form online
  1. Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
  2. Select (c) (3) (c)

Reporting Requirements & Unemployment While on STEM OPT

• During the post-completion OPT period of authorization, the following information must be reported within 10 days of the change using your SEVP portal: Your residential address Your phone and email address Employer's name Employer's address Job Title(s) Explanation of how your job(s) relates to your major area of study Start and/or end dates of employment Any periods of unemployment You are required to update this information within 10 days of any changes. Keep a receipt copy of the web site each time you report a change.

• The company that is the named employer on the I-983 training plan submitted by the student applying for STEM OPT extension to their international advisor/DSO must attest to there being a "bona fide employer-employee relationship" between itself and the student, meaning the student's training must take place at a location where their named employer has "sufficient resources and trained or supervisory personnel" on-site to provide their training;
• The named supervisor on the student's I-983 cannot be an employee of a client company; they must either be an employee or contractor of the same company on the student's I-983 to ensure that the student's learning-based work experiences are conducted through a company utilizing its own resources and employees. 
• For complete details, see the USCIS page on Employer Participation Terms and Conditions.