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⇒ Students ⇒ Extension Option for STEM Field Majors

Extension Option for STEM Field Majors

Updated June 12, 2008

New Extension Option for STEM Field Majors

F-1 students whose OPT is based on a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, as defined by DHS, may be eligible for a one-time, 17-month extension of OPT.  Click here for a current list of STEM-eligible IU majors.  Updates will be made available as they develop.

In order to be eligible for this extension, students applying for this benefit must:

1. Already be on post completion OPT
2. Be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered with the E-Verify employment verification system.  E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration.  For more information on E-Verify, visit this page.

Applying For OPT STEM Extension Requests

F-1 students who are currently authorized for OPT based on completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) field, as defined by DHS, may be eligible for a one-time only 17-month extension of OPT.

In order to be eligible for this extension, students applying for this benefit must:

• already be on post-completion OPT based on a STEM-eligible degree
• have fewer than 90 days of unemployment after April 8, 2008
• be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered in the E-Verify employment verification system
• hold an appropriate degree in one of the DHS-approved STEM fields
• not have previously been approved for a 17-month extension of OPT
• submit the OPT application to USCIS prior to the expiration date of the current post-completion OPT (USCIS must receive the application before the expiration date on the current EAD)

Due to processing and mailing times, OIS requires students to submit this extension request at least forty-five (45) days prior to the current OPT end date.

Students who file a timely application for an extension will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending with USCIS, until it is approved or denied, or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Materials required for the OPT STEM extension application:

• Completed and signed “application for 17-month extension of OPT (DHS-designated STEM fields only)“
• Completed and signed Form I-765 (see “Hints” below)
• Two, color, passport-style photographs (see “Guidelines” below)
• Copy of the front and back of your current I-94 card
• Copy of your passport identity page
• Copy of the front and back of your current OPT card
• Check or money order for $340, payable to “DHS”
• Copy of new I-20 from OIS, with recommendation for OPT extension
• Evidence that your degree meets the STEM degree/major requirements

• Only one of the following must be submitted with your application:

  • Official transcript
  • Unofficial transcript [Contact OIS if you need help printing one]
  • Copy of the diploma that shows your degree level and program of study

You will submit the application on your own to the appropriate USCIS Service Center, but if you would first like to submit your materials to the Office of International Services, we can put the application together for you, and return it to you to file with the appropriate USCIS Service Center.  Please be sure to keep a copy of everything that you submit.  The application should be filed with the USCIS Service Center that has geographic jurisdiction over the address you list on the I-765.  For more information, see the I-765 instructions.

Hints for filling out Form I-765

Download form here

• Item #3

  We advise that you use our address:

  c/o Intl. Services, 306 Franklin Hall, 601 E. Kirkwood Ave. (All on the first line.)
  Bloomington, IN 47405

• Item #9

  Use your US Social Security Number.

• Item #10

  This is the 11-digit number on your most recent I-94 card.

• Item #11

  Includes your current OPT information.

• Item #14

  CIS wants to know what your status was the last time you entered the US.  For most students applying for OPT, it is “F-1 Student.”

• Item #15

  This must be “F-1 Student.”

• Item #16

  (c)(3)(C)—This information has been filled in for you on the I-765 provided in your packet.

• Item #17

  Degree = your degree level and major; Employer’s name as listed in E-Verify; Employer’s E-Verify Identification Number

Guidelines for the “Two Passport-Style” photos

• Head should be positioned directly facing the camera.
• Photo should capture from slightly above top of hair to middle of chest.
• Background should be plain white or off-white.
• Photos should be taken within the last 30 days prior to the extension application.  Photos used for obtaining a non-US passport or a US visa stamp are generally not acceptable, as they are often not the correct size, and rarely taken within 30 days of the OPT application.

Click here for a PDF version of the instructions and application form.  Fax your completed application form to 812-855-4418.

Unemployment Issues while on STEM-based OPT

Days of unemployment should be tracked as outlined here.  However, students with an approved STEM OPT extension will receive another 30 days of unemployment time for a total of 120 days for the entire period of post-completion OPT.

Traveling while Employed on STEM-based OPT

Please see the information regarding documentation that F-1 students on STEM extension OPT should carry when traveling outside of the US.

E-Verify and Indiana University:

Indiana University is not currently a participating employer in E-Verify.  While DHS has announced plans to eventually require all employers in the US to use the system, very few employers currently do.  Employers have not embraced this new system for two key reasons: (1) cost of implementing and administering this new system for all new employees; and (2) inaccuracies within the E-Verify database that can result in extreme hardship for prospective employees, and in particular, for foreign national employees.  For example, a recent audit of E-Verify revealed that foreign-born, work-authorized employees are thirty times more likely to have inaccurate data on file in the system, resulting in delays and at times the inability to secure employment.  Indiana University will continue to monitor developments in E-Verify, and will widely disseminate any change in this policy.

Glossary of terms:

DHS

Department of Homeland Security

E-Verify

An Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.  More information

OIS

Office of International Services at IU

OPT

Optional Practical Training.  Employment authorization available for students in F-1 status upon the completion of each higher degree for work in a field related to their major.  More Information

STEM

Related to the new 17-month OPT rule, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.  Students in these fields have the option of applying for an extension of the initial 12-month OPT period.

USCIS

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services