Do I need a new I-20 for STEM OPT?

ISPO will review your request and issue you an updated I-20 that will have the STEM OPT Extension recommendation on it. You will need to include a copy of this I-20 in your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS.

Do I need a new I-20 after stem OPT approval?

After Approval

A new I-20 is not required to show STEM OPT approval. Keep your EAD Card in a safe place. ISS does not need a copy of your EAD. Read all the information on this page about the STEM OPT period.

Do you get a new EAD card for stem OPT?

General Information. Once your application for the 24-Month STEM OPT is approved, USCIS will issue you a new EAD card. The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status.

Do I need to renew my f1 visa on stem OPT?

Renewing Your F-1 visa During OPT or STEM OPT

Even during OPT or STEM OPT, your immigration status in the US is still F-1. Therefore, you can still apply for a new F-1 visa if you need to while travelling abroad.

Do you need I-20 for OPT?

OPT Applications require a copy of an I-20 with an OPT endorsement that you can request in iPortal. Please note that you will need to upload a copy of your OPT fee payment e-mail confirmation.

Understanding the I-20 form || Mistakes to Avoid

Can you apply for OPT with expired I-20?

The OPT application window is either within the 90 days before graduation, completion of coursework/degree requirements, or the Clear Prior deadline (as applicable to the student), or during the 60-day Grace Period following the I-20 expiration date/graduation day/Clear Prior deadline, whichever comes first.

What is stem OPT eligibility?

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must hold a bachelor's degree or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school that is accredited (by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) at the time the student submits their STEM OPT extension application ...

How long is STEM OPT valid for?

The STEM extension of OPT will be 24 months in duration. Qualifying F-1 students will thus be eligible for a total of 36 months of OPT employment authorization, including the initial 12-month OPT period.

How do I renew my F1 visa while on STEM OPT?

If you are approved for OPT/STEM while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.

Is it risky to renew F1 visa while on OPT?

Valid I-20 form properly endorsed for travel, valid F-1 student visa, valid passport and proof of enrollment. NOTE: If your visa is nearing its expiration date, you might want to consider renewing it. Renewing a visa while on OPT is risky. Visa issuance and re-entry to the U.S. is at the discretion of the USCBP.

Can there be a gap between OPT and STEM OPT?

If you graduated in the Spring semester with a standard 12 months of post-completion OPT and then applied for the STEM OPT extension, you will find that your work authorization will expire in June or July three years after graduation, leaving a gap in your work authorization until October 1^st when your H-1B status will ...

What is the grace period for STEM OPT?

60-Day Grace Period

While travel within the U.S. is permitted during the grace period, departure from the country and reentry is not permitted during this time unless you have another valid visa status that allows you to enter the U.S. Once you depart the U.S., the grace period is concluded.

Can STEM OPT be rejected?

What are common, avoidable reasons for STEM OPT Extension rejections or denials? Reason 1: USCIS received Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after OPT EAD end date. If USCIS receives the student's STEM OPT Extension application after their OPT EAD end, their STEM OPT Extension application will be denied.

Do STEM students get 3 years OPT?

Furthermore, the government will only grant STEM OPT to those who are in “Post-Completion” OPT. In other words, the program is for graduates, not current students. Combining Post-Completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

Can I work 20 hours on STEM OPT?

Select a STEM OPT employer that provides the student with formal training and learning objectives. Work a minimum of 20 hours per week per employer.

What is the 6 month review for STEM OPT?

Every six months a student must work with their DSO to confirm that the student's record in SEVIS accurately reflects their current circumstance. As part of this six-month reporting, STEM OPT students must confirm that their SEVIS information correctly identifies their: Legal name. Residential or mailing address.

Can you apply for STEM OPT after OPT expires?

You may apply for your OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT ends. You cannot apply once your 12-month OPT expires or during the 60-day grace period. Your complete OPT extension application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.

How do I stay in the US after STEM OPT?

(1) Apply for an H-1B visa

The visa lasts three years with the possibility to extend to six years. If your goal is permanent residence in the US, you can begin the process of applying for your green card while on an H-1B visa.

Can I apply for green card while on STEM OPT?

International students can apply for Green cards which will grant them permanent residency. The policy allows extension of OPT for students engaged in employment in STEM sectors. Despite the new changes, some general regulations remain unchanged.

What happens after STEM OPT expires?

You get a 60-day grace period when your F-1 STEM OPT expires. Please keep in mind that you cannot work during the 60-day grace period. This grace period is not to be confused with the 60-day grace period typically utilized by people in H-1B status.

How long can I stay unemployed on STEM OPT?

Federal law limits how long F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT can be unemployed. The limits are: Post-completion OPT: 90 days. STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

When should you submit an updated or new form I 983?

Students should update their worksite location only after they've begun working at the new site. Student must report their new worksite location by submitting a new Form I-983 and completed OPT Employment Reporting Form to ISSS within 10 days of beginning work at the new location.

Why does STEM OPT get rejected?

This frequently occurs because students are unaware of the detailed application requirements. Common mistakes include submitting the incorrect check format, missing information on the I-765 form, forgetting to sign, providing incorrect information, and using the wrong OPT code.

Can I apply for STEM OPT twice?

As explained in the previous question, a person can only apply for STEM OPT Extension twice according to USCIS regulations. To apply for the second STEM OPT Extension, you must have a higher degree than the one you had when you applied for the first STEM OPT Extension.

How do I check my STEM OPT status?

Tracking Your Application

USCIS will mail you a receipt notice (I-797C) with your OPT application case status number. You can track your case status at www.uscis.gov.