ETSU | STEM OPT

International Enrollment and Services

F-1 STEM OPT Extension

Students with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Only students who have completed degrees in a STEM designated field  qualify for this extension.  You can locate your field of study on your Form I-20, under Program of Study: Major 1.  If your field of study does not appear on this list, you are not eligible for a STEM extension. 

For details on this, review the information available at the U.S. government website’s STEM OPT Hub.

DO NOT file your STEM OPT application before receiving your final I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation from your DSO.  Filing your case without the new STEM OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your STEM OPT application.

How the New Fixed Admission Period Rule Affects Your STEM OPT Application

Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS is replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed admission periods for F-1 students. This does not eliminate or fundamentally change STEM OPT, including the 24-month extension itself and the existing 180-day automatic EAD extension for timely filed applications (see "STEM OPT Start Date" above). However, it may add a requirement to separately file an Extension of Stay (EOS) Application with USCIS, depending on your individual situation:

  • If you are currently on D/S and timely file your STEM OPT application by March 18, 2027, you do not need to file a separate EOS Application.
  • After March 18, 2027 (or if you are not eligible for the transition window): If your fixed admission period (your Admit Until Date) will not cover your full requested STEM OPT employment period, you will generally need to file both Form I-765 (STEM OPT) and Form I-539 (Extension of Stay) with USCIS. DHS recommends filing these together, as USCIS will adjudicate related I-765 and I-539 applications concurrently.
  • If you travel internationally before filing your STEM OPT application and are readmitted with a fixed Admit Until Date (rather than D/S), you will need to file both an EOS Application and your STEM OPT application, consistent with the general OPT rule described on our OPT page.
  • If you are a beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B Cap-Gap petition, you do not need to file a separate EOS Application — the H-1B cap-gap framework is unchanged by this rule.

The 180-day automatic EAD extension for a timely filed STEM OPT application is unaffected by this rule and continues to apply regardless of whether you also need to file an EOS Application. However, that 180-day bridge covers your employment authorization — it does not automatically extend your authorized period of admission if your AUD would otherwise expire. If your AUD is approaching, you may still need a separate EOS Application to remain lawfully present, even while the 180-day EAD bridge is protecting your work authorization. 
Because this depends on your specific status, travel history, and filing timeline, please contact your DSO before submitting your STEM OPT Request — and before making any international travel plans — so we can help you determine whether you also need to file an EOS Application. For full details on the EOS process generally, see our EOS page. 

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

  • Helpful Acronyms

    DSO: Designated School Official
    EOS: Extension of Stay 
    AUD: Admit Until Date 
    USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
    OPT: Optional Practical Training
    STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
    EAD: Employment Authorization Document
    SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
    IES: International Enrollment and Services

STEM Basics

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month extension of approved F-1 12-Month OPT.  Eligible students may apply for a 24-Month STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their current  OPT EAD.

  • STEM Eligibility

    F-1 students are eligible for the STEM extension if they:   

    • Are currently in an approved period of Post-Completion OPT (students on Pre-Completion OPT are not eligible) 
    • Have earned a degree in an eligible STEM field as determined by the DHS-approved STEM CIP code. You can apply based on any previous STEM degree from an SEVP, accredited U.S. institution within the last 10 years.
    • Has not already utilized two STEM extensions and you have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment for the current OPT  
    • Work a minimum of 20+ hours/week in a paid position directly related to their field,with an employer that is enrolled in USCIS's E-Verify  program that has an EIN, will complete a Form I-983Training Plan, and abide by all employer obligations, including Dept. of Homeland Security Site visits..
      • Employment must be paid and "commensurate with the terms and conditions of employment for other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.”
      • Volunteer (unpaid) employment is NOT permitted.
    • Submit a timely application: USCIS must receive your STEM extension request no more than 90 days before, and no later than, the expiration date of your current OPT EAD.  
      • USCIS must receive your application BEFORE the expiration of your current EAD card
      • For E-filed applications, USCIS uses UTC or Coordinated Universal Time to determine the time/date filed.
  • A Note About Prior Degrees

    Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student may use a prior STEM degree from a currently accredited SEVP-certified school to fulfill this eligibility requirement. To use a prior degree to qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the F-1 student must:

    • Have received their most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM-related) from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school
    • Have received their prior, qualifying STEM degree (at the bachelor's level or higher) within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension with USCIS
    • The qualifying STEM degree needs to be on DHS's STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time the student submits their application for the STEM OPT extension, rather than at the time that the student received the degree

    If pursuing this option, you MUST make your DSO aware of this plan before applying. The I-983 and STEM OPT recommended I-20 are impacted differently by this option. 

  • Do I need a job to apply for STEM OPT?

    YES! You must be employed or have a future job offer for 20+ hours per week or more, directly related to your STEM field of study from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program. STEM-eligible employers must have e-Verify & EIN numbers, and the student must have a "bona fide employer-employee relationship." To establish a bona fide relationship, the employer may not be the student’s “employer” in name only. Employment must be paid and "commensurate with the terms and conditions of employment for other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.” Volunteer (unpaid) employment is NOT permitted.

  • What is my status during/after the STEM OPT application process?

    During your pending STEM OPT application and after the STEM OPT approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 sponsorship of ETSU. The STEM OPT extension is a benefit of your F-1 status and extends your ability to remain in the United States for the purpose of seeking employment in your STEM field of study. This means that you will continue to use your ETSU STEM OPT I-20 and F-1 documents to travel and you will still need to get fresh travel signatures from your DSO (every 6 months, if needed). This also means that your DSO is still responsible for reporting changes about your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on OPT.

STEM Extension Requirements

  • Student Requirements

    To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, a student must:

    • Must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your STEM OPT application submission.
    • Have completed a degree in a qualifying STEM Program.
      • All ETSU programs have been assigned a CIP Code via a curriculum process involving the Colleges and the Registrar’s Office.  The process ensures that the appropriate code has been selected based on a list of codes from the U.S. Department of Education.  CIP Code assignment is an academic matter, not an immigration matter.  All questions about CIP Codes assigned to ETSU programs of study should be addressed to the academic department.
      • The CIP Code assigned to your degree is the number that follows your Major on page 1 of your I-20. Note that your ETSU major/degree title may not match the CIP Code title on the STEM-designated degree program list, check the numeric code, not the title, against the list. 
      • The STEM-designated degree program list includes all CIP Codes that qualify an F-1 Student for a STEM Extension of OPT.
    • Has not already utilized two STEM extensions and has not accumulated more than 90 days of unemployment.
    • Be currently in an approved period of Post-Completion OPT (students on Pre-Completion OPT are not eligible).
    • Work for an employer that participates in the E-Verify program and will complete an I-983 Training Plan.
      • Employment on the STEM Extension must be paid.
      • Students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions unless they will be employees of the employer signing the Form I-983.
      • Students may not be self-employed on the STEM Extension because students may not provide employer attestations on their own behalf. STEM OPT applicants participating in a start-up or small business should seek competent business immigration counsel to ensure that their employment qualifies for the STEM Extension.
      • The employer that signs the Training Plan must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience.
    • Maintained valid F-1 Status.
    • Submit a timely STEM Extension application.
      • USCIS must receive your STEM Extension application no more than 90 days before your OPT expires and no later than the end date of your OPT.

    IMPORTANT: If you have not already, you must report your Post-Completion OPT Employment information before submitting your STEM extension request. Please complete the OPT Employment Reporting Form with all employers you have worked for during your OPT period. Failure to report your OPT employment will delay the processing of your STEM request.

  • Employer Requirements

    For a student to be eligible for the STEM Extension they must work for an employer that meets the following requirements:

    • The employer must participate in USCIS's E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
    • The employer must complete an I-983 Training Plan with the student and agree to the conditions in the employer certification sections, including:
      • The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience to the student.
      • The employer has sufficient resources and personnel available to provide appropriate training in connection with the STEM opportunity at the location(s) specified in the Form I-983.
        • The “personnel” who provide/supervise the training experience may be either employees of the employer, or contractors who the employer has directly retained to provide services to the employer; they may not be employees or contractors of the employer’s clients or customers.
      • The employer must agree to report to the DSO when an F-1 student on a STEM OPT extension terminates or otherwise leaves their employment before the end of the authorized period of STEM OPT.
      • Both the student and employer are obligated to report to the DSO any material changes to or material deviations from the student's formal training plan, Form I-983.
    • The employer must remain in good standing with E-Verify and have the resources to comply with the proposed training plan.
    • Under no circumstances would another F-1 student on OPT or a STEM OPT Extension be qualified to train another F-1 student on a STEM OPT Extension.
  • Allowed Employment

    Qualifying STEM OPT employment must consist of:

    • 20+ hours per week of work
    • Paid work (unpaid employment/volunteering is not permitted on STEM OPT)
      • You cannot be paid by a third party or staffing agency, or work at a location other than your employer’s place of business. For more information, please see “The Employer’s Training Obligation: Staffing and Temporary Agencies” on the USCIS Website.
      • In an academic environment, you cannot be paid through an external fellowship. For example, you cannot use STEM for a postdoctoral position where you are not paid directly by the host institution.
    • Employment which is directly related to the STEM-eligible field of study
    • Employment must be with an employer enrolled in E-Verify
    • The employer must have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student
    • Employment must be tied to a fully completed I-983 form
    • The employer agrees to comply with the STEM OPT Employer Requirements and Responsibilities, as outlined on the USCIS website

    STEM OPT employment may include:

    Multiple employers: Students may change employers during STEM OPT, and/or work for more than one employer simultaneously, but all employment must meet the criteria of qualifying STEM OPT employment as outlined above.

    • Any changes in STEM employment must be formally reported to the DSO within 10 days of any change.


    Self-employment / business ownership: F-1 students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions unless they will be bona fide employees of the employer signing the Form I-983. F-1 students may not provide the employer attestation (i.e., signatures) on their own behalf nor provide their own training. However, they may start a business so long as all regulatory requirements are met. The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience.

    IMPORTANT: You cannot begin working for any new employer without first submitting a new, completed I-983 Training Plan for that employer!

  • Unemployment

    During 12-month OPT you have a maximum of 90 days of unemployment over the 12 month period. During the STEM period you are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment. The total allowed unemployment days is a maximum of 150 days of unemployment during the entire OPT/STEM period.

    • This is NOT just 150 days at the beginning of OPT or STEM OPT. You are only allowed 150 total days over the entire 3 years.

When to Apply

The STEM Extension application process is a multistep process that requires requests to:

  • Your employer to complete the I-983 Training Plan
  • Your DSO via the STEM OPT Request form
  • The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online application

You may apply for your 24-month STEM OPT extension 90 days prior to your 12-month OPT expiration date through the OPT expiration date (printed on your EAD card). Your STEM OPT extension request will be denied if USCIS receives your application on or after the end date of your current EAD.

IMPORTANT: If you have not already, you must report your Post-Completion OPT Employment information before submitting the STEM OPT Request form. Please complete the OPT Employment Reporting Form with all employers you have worked for during your OPT period. Failure to report your OPT employment will delay the processing of your STEM request.

How to Apply

Applying for STEM OPT is a three part process, and each element takes time to process. It is important that you file your STEM OPT application with USCIS before the expiration date on your OPT EAD card, so plan accordingly.

DO NOT file your STEM OPT application before receiving your final I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation from your DSO.  Filing your case without the new STEM OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your STEM OPT application.

If You Also Need to File an Extension of Stay (EOS) Application:

If your Admit Until Date will not cover your full requested STEM OPT period (see "How the New Fixed Admission Period Rule Affects Your STEM OPT Application" above), you will generally need to file Form I-539 (EOS) in addition to Form I-765 (STEM OPT). DHS recommends filing both applications concurrently, as USCIS will adjudicate related I-765 and I-539 applications together. Please discuss this with your DSO as early as possible in the STEM OPT process, since it may affect your timeline and required documentation. 

  • Eligibility

    Confirm your eligibility using the information found in the STEM Eligibility section above.

  • STEM OPT Training

    Complete the STEM OPT Training module in HomeBase. When you complete the module, you will download the Certificate of Completion and upload the document in the STEM OPT Request form.

  •  I-983 Training Plan

    Review the I-983 Guide  and read the STEM Extension Requirements above before completing the Form I-983.  Failure to review the I-983 Guide may result in completion errors and cause delays in processing your STEM OPT request.

  • STEM OPT Request

    Complete the STEM OPT Request form.  

    The following documents are required uploads:

    • Current OPT I-20
    • Current OPT EAD Card
    • Copy of your most recent I-94
    • Completed Form I-983
    • STEM OPT Training Certificate of Completion
    • Transcripts (document must show 'degree awarded')

    You will be contacted by the DSO once your STEM OPT Request has been processed. If successful, a new STEM OPT recommened I-20 will be issued and emailed to you.

    STEM OPT Start Date:

    You don’t need to choose a start date! Your STEM OPT will be issued with a start date effective the day after your original 12-Month OPT EAD expires. As long as you have submitted a timely filed STEM 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 EAD approval.

  • USCIS Application

    The STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible.  Please use the STEM OPT I-765 Guide to complete your final application. If you are also filing an EOS Application, review the EOS page for the required documentation for that filing separately — the I-539 and I-765 have different requirements and are submitted as separate applications, even when filed concurrently. If you have questions or need clarification, please contact your DSO directly BEFORE filing your application with USCIS.

    AFTER receiving the STEM OPT I-20, review the STEM OPT I-765 Guide. You will use this document to guide your STEM OPT application submission via the USCIS online application platform.

    • If you are unable to locate documentation for the I-765 application, you may use the missing documentation letter template, located under the Employment Resources, to include with your application to USCIS.

    Important Note: You are required to send your DSO a copy of your STEM OPT I -797 Approval Notice and EAD card.

  • Processing Times

    Our standard processing time for STEM OPT I-20 is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures). We process requests in the order in which they are received.

    • Be sure to submit a complete, accurate STEM OPT Request form; otherwise, our review will be delayed as we wait for corrections/missing materials.

    Premium Processing is now available for STEM OPT I-765 applications

    • USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.
    • Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

STEM OPT Employment Reporting

A critical part of maintaining lawful F-1 status during STEM OPT is keeping up with the requirements for STEM OPT Reporting. DHS requires students to report all changes of address and periods of employment and unemployment while authorized for STEM OPT. To meet your reporting obligations, you must report the information to the DSO. Please note, while you may also make some updates using the SEVP Portal, you are still required to submit any changes via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form. 

Compared to your 12-month OPT period, there are several additional requirements while on STEM OPT. Additional details about these requirements are outlined below.

You must report within 10 days of receiving your STEM EAD card, submit validation reports every 6 months, and report updates no later than 10 days after any subsequent change. 

  • Department of Homeland Security Reporting Regulation

    The Department of Homeland Security launched the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal in March 2018 with the intention of making it easier for F-1 students on OPT to report their employment, address, and telephone number directly to DHS.  While this portal may provide some convenience, please remember that the immigration regulations have not changed. The regulations still state that F-1 students must report employment to their Designated School Official (DSO). Students will receive an automated link from SEVP to create an account in the SEVP Portal at the beginning of their OPT period.  

    The exact regulation is in 8 CFR 214.2(f)12)(i) and reads:

    • (i) General. An F-1 student who is granted employment authorization by USCIS to engage in optional practical training is required to report any change of name or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a student for OPT is responsible for updating the student’s record to reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that training is authorized.
  • Changes in:

    You will use the Intl. Student Update form for any of the following changes:

    • Your residential address
    • Your phone and email address

    You will use the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form for any of the following changes:

    • Employer('s) name
    • Employer('s) address
    • Job Title(s)
    • Explanation of how your job(s) relates to your field of study
    • Start and/or end dates of employment
    • Any periods of unemployment
      • Note: unemployment is reported via the OPT Employment Reporting form by timely reporting the end date of your prior employer--date ranges not covered by employment dates that you have entered into the employment reporting form count as unemployment.
    • Remember that you are allowed a maximum of 150 total days of unemployment during your combined period of OPT and STEM OPT.
  • New Employer

    For all new employment, you will submit the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form and include all the required documentation listed in previous sections. This includes a new I-983 Training Plan for the new employer.

    You cannot begin working for the new employer until your DSO issues a new STEM OPT I-20 for that employement opportunity.

  • Material Changes

    Changes that require submitting a new I-983 training plan:

    • Reduction in compensation not tied to a reduction in hours worked
    • Employer's commitment to student's learning objectives and/or position duties
    • Supervisor and/or supervisor's contact information
    • Employer's address and/or the physical worksite location
    • Any change of the employer's name and/or EIN number, resulting from a change in the employer's ownership or structure.
    • Change of employer or loss of employment requires submission of the "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" section of the I-983
    • Subsequent employment will require submission of a new I-983 training plan
  • Validation Report & Evaluations

    STEM Validation Reports and Evaluations must be submitted via the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form. Be advised that your F-1 record may be terminated for failure to submit these required updates.

    • Every 6 months (from the start date of the STEM EAD), students must submit a "Validation Report."
    • At 12 months (from the start date of the STEM EAD), students must submit an Annual Evaluation signed by their current employer (top of page 5 of the I-983 Form).
    • At the end of each employment (if the student stops working for an employer), students must submit a Final Evaluation (bottom of page 5 of the I-983 Form).
      • You will do this by adding an end date to the previous employer on the empoyment reporting form.
    • At the end of the STEM OPT period, students must submit their 24-month Validation Report and upload their Final Evaluation(bottom of page 5 of the I-983 Form).
    • Students should complete the Validation Report no more than 30 days before, and no later than 10 days after, the 6, 12, 18, and 24-month mark of your STEM OPT. 
      • It is your responsibility to submit your Validation Report/Evaluations as required. 
  • Employer's Reporting Requirements

    If your employment is terminated for any reason, your employer is required to notify your DSO within 5 days. You must inform your employer of the reporting requirements at the end of your employment.

    • Ask them to email your DSO with the following text in the subject line of the email: "STEM OPT Employment Termination."
      •  Your name, your SEVIS ID number and the start and end date of the STEM employment must be included in the email message.
  • Early Completion

    You are allowed a grace period following your STEM OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program. In some cases, you may want to pursue these options before the end of your STEM OPT. If you remain in the United States past the end of your grace period without transferring to a new school or program or having applied for a timely filed Change of Status, this is a violation of your F-1 status and could lead to current or future consequences to your US visa record.

    Departing the U.S.:

    • During STEM OPT: If you leave the U.S. permanently before your EAD expires, or decide not to use OPT, you must notify your DSO by email.
    • After STEM OPT: If your plan is to depart the United States after your OPT, you must do so within your grace period. You must stop working by the end date on your EAD card.

    Change of Status:

    • During OPT: If you change to another visa status in the U.S. before your EAD expires, such as H-1B or obtain Permanent Resident status, you must notify your DSO via email and attach evidence of your new status (i.e., I-797 Approval Notice and green card).
    • After OPT: If you have a pending or approved change of status when or after your OPT ends, check with the immigration legal counsel working on your change of status application to determine what options are available to you and if you may remain in the United States past the end of your grace period without a negative impact to your immigration status
    • H-1B: If you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I-20. Please consult with the immigration legal counsel working on your case.

    Continuing Your Education:

    • During OPT: Beginning a full-time program of study while on OPT is not allowed. If you wish to start a new program while on OPT, the remainder of the OPT must be forfeited before beginning classes with the new program. If you are beginning a program of study at another U.S. school, you must complete our SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school.  If you are beginning a new program of study at ETSU, you must request a new I-20 via the link in your admission letter. 
    • After OPT: If you are planning to go back to school after your OPT, you must complete our SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to ETSU. This must be done before the end of the grace period following the OPT end date.

    Note: New federal restrictions may limit your eligibility to transfer schools or change degree levels — see our Transferring To or From ETSU page before beginning this process. 

    Students should keep in mind the following points when deciding when to request a Transfer Out of their SEVIS record:

    • The SEVIS transfer release date can be within the STEM OPT period dates listed on the EAD or during the grace period.
    • Students may request a release date in the future and continue working on STEM OPT until that date as long as the EAD has not expired and the new program of study has not yet begun.
    • After the SEVIS transfer release date has passed, students may not continue working on STEM OPT, even if the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has not expired. The release date, in effect, cancels the EAD.
    • Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the transfer release date or the end date on the EAD, whichever is earlier. If the time period between the OPT end date and the start date of classes at the new school will be more than five months, please meet with your DSO to discuss your options.

SEVP Portal

We suggest to those students who wish to use the SEVP portal that they use it for viewing purposes, only, and not to make any changes.  The SEVP Portal is optional and not required by federal regulations.  Students who choose to use the Portal to report information are still required to report that same information to their DSO. 

International Enrollment & Services (IES) provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up-to-date information available. However, any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information on this webpage) does not constitute legal advice. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. IES does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. IES is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

Employment Resources

Form I-983 Guide

STEM OPT Request Form Guide

STEM OPT Online Application Guide

STEM OPT Training Module

Sample Explanation Letter for Missing Documents

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