On-line workshop: Filing for 17-month STEM extension card

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is adjudicated (approved) by the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS), a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Office of International Services (OIS) is the Designated School Official (DSO) for USC graduates. The end result of filing for either the 12-month initial OPT or 17-month OPT extension is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) which shows dates you are able to work legally in the United States.

Extension Overview:
Recipients of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a one-time 17-month extension of post-completion OPT (for a total eligibility of up to 29 months).

Extension Eligibility Requirements

• Must currently be on post-completion 12-month OPT.
• Verified completion of a degree on the STEM field list and degree posted
• Job or job offer from employer registered with the U. S. Government E-Verify employment verification system and employer agrees to report within 48 hours to OIS any termination or ending of employment. 
• What types of employment qualify for the STEM extension?
• Types of Elligible Employment/Issues
• Student must adhere to Reporting Requirements while on Extension

Steps to Apply for Extension

• Student requests updated Extension I-20 from OIS which will be processed and returned to student within 5 business days.  You must apply no less than 30 days before your EAD card expires.
• OPT extension I-20 Request Form
• Student will then send Extension I-20, new I-765 form, fee, photos, and all required supporting documentation to their nearest USCIS Service Center before their EAD card expires.
• Checklist for Extension Packet to USCIS
• I-765 Form

• Please note:  Students whose applications are received before the EAD card expires will be able to continue employment while extension application is pending until they receive final decision from USCIS on application or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Travel Issues While on Extension

Documents to re-enter U.S. while on extension:

• Extension OPT I-20, page 3 is signed for travel with signature not more than 6 months old
• Valid F-1 visa stamp
• Valid passport
• Extension EAD card
• Job offer letter or statement of employment from company (this requirement is now being enforced once EAD activates)

Please note, you cannot travel after first EAD card expires until you have the STEM extension EAD card in-hand to re-enter the United States.