Does STEM OPT extension get 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.

Can stem OPT extension be denied?

Both OPT and STEM OPT have requirements that if not met can result in a denial. For purposes of this article, the requirements will be put into one of the following categories: 1) timing, 2) clerical, and compliance. For the initial post-completion OPT, an F-1 student must file an I-765 with USCIS.

What is the acceptance rate for stem OPT extension?

QUESTION 4: On average 97% of I765 OPT STEM extensions were approved in fiscal years 2015-2019.

How long does it take for USCIS to approve stem OPT extension?

Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

How many times can I apply for stem OPT extension?

The job will provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree. Be able to complete the I-983 Training Plan with your employer. Note: Students may participate in the STEM OPT extension program twice.

How I lost my STEM Extension 🤯

Can I get STEM extension twice?

How Many Times Can I Get a STEM Extension? Twice, if your second application is based on earning a new degree at a higher level. You must first do a full year of 12-month OPT, then apply for the STEM extension. For example, a student may earn a bachelor's degree and do 12 months of OPT, then do 24 months of STEM OPT.

Will you be eligible for a 24 month STEM extension of OPT?

Eligibility for 24-Month STEM OPT Extension

Be maintaining valid F-1 status. Be on a period of standard Post-Completion OPT. Hold a degree in a field of study (indicated on the I-20) which qualifies as STEM eligible according to the official STEM Designated Degree Program List.

Can I work while STEM extension is pending?

Can they work while they wait? Yes. Assuming that your employee applied for the extension before the expiration date of the OPT, the work authorization and F-1 status is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the STEM OPT Extension application is pending.

Is there a grace period for STEM OPT extension?

Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

Does STEM OPT extension require sponsorship?

While no employer sponsorship is required, employers must be involved in training and are responsible for completing the I-983 Training Plan and multiple follow-up progress reports. STEM OPT can only be used after a student completes his or her initial 12 months of “regular” OPT.

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.

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.

How late can you apply for STEM OPT extension?

You can submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS as early as 90 days prior to the end of your current OPT period. We recommend that you submit your STEM OPT Request via OISS Connect and upload your I-983 no later than one month prior to the end of your current Post-Completion OPT.

What happens if my stem extension is denied?

If your application for a STEM OPT extension is denied during the 180 days, you will receive a 60-day grace period to prepare to depart the U.S., apply for a graduate program, or apply for an adjustment of status to a different nonimmigrant visa.

What to do if OPT extension is denied?

Who is eligible for stem OPT extension?

Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application.

What is 5 month rule STEM OPT?

Does the five-month rule concerning F-1 students being outside the U.S. for five months or longer apply during the OPT or STEM OPT period? The five-month rule is not applicable to individuals during their OPT or STEM OPT period.

How long can I stay in US after STEM OPT expires?

Options after the Completion of the STEM OPT Extension benefit. When you have completed your STEM OPT, you are permitted to remain in the United States for up to sixty calendar days from the end date of your STEM OPT period in order to prepare for departure.

What happens if OPT is rejected?

If you receive notice of the denial before your 60 day grace period expires, you may reapply for OPT but will need to resubmit all application materials again, including a new OPT Recommendation from OIA as well as another $410 filing fee. The 2nd application will also be subject to the same standard processing times.

How much is the STEM extension fee?

FILING FEE PAYMENT OF $410.00 (See USCIS guidelines for paying fees). TWO (2) PHOTOGRAPHS. These must meet the requirements outlined on page 20 of USCIS's Instructions for Form I-765. Students should write their full name and USCIS # (on EAD) on the back of each photograph.

Can I travel while waiting for STEM extension?

Travel While OPT STEM Extension Application is Pending

If you believe you must travel, you should take: Passport (valid for six months after you plan to re-enter the US) Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport* I-20 (with a valid travel signature no older than six months)

Can I be unemployed while STEM OPT is pending?

Even if your OPT application is still pending after 60 days, as long as you applied by the deadline, you are eligible to legally remain in the U.S. Unemployment Days: Your unemployment days start after your OPT start date on your EAD card.

Can you apply for STEM extension without a job?

Do I need a job offer to apply for a STEM extension? Yes, and this job offer needs to meet the following requirements: It has to be directly related to your degree and the STEM field of study.

What is 24 month STEM extension?

The 24-Month STEM OPT period represents a continuation of your current F-1 status. You must stop your employment when the end date on the EAD card is reached, but may remain in the US for a 60-day grace period after the end date on your EAD card.

Can I apply for H 1B after STEM OPT expires?

If your STEM OPT has expired, but you are still in a valid 60-day grace period as of April 1^st, your employer can still file an H-1B petition on your behalf and you can legally stay in the U.S. (extension of duration of status) until you receive official notification about the status of your case from USCIS, but you do ...