Learn how to complete the I983, which is the most important piece of applying for the STEM OPT Extension. F1 Visa students must complete the Form I983 with their employers before STEM OPT extension can be approved.
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Links To Relevant Videos
5 Simple Steps To Apply for OPT EAD: [ Ссылка ]
In this video, you will learn how to compile a mistake-proof OPT application. With the exception of the I983, the application process for the STEM OPT extension is similar to the initial OPT.
Tracking the Status of Your STEM OPT Extension Application: [ Ссылка ]
If you have successfully submitted your STEM OPT EAD application to USCIS and have received your I-797C, you can learn the best ways of tracking your case status with USCIS by watching this video.
F1 visa students currently on a Post-Completion OPT with degrees in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) may be eligible for an extension of 24 months after the completion of their 12 months of Post-Completion OPT.
Is your STEM OPT extension taking too long to be adjudicated by USCIS? If so learn the best tips to speed up the processing of your STEM OPT application in this video: [ Ссылка ]
Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension Application
To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension an F-1 student must satisfy all of the following:
1. You must be engaged in Post-Completion OPT to apply for the STEM OPT extension
2. You must have a earned a degree (bachelors, masters, or PhD) in a STEM field within the last 10 years
3. You must have a PAID job offer with a company that is registered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-verify system
4. You must apply for an extension of your work authorization before the completion of your Post-Completion OPT
5. You must not have accrued more than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT
Limitation of STEM OPT Extension
1. Unlike the Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT does not allow an F-1 student to be self employed
2. Similar to the Post-Completion OPT, F-1 students must work for a minimum of 20 hours per week and could work for multiple employers
3. While on STEM OPT an F-1 student must not exceed a total of 150 days of unemployment. This includes any unemployment days accrued during the first 12 months of Post-Completion OPT
4. All forms of employment during the STEM OPT extension must be paid
Applying for STEM OPT Extension
Applying for STEM OPT is similar to that of the initial Post-Completion OPT in that you will be requesting work authorization from USCIS. However, with STEM OPT, an F-1 student must submit a request for STEM extension to USCIS before the expiration date of the OPT EAD card. If your request for STEM extension is not received in a timely manner, USCIS may deny your application for extension.
While the application for STEM OPT extension is being processed by USCIS , F1 visa students can continue working on their expired EAD card for a maximum of 180 days from the date of expiration.
