STEM OPT Extension frequently asked questions

USCIS accepts premium processing applications/requests with the filling of the Form I-765 for the OPT employment authorization application. Premium processing Form I-907 is filed at the same time you file form I-765 and the additional fee is $1,685. The premium processing timeframe is 30 calendar days after USCIS receives all necessary documentation. USCIS accepts both online and paper filings of Form I-907.

Premium processing can be applied for at the same time the I-765 is filed but can also be added later by returning to the USCIS account.

Please note that the 30-day window starts when you properly file the Form I-907 and pay the premium processing fee. Be aware that this does not include the time it takes to produce and deliver your EAD card.

To request premium processing on a pending OPT application that you have previously filed online:

1. Go to USCIS My Account
2. Choose “File a Form Online”
3. Choose “I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service” in the drop down menu under “Select the form you want to file online.”
4. Click “Start Form”
5. Your pending STEM OPT Extension case should display under “Add Premium Processing to a Case.”

For more information, see the USCIS article, How Do I Request Premium Processing?

It is possible to update your mailing address with USCIS after applying for STEM OPT Extension. However, we have found that changes to the mailing address while the application is pending can cause EAD delivery problems. We recommend that you determine the best mailing address at the time you file for STEM OPT Extension.

Changing your mailing address in eServices does not change where your EAD is sent by USCIS.

If you do need to report a change to your mailing address, be aware that it takes 2 to 3 weeks for USCIS to process the change. To make the change, go to How to Change Your Address.

Be sure to validate that you have the correct address by entering your address in the USPS verification site.

You will need the Receipt Number and the date of your I-765 application. Carefully follow the instructions. Remember that you must keep your physical address up to date in eServices. This is an immigration requirement.

If you want to travel while your STEM OPT Extension application is pending, then you are fine to travel.

You’ll need to bring with you the same documents we normally recommend you have with you when you travel.

• Your passport (valid for six months from the date of your re-entry)
• A signed I-20 (remember that each travel signature is valid for only 6 months during the period of STEM OPT Extension)
• A valid F-1 visa stamp

For a full list of documents needed for reentry into the U.S., please review Traveling as an International Student.

We don’t recommend you travel outside of the U.S. after you finish your degree unless you have your STEM OPT Extension approved, the EAD card, and a job offer letter. If you will need to renew the F-1 visa in your passport while you travel, please review the information on how to renew your visa.

Your job should be directly related to your Metro State major.

In other words, you must be able to make a strong connection between your job and what you studied at Metro State. If you can’t make that connection, then you should not be working at that job for STEM OPT Extension.

Often a job posting or advertisement will include the kinds of degrees the employer believes will be well suited to the advertised position. Having a copy of that job ad is helpful for your documentation that the job is connected to what you studied. You can also get a letter from your job supervisor indicating how your degree is essential for your position. It helps to keep copies of these documents so that if the U.S. government ever wanted to see proof of how you were keeping your status legal while on STEM OPT Extension, you would have easy and ready proof to provide to them.

It’s possible to have multiple employers while on the STEM OPT Extension. You need to request authorization on your I-20 in advance of beginning any new position. Each and every job during the STEM OPT Extension must meet all STEM requirements:

• Each job must be at least 20 hours per week and be directly related to your STEM field of study
• Your employer is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program and has an EIN number
• Your employer must fully complete the Form I-983 and abide by all employer obligations
• Volunteer/unpaid positions and self-employment are NOT allowed by the STEM OPT Extension

Yes. STEM OPT Extension is employer specific. You need a job to apply for STEM OPT Extension. You will include information about your employer in your STEM OPT Extension application.

There is no limit as to how many hours you can work.

Students participating in STEM OPT Extension may work remotely as long as they continue to comply with F-1 requirements on STEM OPT Extension.

If your card was lost or stolen while you are on STEM OPT Extension, you will need to apply for a replacement card.

Replace an EAD card.

U.S. government regulations state that STEM OPT Extension employment is automatically terminated when a student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level. Only recreational or avocational classes are permissible while on STEM OPT Extension.

If you are authorized for STEM OPT Extension and wish to take a class or two, there should not be a problem with this, provided that you do not begin a program of study.

If you begin study at another education level, your STEM OPT Extension authorization is terminated with the notification of a new degree program in the SEVIS or with a transfer of your SEVIS record to another institution.

If you are having issues with your EAD being lost or misdirected, consider completing this USCIS case assistance request form.

If the card is lost, and USCIS cannot simply resend it to you, then you will have to apply for a replacement card. Review the process to replace your EAD card if you need to apply to replace your card.

As long as you worked and did not accrue more than 60 days of unemployment while on STEM OPT Extension (and 90 days on OPT), you can stay in the U.S. for up to 60 days after completing your STEM OPT Extension (You are allowed 150 total days over the 3 years).

Yes, you must pay state and federal income taxes.

Most large cities will have tax assistance services to help you with this process. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an example of such assistance. When dealing with a tax service center, ensure that the tax consultant classifies you properly as a resident or non-resident for tax filing purposes (different from immigration status).

If you have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years, you may be exempt from social security taxes.

As long as you follow of the instructions exactly and submit your application in a timely manner, it is extremely unlikely your application will be rejected.

The most common reasons we see for rejections are:

• applying too early (more than 90 days before the end date)
• applying too late (after the OPT authorization has ended)
• application being received more than 60 days after the ISS signature date on page 1 of the I-20

Outside of these reasons, it is extremely uncommon for applications to be rejected.

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is what USCIS will send if they require additional information to process your request.

If you forget to sign something or do not include a required document, it is more likely you will receive an RFE than a rejection.

Although responding to RFEs usually results in an approval, RFE can cause long application delays.

The best way to avoid receiving an RFE is to make sure you are following all of the detailed application directions exactly.

Yes. As long as the service center receipts your application you can stay in the U.S. until your STEM OPT Extension is approved.

Your EAD should say ‘Not Valid for Re-entry.”

The statement means that the EAD document alone is not sufficient for re-entry.

The EAD work authorization card does not replace your visa and other immigration and travel documents. You need the EAD in addition to your regular travel documents (I-20 with travel signature—signatures are only valid for 6 months while on STEM OPT Extension, passport valid at least 6 months into the future, valid visa, etc).

It is your responsibility to have a job that is relevant to your major or field of study. You are the sole person who can make the determination of whether or not your job is directly related, as you are responsible for your maintaining your immigration status and facing any consequences arising from status violations.

"Directly related" means that you are using the skills and knowledge you developed in your major/degree program in the job you are doing and your job is appropriate for your level of education.

Once you receive your EAD, make a copy or scan of it and keep it for your records.

You do not need to provide ISS with a copy of your EAD.

However, you should review the information on your card to ensure everything is listed correctly.

During your pending STEM OPT Extension application and after the STEM OPT Extension approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 sponsorship of Metro State. The STEM OPT Extension is a benefit of your F-1 status and extends your ability to remain in the U.S. for the purpose of seeking employment in your STEM field of study. This means that you will continue to use your Metro State STEM OPT Extension I-20 and F-1 documents to travel and you will still need to get fresh travel signatures from ISS. This also means that ISS is still responsible for reporting changes about your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on STEM OPT Extension.

If this is your situation, please contact ISS to speak to an adviser as soon as possible so that we can advise you on next steps.

In some cases, your Metro State major on your transcript does not match the CIP Code name listed on page 1 of your I-20. We recommend that students in these programs submit a letter of explanation with their STEM OPT Extension application to avoid any confusion by USCIS. If you are in one of the following programs or majors, please contact ISS for assistance.

As long as you have submitted a timely filed STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS, you can continue working for up to 180 days after the expiration of your original OPT EAD while you wait for the STEM OPT Extension EAD approval. You may need to provide your employer with a copy of your I-765 receipt notice as evidence that the application is still pending. If your employer has questions, you can direct them to the Foreign Academic Students site.

You would need to stop working immediately.