How to Apply for OPT with STEM extension
- Make I-983 Plan
- Pay Fee
- Request I-20
- Complete I-765
- Download I-94
- Get Photos
- Get Transcript
- Submit Application
- Get EAD Doc
1 Complete a I-983 training plan.
Complete the Department of Homeland Security’s I-983 training plan with your work supervisor. For details, visit the STEM OPT Hub. Follow the I-983 instructions to ensure that you and your employer complete the I-983 accurately.
2Pay the OPT STEM service maintenance fee.
Pay the nonrefundable $250 OPT STEM service maintenance fee (NetID login required to access). You will be asked to upload a screenshot or pdf of your purchase confirmation in the form request in Step 3.
3 Request a STEM OPT I-20.
Complete the STEM OPT I-20 Form to request an I-20 updated with a recommendation for OPT STEM extension. Scan and attach your completed I-983 and your paid fee receipt to your request. If you are applying for STEM OPT based on a previous degree, please email us directly.
NOTE: You must wait to receive your STEM OPT I-20 before filing your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS.
4 Complete an I-765 form.
There two options to apply for STEM OPT Extension. Choose only one of these options.
Note: Effective April 1, 2024, USCIS is implementing a new filing fee for form I-765.
Note: F-1 student must be in the U.S. to file Form I-765 for OPT.
Recommended: Online Filing
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now offers online submission of your OPT application! Follow the directions on the USCIS online application portal. You will need to create an account with USCIS after choosing "File Online" from the USCIS I-765 page.
Hard Copy Mailing
If you choose paper filing, download the I-765 form from the USCIS website. Follow these instructions for filling out the I-765 form. Important: Choose a mailing address for question 5.a where you know can safely receive mail. Do not choose International Services or a Cornell department.
Keep a copy of your completed I-765 for your records. If you want to receive electronic notifications about your application, also fill out the G-1145 form.
5 Download your I-94.
You will need your I-94 arrival record that was created when you entered the United States most recently. You will need your passport in front of you to retrieve your record. Go to the "get most recent I-94" tab, and download the page it generates after entering your passport information.
6 Get new photos.
You will need two brand-new passport-type photographs. These must have been taken within the last 30 days. Photos that you have previously used for a visa or passport are not permitted.
NOTE: If applying by mail (hardcopy mailing), do not cut the photos. USCIS will trim the photos to their preferred dimensions. Clearly write your name and your U.S. admission record number (from your I-94 arrival record) lightly in pencil on the back of each photo. Put the photos in an envelope and attach it to the front of your I-765.
7 Order your academic transcript.
You will need a copy of your Cornell academic transcript—or an academic transcript from another U.S. university if you are applying based on a previous STEM degree. Alternately, you may submit a copy of your diploma if it states your degree field.
8 Submit your OPT STEM application to USCIS.*
*When applying online, follow the USCIS online portal instructions to complete your submission Do not submit anything by mail.
9 Wait to get your EAD.
It takes up to three months for USCIS to process your OPT STEM extension application and issue a new OPT card. This card is also called an employment authorization document (EAD).
Once your case is under way, USCIS will send you a notice of receipt (I-797) in the mail. Please read the notice carefully as it contains a lot of important information. When you have the receipt notice, you can begin to track your case status online.
As soon as USCIS receives your OPT STEM extension application, your current OPT work authorization will be automatically extended until USCIS makes a final decision or for 180 days, whichever comes first.