F-1 STEM OPT Application Process
Follow the steps below for guidance on how to apply for STEM OPT.
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The Form I-983 is a formal training plan completed by you and your employer. The Form I-983 must be completed according to both the USCIS instructions (pdf) and the ISSO supplemental instructions.
Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the Form I-983 is complete, has the correct dates, the proper signatures, and accurate information. If the form is not completed properly, the processing of your OPT STEM request will be delayed.
You can request a STEM OPT Extension as early as 90 days before your OPT completion date. The STEM OPT Request icon will appear in the ISSO Portal for your use at that time.
To request a new Form I-20 recommending you for STEM OPT:
- Log in to the ISSO Portal with your Brandeis credentials
- Click on the Request Center tab, then click “STEM OPT Extension Request”
- Complete the STEM OPT Extension Request form, including the questionnaires, file uploads, and electronic signature documents
- Click “Submit” (not “Save”) to submit the STEM OPT request
- Your request will be processed within 7 business days. If your request is approved, you will receive an email from the ISSO with instructions on how to download your new STEM OPT Form I-20 and the next steps in the application process.
Note: Submitting a STEM OPT application to USCIS without a new Form I-20 recommending you for STEM OPT will result in denial of your application and possible forfeit of your STEM OPT.
Once you have received your new Form I-20 recommending you for STEM OPT, you must decide if you will submit your OPT application by mail or on-line.
You will need to prepare the items below for your application:
- STEM OPT Form I-20, review the form for accuracy, sign, and date the bottom of page 1
- Make sure that your Form I-20 lists the E-Verify employer’s company name on page 2
- Two new standard (2” x 2”) passport-sized photos. Visit the Department of State website for details on photo requirements
- Most recent copy/scan of your Form I-94
- Scan/copy of your passport identification page
- Scans/copies of your old CPT/OPT Form I-20(s)
- Scan/copy of your F-1 visa
- Scan/copy of your previous Employment Authorization Document(s) (EAD)
- Scan/copy of your Brandeis diploma
- STEM OPT Extension application fee of $410
- Checks/Money orders should be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Use our sample check for guidance. While a check or money order is the recommended method of payment, you also have the option to fill out Form G-1450 (pdf) to pay with a credit card.
- You may pay using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer if you apply online. The credit card must be issued by a U.S. bank.
- Do not begin your application with USCIS until you receive the STEM OPT Form I-20 from the ISSO. Submitting your STEM OPT application without the STEM OPT Form I-20 will lead to the denial of your OPT application.
- You must submit your STEM OPT application within 60 days of the recommendation date on the bottom of page one of your new Form I-20 and USCIS must receive your application before your current OPT period ends.
- You may submit your STEM OPT application online or by mail.
To File Online:
- Log in or create an account with USCIS. After setting up this account you will be able to:
- Submit your forms
- Pay your fees
- Track the status of your case
- Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox
- Respond to Requests for Evidence
- Review the USCIS I-765 instructions and the ISSO’s I-765 Supplemental Instructions for assistance with completing Form I-765
- Once you have followed all of the instructions and uploaded all the required documents to your USCIS account, you can submit your STEM OPT Extension application
- You will be able to download a Receipt Notice immediately. A duplicate paper Receipt Notice will be sent to you at a later date
Note: Submitting a STEM OPT application to USCIS without a new Form I-20 recommending you for STEM OPT will result in denial of your application and possible forfeit of your STEM OPT.
To File by Mail:
Assemble your paper STEM OPT Extension application in this order, from top to bottom:
- Form G-1145 (pdf) (optional but recommended) to request email or text notification when USCIS accepts your application.
- Photos and check/money order should be paper-clipped to the front of the Form I-765.
- Original, signed Form I-765. USCIS’ website includes instructions that you should refer to in order to complete the I-765. Please also check the ISSO I-765 Supplemental Instructions. Typing is preferred, but you may handwrite in areas that you cannot complete on the electronic form. Please ensure to download the most recent version of the Form I-765 from the USCIS website.
- Copy of new STEM OPT Form I-20-Include a copies of page 1 and page 2 (Do not mail the original)
- Copies of all other Form I-20s for which you have received work authorization (CPT/OPT) (from the most recent to the oldest)
- Copy of Form I-94
- Copy of F-1 Visa
- Copy of your Passport Photo ID Page and Passport Expiration Page (may be same page)
- Copy of any previously issued Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), if applicable
- Copy of Brandeis diploma
Note: Submitting a STEM OPT application to USCIS without a new Form I-20 recommending you for STEM OPT will result in denial of your application and possible forfeit of your STEM OPT.
Submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS within 60 days of your STEM OPT recommendation date ( the date on your new STEM OPT Form I-20.
- The average processing time for a STEM OPT application is 90 days from the receipt of the application.
- If you file your STEM OPT application in a timely manner, you will be able to continue employment while your application is pending, until a final decision is made by USCIS or for 180 days beyond the expiration of your post-completion OPT, whichever comes first.
- You will receive 3 documents from USCIS: a Receipt Notice, an Approval Notice, and your STEM OPT Extension EAD.
- You can check the status of your application on the USCIS website with your Receipt Notice case number.
- If your STEM OPT application is denied after your regular OPT expires, you will not be able to re-apply, so please review your application carefully.
- If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), please contact your ISSO advisor for assistance.