OPT 24 Month STEM Extension

24-month STEM Extension of OPT

• BE INFORMED!

• READ & REVIEW THE STEM OPT HANDOUT to determine your eligibility for the extension.

• Be a recipient of a U.S. Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in

a STEM-designated degree program (Science, Technology,

Engineering, or Math).

• Be authorized for a period of post-completion OPT and have not

exceeded 90 days of unemployment.

• Be employed or have a job offer (directly related to your field of

study) from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify

Program.

• Employer completes and signs Form I-983 (employer must

participate in E-Verify employer and have a valid EIN number).

• File within the required timeline.

Note: Two 24-month STEM extensions may be granted per lifetime, based on

completion of an advanced degree level.

Eligibility for the 24-Month Extension

• Must be a bona fide employee of the employer

completing the Form I-983.

• The employer signing Form I-983 must be the

same entity to employ you and provide the

practical training experience required by Form

I-983.

• Multiple employer arrangements, sole

proprietorships, employment through ‘‘temp''

agencies, employment through consulting firm

arrangements that provide labor for hire, and

other relationships that do not constitute a bona

fide employer-employee relationship are

generally not supported.

Types of Allowable Employment

• Volunteer/unpaid positions and self employment

are not supported by the 24- Month OPT STEM

Extension.

Are You Eligible? Next Steps:To request an I-20 recommending the 24-month STEM extension, you

MUST submit the following documents to oie@andrew.cmu.edu.

Directions on our website

1. STEM Extension Request Form & Attestation

**THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED

TO OIE VIA FORM-FILLABLE PDF.

**Keep a copy of the Attestation for your records.

2. A photocopy/scan of your EAD card

3. Completed & Signed Form I-983

4. 24-Month Planning Tool Kit

STEM OPT: Employer

Responsibilities• Be enrolled in E-Verify and remain in good standing.

• E-Verify is a government program that verifies Social Security numbers and an employee’s work

eligibility. There is no master list, ask your Human Resource Department if they participate

Note: CMU is NOT an E-Verify employer for STEM.

• Report material changes to the STEM OPT student’s employment to the DSO within 10 business days.

• Implement a formal training program to augment the student’s academic learning through practical

experience.

• Provide an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers in

duties, hours, and compensation.

• Complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. In this form, the employer must

attest that:

• They have enough resources and trained personnel available to appropriately train the student;

• The student will not replace a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker; and

• Working for the employer will help the student attain his or her training objectives.

Email a complete STEM request to

oie@andrew.cmu.edu. A new I-20 will be

issued recommending the STEM extension.

Submit all materials to U.S. Citizenship &

Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Cost: $410

• Processing time: up to 90 days

2-Step Process:

STEP #1:

STEP #2:

Application Timeline

USCIS must receive a complete request:

• No more than 90 days before initial

Post-Completion OPT ends

• No later than 60 days from the date that

the STEM Extension I-20 is issued by

OIE

• Before the end date on your EAD

Card!

Submission after EAD Card end date =

DENIAL!

OPT I-20: The 60 Day Rule!!

• OPT application must be received by USCIS within

60 days of the date your OPT I-20 is issued.

• Be ready to file when you turn in your request!

• I-20 more than 60 days past issuance date = OPT

DENIED!

IMPORTANT!

20 June 2018

• You may continue to work for up to

180 Days while waiting on your new

EAD card

• This is unique to the 24-Month STEM

OPT

While the STEM Application is

Pending…

Employment Authorization Document

(EAD)

You will receive a new EAD card for

the STEM extension

What to Include in STEM Application:

G-1145 form

Check for $410 or Form G-1450 for credit card

(payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

Two U.S. passport-sized photos (No Glasses)

Completed, signed I-765 form

Copies of all I-20s issued to you

Copy of passport

Copy of F-1 visa stamp

Copy of I-94 record (www.cbp.gov/i94)

Copy of previous EAD

Items are listed on page 1 of the OPT handout!!

G-1145 Form

•G-1145 - first page of application

•Free to file

•More like 1-2 weeks…

•Disregard form expiration date –

be sure to download from uscis.gov

Preparing Your Check

US Department of Homeland Security

mm/dd/yyyy

$410.00

Four Hundred and Ten------------00/100

OPT Application Sign Your Name Here

Preparing Your Check

Leave the back BLANK

G-1450 FormIf you wish to pay by credit card – please fill-out at

attached the G-1450 Form to your application.

“Petitioner is person

applying for the OPT

Card Holders

InformationCan be your information or a

friends -> enter that

information here.

Make sure “Card

Holder” SIGNS the

form!

Type or Print in Black Ink

• Write your name AND I-94 # on back!–Write lightly, and in pencil – don’t damage the photo

• Make sure they are the correct size!

• DO NOT Wear Glasses!

Preparing Your Application: Photos

OIE Cannot Check Photos!

Preparing Your Application: Tips

You can include your check & photos

in marked white envelope:

Attach to application – don’t staple

photos!

Form I-765

https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

•Complete Online – form fillable pdf

•USCIS uses machine readable scanner

Form I-765

Check the box:

“Renewal of my permission to accept

employment…”

Form I-765#1: Last name,

First name,

Middle Name

(If No Middle Name –

Leave Blank)

•#3: Be careful of address! • This must be a U.S. address!

•Where will you be in 90+

days?

•Do NOT use a P.O. Box

address.

•Governmental Mail NOT

forward by USPS!

•Keep name on mailbox!

• If you believe you will change addresses within the next

three months, you are advised to list the address of a

trusted friend or family member.

• If you choose to enter your friend or family member’s

address, you must also include a “care of” name. This is

indicated by writing “C/O” and then the name of your

friend or family member before the street address.

Remember:

•This address

determines the

USCIS location

to which you

send your OPT

application.

•This address is

the location to

which USCIS

will mail your

receipt notice

and EAD card.

Form I-765#9A: Do you have a

Social Security

Number?

#9B: Enter SSN

Number

#10: - ONLY if you

answered NO for #9A,

and would like an SSN

Number – and will be

at address used on

I-765 – Complete

questions 10, 11, 12,

and 13.

Form I-765#14: Write in I-94 Numberhttps://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

#15: Check “Yes”

ONLY if you have had

OPT before.

List the appropriate

USCIS

Service Center,

Refer to EAD…

code could be:

EAC = Vermont

SRC = Texas

WAC = California

LIN = Nebraska

YSC = Potomac

List OPT start date.

Form I-765

#18: “F-1 Student”

#19: “Student”

#20: STEM OPT code:

(c)(3)(C)

#16 and #17

Refer to your latest

port of entry stamp in

your passport

Please Note:

ANY U.S. Point of

Entry outside the U.S.

– Where you enter

through immigration

Form I-765List the degree as it is shown

on your I-20 – found in

Program of Study box,

“Major 1” (type as much as

possible, or enter the CIP Code)

Form I-765

Signwithin lines

in dark

blue ink

What do I include with my

application?

Include ALL Materials on

PAGE 2 in STEM OPT

Handout.

I-20 Page 2

STEM

OPT

Dates

New

Travel

Signature

Preparing Your Application:

Proof of Degree

Proof of degree – ONE of the following:Recommended! Final, official transcript

• You may not open the envelope. It is only

“official” in a sealed envelope.

• Copy of the diploma showing the level and

program of study.

**For transcript or diploma, contact the HUB.

The Application Process

Photocopies of Immigration Documents

•I-94 record

•Electronic printout: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

OR

•White I-94 card (front & back)

•Photo page of passport

•Most recent F-1 visa stamp

•ALL I-20s (be sure that they are signed!)

•EAD card(s)

Optional Cover Letter

• Cover letter not required, unless something is

missing or further explanation is required:

•Missing I-20

-(check your records then contact your school)

•Missing EAD

-No template: Just “To whom it may concern: I

am missing X”

Dependents in F-2 Status

• F-2 dependents will receive a new I-20

F-2 documents NOT submitted in OPT

application

• F-2(s) Must ALWAYS Travel with:• New F-2 I-20

• Copies of F-1’s Documents (OPT I-20, EAD

card(s), Job Offer Letter)

Make A Copy of ENTIRE

Application!!

You will need this information

in the future!

Scan, copy, etc…

But make sure it is a copy of

the entire application

Timing of Your Application

•Be aware of processing times:

•Up to 90 days to be approved…

..or longer if application is returned,

something is missing, etc.

•Cannot Expedite OPT!! Trying can slow the

process!

•Note: You can continue to work for 180 days

while your STEM OPT is being processed.

Mailing your Application: FedEx/UPSOn I-765 (#3), if you use an

address in:

Alabama, Arkansas,

Connecticut, Delaware, DC,

Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,

Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,

Massachusetts, Mississippi,

New Hampshire, New

Jersey, New Mexico, New

York, North Carolina,

Pennsylvania, Rhode

Island, South Carolina,

Oklahoma, Tennessee,

Texas, Vermont, Virginia,

West Virginia

USCIS

Attn: AOS

2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business

Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067

Mailing your Application: FedEx/UPSOn I-765 (#3), if you use an

address in:

Alaska, Arizona, California,

Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho,

Illinois,

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,

Michigan, Minnesota,

Missouri, Montana,

Nebraska, Nevada, North

Dakota, Ohio, Oregon,

South Dakota, Utah,

Washington, Wisconsin,

Wyoming

USCIS

Attn: AOS

1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S

Suite 100

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Mailing your Application

If you mail your

application with

ANY SERVICE

other than FedEx

or UPS…

Please find that specific lockbox hereDO NOT MAIL Regular Mail!

If You Make a Mistake on Your

Application…

DON’T PANIC!

Contact OIE!

And

NEVER Send in

Duplicate

Applications!

The Waiting Game: Next Steps

You should receive from USCIS:

1. Text message or email with

case number

• (within 2 to 3 weeks)

2. Paper Receipt Notice

• (within 4 weeks)

3. Approval Notice

• (up to 90 days)

4. EAD card

• (up to 90 days)

Remember To Be Patient

Case Status Online: www.uscis.gov

Case will stay in

“received” status

until approved

Maintaining Status During STEM

ExtensionYou must submit a STEM report

EVERY 6 months

First report due 6 months after STEM EAD start date.

Submit report to oie@andrew.cmu.edu: • Name: - As it appears on your Passport

• Date of birth:

• Current residential address:

• Employer's name:

• Employer's address:

• Status of current employment – If there was any changes

Maintaining Status During STEM

Extension150 Days of Unemployment Rule

You may not accrue more than 150 days of unemployment during

the 12 + 24 months of OPT…

**If more than 150 days, OPT and F status ends.

Employment (for SEVP) MUST be 20 hours or more = Full-Time on

STEM.

IMPORTANT: Unpaid Work is not allowed

during 24 Month STEM OPT

Maintaining Status During STEM

Extension

• F-1 students on STEM OPT MUST keep local

(U.S) & permanent (Home Country Address)

current

• Must report to immigration within 10 days of

a move or change

• How….?

Keeping Records & Maintaining Status

Reporting To Immigration!

YesIs your

STEM OPT Approved? Yes

Do you have your

STEM EAD Card?

YesHave you registered

with immigration

using the SEVP Portal?

Then you can update any of the below using the SEVP Portal.

• Residential address

• Personal contact information

• Employer address

• Supervisor contact info

How…?

Keeping Records & Maintaining Status

I Reported To Immigration…

Do I Need A New I-20?• No new I-20 is neededUpdated Residential

Address?

• No new I-20 is neededUpdated Personal Contact

Information?

• No new I-20 is neededUpdated Supervisor Information?

• Ask employer if a new I-20 is needed

Updated Employer Address?

*However, for any other changes,

email oie@Andrew.cmu.edu for

next steps*

*Material Changes might require

updated documentation!*

Keeping Records & Maintaining Status

Change of Employer During 24-Month STEM Extension

1. Submit a final evaluation to oie@andrew.cmu.edu for

“Company A”.

2. Submit a new request to oie@andrew.cmu.edu for

“Company B”• New Form I-983

• OPT STEM Request Form & Attestation

• New Planning Tool

• Copy of EAD card(s)

There is no fee associated with a change of employer during 24-month STEM OPT.

SEVIS will be updated with your new employer and a new I-20 will be issued.

Keeping Records & Maintaining Status

Job must be related to level & field of study at CMU

Keep documentation of employment for your records:

• Employer/company

• Employer address

• # hours per week

• Job description

• Supervisor contact info

Travel Issues on STEM OPT

ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH:

Passport

STEM OPT I-20 travel signature

(Your travel signature should be less than 6 months old at the time of travel)

F-1 visa sticker• Valid for re-entry…except for Canadians

EAD(s)

Job Offer Letter

Employer information reported in SEVIS

STEM OPT Travel Issues Continued

EAD says not valid for re-entry!

– Don’t worry!

*This means not valid for re-entry alone

Canada and Mexico + adjacent islands?

– 30-day exception for expired US visa

– Called Automatic Visa Revalidation

– *unless you apply for and are denied a US visa*

• https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel#_Toc81222014

NEVER Enter as a tourist!! This will end your OPT!

No travel after initial OPT period while STEM EAD is pending!!

OPT Travel Issues Continued

• H-1B application pending?

– CONSULT your H employer!

• Travel Questions

(need a new visa, etc.)?

– Consult an OIE advisor

H-1B Temporary Work Visa

Private Sector:

– H-1B effective start date is Oct 1st

– The H-1B “CAP” or quota

65,000 annually available to employers April 1st

(6 months in advance)

20,000 additional H-1B spaces set aside for

advanced degree holders (Master’s & PhD’s)

Universities/Non-Profits not subject to Cap

– University employers can apply at any time for any

start date

H-1B / STEM OPT Timeline 2018

FY 18 H-1B

Filing Year

Opens

April 1, 2018

Start Date of

H-1B

October 1, 2018

CAP-GAP Highlighted in Yellow

STEM OPT

END Date

On Your EAD

Card

April 1, 2018

or later

Cap-Gap ExtensionIf H is timely filed

(between April 1 and before the end of your

STEM OPT)…

OPT AUTOMATICALLY extends from end of

your OPT to September 30 of the year filed.

If your employer wants new I-20…email OIE

– We need a copy of your H approval notice

and your current EAD card

**Directions of how to request a “Cap-Gap I-20”

is on our website

H-1B vs. OPT

OPT is based on your degree

– If you don’t like your job, you can start

working somewhere else using your OPT.

H-1B is directly linked to your employer

– If you don’t like your job and decide to quit,

you will have no status.

– Once H is approved, OPT ends and F-1

status is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is considered full-time employment on the 24-month OPT STEM Extension?

• Students must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position

directly related to the STEM degree, following the goals and objectives stated in the I-

983 training plan.

• I have two part-time jobs. One of the employers is enrolled in E-Verify but the other is

not. Is this allowed?

• No, all employment during the 24-month STEM must be full-time with an E-Verify

employer as outlined on the I-983.

• How many days of unemployment am I allowed while on the 24-month STEM Extension?

• Students who receive a 24-month OPT STEM extension are given an additional 60 days

of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT period.

• NOTE: 1724-Month Transition students with a 17-month Extension who request an

additional 7 months of OPT have 120 days of unemployment until the final approval of

the 24-Month Extension EAD. Once the EAD is approved, you can claim the 24-Month

150-day unemployment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)• What counts as unemployment?

• Each calendar day during the period when OPT authorization begins and ends that the

student does not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment.

• Can I continue to work while my 24-month STEM Extension OPT is pending?

• If a student’s EAD expires while the STEM Extension application is pending, the student

is authorized to work until USCIS makes a decision about the application, but not more

than 180 days from the date the student’s initial OPT EAD expires

• How do I report to immigration, any changes during my STEM Extension?

• If you have a residential address change, personal contact information change, supervisor

contact information change, and/or an employer address change, you can report to

immigration using the SEVP Portal. For all other changes – please email

oie@Andrew.cmu.edu directly.

• What documents should I present to my employer once my Post-Completion OPT expires

and my OPT STEM is pending?

• The student should present the employer with the expired EAD card, the form I-20

recommending the student for STEM Extension, and proof of the timely filing with

USCIS (Receipt Notice from USCIS).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I switch employers while my OPT STEM application is

pending?

• Yes, but we do NOT recommend this.

• You must submit to OIE:

• A new OPT 24-Month STEM Request,

• An updated I-765,

• A new I-983

• An OIE advisor will update your information in SEVIS and

with USCIS.

• You will then receive a new I-20

Visit:

• STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the

States website

• OIE Web Resources

• Contact OIE at: oie@andrew.cmu.edu

Warner Hall, 3rd Floor

Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00

412-268-5231

www.cmu.edu/oie

oie@andrew.cmu.edu