To qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you must:Unlike the 12 month OPT, volunteer/unpaid work or self-employment is not permitted under the 24 month STEM OPT Extension regulation.Is your 12-month OPT information up-to-date? Only the DSO can upload the form.This lists Active students who have an OPT request that is in Requested, Pending, or Approved status. Please visit FIUTS organizes the international welcome programs at the University of Washington. As we pointed out, it is critical to respond to an RFE as soon as possible and to provide the required evidence within the specified timeframe.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. If you are still looking for practical training opportunities, you should not travel internationally. The STEM OPT Extension is a work authorization that extends the 12-month post-completion OPT for additional 24 months. For ICE to effectively conduct these site visits as part of its oversight responsibilities, it is important that employers report any change in a student’s employment address. OPT STEM employment regulations include: 1. So, make sure you are mindful of this specific time interval.This question is specifically related to our topic – namely OPT Extension RFE. New students who wish to enter the U.S. for autumn quarter will be allowed to take online courses but must register for an in-person course under the hybrid mode of instruction to maintain F status. Continuing students will not be required to register for in-person courses to maintain F status and will not require an updated I-20 with comments about the mode of instruction. Students remain on the list from the time OPT is requested until:If OPT information in SEVIS does not reflect applications filed with or decisions made by USCIS, DSOs can ask to have the record corrected. As indicated above, the employer and student must report such a material change by submitting a modified Form I-983 to the DSO at the earliest available opportunity.Staffing and temporary agencies and consulting firms may seek to employ students under the STEM OPT program, but only if they will be the entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and they have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student. During that period, you can travel outside the U.S. even if your previous EAD is expired.For more information about what documents to carry, and citations for this rule, see scenario #4 in our “Yes, you can change employers while your 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending with USCIS.If you change employers, report the change to ISS through our Your ISS adviser will provide a copy of an updated I-20 directly to USCIS.First contact your home university to see if they offer an exchange with the University of Washington. Simply put, if the check isn’t signed accordingly, you will get an RFE due to this. Can I travel outside of the U.S. if my original EAD expires and my 24-month extension is still pending?No, you are not required to use the ISS address on #3 of I-765 form. DSOs should know the USCIS regulations that extend work permission in special cases while USCIS processes extension requests.For more information and a tutorial on completing the Form I-983, see the To recommend the STEM OPT extension after receiving the completed I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, DSOs should:If this STEM extension is based on a prior STEM degree, the DSO will also enter the following information in this field, “Extension based on prior STEM degree:DSOs must note in this field they have seen the Form I-983 by entering text, “I have reviewed the Form I-983. In addition to that, it’s worth pointing out that extensions of time for submitting the required evidence aren’t an option. Can I qualify for the 24-month extension based on my minor or certificate program?If you have properly filed for a 24-month STEM extension, the period of extension starts the day after the expiration of your original OPT period.8. Check the If your current address and employment information is correct, proceed to Step 2 below.If your current address and employment information is ISS must ensure the 12-month OPT information in your SEVIS record is accurate and updated before processing your STEM OPT I-20 request.Mail the documents listed in item 2 from STEP 3 to:Your STEM OPT application must arrive at USCIS within 60 days of ISS I-20 issuance.If you believe your STEM OPT employer is not complying with the terms and conditions of the 24-month STEM OPT extension regulations, the Form I-983 instructions, and the completed Form I-983 on file with ISS, you may:Yes, your EAD is considered extended for up to 180 days while your STEM OPT extension application is pending with USCIS. We’ve already pointed out that there could be many reasons why an OPT extension request might be delayed. Have a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in an eligible STEM field 3.1. However, be sure to provide an accurate and valid address for at least 4 months into the future so you can receive your EAD card. Be in F-1 status 2. This can be prevented by being doubly mindful during the application process.In case the e-verify number doesn’t match that of the company you mentioned in your application, then getting an RFE is quite inevitable. Otherwise, you will most likely get an RFE for photos. In fact, in most cases, this is requested during the OPT extension process per se.
The 24-month STEM Extension of OPT is an extension of temporary employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students in STEM qualifying degrees after their initial 12-month Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.