F-1 students approved for Post-Completion OPT based on a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field that appears on the DHS STEM-Designated Degree Program List can apply for a one-time 24 month extension of post-completion OPT twice during their time of studies in the U.S. if they change educational level.
To be eligible for this, the student and student’s employer must meet the following qualifications:
- The student must have completed a degree in a DHS STEM Designated field of study.
- Employer must be registered in E-Verify and complete and return the Form I-983 to the international student adviser.
- The student must report any changes of employment during this time period to your international student adviser. (This can be done through the OPT Current Employer Information Form)
- The student must apply for the STEM OPT extension before their current OPT expires.
- The student must agree to make periodic reports to the DSO.
Process for submitting an OPT STEM Application. Before beginning this process, you MUST have a Form I-983 filled out by your employer and approved by the international student adviser at UAMS. Instructions on filling out the Form I-983 can be found here.
Part One - Create an account at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ to be able to log-in and complete the I-765 form online.
a. You will need to use the following code when filling out selecting which type of application you are completing: (c) (3) (C) – OPT STEM extension
b. You will need to include your degree title, your Employer’s Name as listed in E-Verify, and the Employer’s E-Verify Company Identification Number (please request this specific information from your employer. The Graduate School does not have access to this information. If you are unsure who to contact, begin with the Human Resources office at your company – also this should be listed on your I-983 form).
c. Make sure you use an email address (personal email address is preferred) to be able to receive updates about your application throughout the process and the receipt once you have submitted it. - Obtain and scan a copy of your degree (ex. Official transcripts stating your degree, copy of your diploma are acceptable). This will be uploaded to the online I-765 application.
- Scan or create a passport-size photo to upload to the online I-765 application (note: there are specifications in the online application regarding the size, etc. Also, you might be able to get this in a digital format from Walgreens).
- Scan a copy of your passport biographical page, visa page, and most recent I-94. These will be uploaded to the online I-765 application.
- When steps 1-9 above are complete, your DSO will send you a signed Form I-20 that will need to be uploaded to the online I-765. This will be provided when your meeting is scheduled.
- On the day of the meeting, make sure you have a credit card or debit card on hand to pay the $410 application fee online. This is required in order to submit your application.
Part Two - If you change employers while your STEM OPT is processing, please make sure to let your International Student Advisor know as soon as possible to avoid any issues with your application.
- Once you receive your STEM OPT EAD Card, please send a copy, front and back, to your International Student Advisor.
- Please reach out to your International Student Advisor with any questions you might have!