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.

Can STEM OPT extension be denied?

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.

How long is the wait for STEM OPT extension?

How long will it take for my application to be approved? Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

How many STEM OPT extensions?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

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.

Applying for STEM OPT Extension | How To Complete Form I983 Training Plan for F1 Visa Students

How long does STEM OPT approval take?

USCIS has a goal timeline of 90 days to process an OPT/STEM Application. However, this is not a guaranteed timeline. An OPT/STEM application can take up to 3-5 months to get adjudicated. Please visit the USCIS Processing Times website for the most up-to-date processing times.

Can you 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.

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.

Can I work for 2 companies on STEM OPT?

You may work for more than one qualifying employer while on STEM OPT, but all employment must be related to your most recently completed degree program, all employers must be enrolled in E-Verify and complete reporting requirements (i.e. I-983s), and you must work a minimum of 20 hours a week for each employer.

Do you need a job for STEM OPT extension?

Accordingly, DHS clarifies that students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions unless they will be bona fide employees of the employer signing the (I-983) Training Plan, and the employer that signs the (I-983) Training Plan must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience ...

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.

Who is eligible for STEM OPT extension?

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.

Does STEM OPT require sponsorship?

Since there is no sponsorship process required for students on OPT (like there is for other work visa programs), employers simply need to extend an offer of employment once the student has received their EAD.

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.

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.

What if my stem extension is denied?

What happens if my STEM OPT extension is denied? If your STEM OPT extension is denied, you will typically be given a 60-day grace period from the date of denial to depart the U.S., transfer your SEVIS record to a new institution, pursue further studies, or transition to another visa category.

How long can I be 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.

Can I study while on stem OPT?

Studying while on OPT is generally prohibited. Enrolling full-time, taking classes at a higher educational level, or taking courses at another institution will terminate your employment authorization, even if the dates on your EAD are still valid.

Can I hire someone on stem OPT?

Employers who hire STEM OPT students must follow specific reporting requirements and coordinate with a student's Designated School Official (DSO). Students, employers and DSOs develop a formal training plan that encompasses the student's term of employment.

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.

How long is STEM extension?

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.

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 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 get OPT again after PhD?

Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level. OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or PhD).

How can I get OPT approved faster?

You may contact the USCIS National Customer Service number 1-800-375-5283 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern) to request an expedite of your pending OPT request if you have a valid expedite reason.