How to Apply for OPT with STEM extension
- Make I-983 Plan
- Pay Fee
- Request I-20
- Complete I-765
- Print I-94
- Get Photos
- Get Transcript
- Mail 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 help in filling out the I-983, review these instructions and DHS's online I-983 tutorial.
2Pay the OPT STEM service maintenance fee.
Pay the nonrefundable $150 OPT STEM service maintenance fee via Flywire or Credit Card. You will be asked to upload a screenshot or pdf of your purchase confirmation in the form request in Step 3.
3 Request an updated 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.
4 Download and complete an I-765 form.
Get the I-765 form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website; follow these instructions for filling out the form. 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.
NOTE: USCIS will require an updated edition of the Form I-765 dated 08/25/2020 for applications postmarked on or after August 25, 2020. Please use this version of the form until further notice.
5 Print your I-94.
Print your I-94 arrival record 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 print 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. (Don't cut the photos! USCIS will trim the photos to their preferred dimensions.)
Print 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 transcript.
You will need a copy of your Cornell transcript—or a 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 Mail your OPT STEM application to USCIS.
Send all documents by certified mail with a return receipt, so that you have a tracking number and proof that USCIS received your application. You can also use a courier service like FedEx or UPS.
If your return address on the I-765 is in New York State, send all documents to the following address:
For U.S. Postal Service
USCIS
PO Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680
For Express Mail and Courier (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
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.
Next Up: Cap-Gap OPT Extension