STEM Optional Practical Training Extension for F-1 Students
F-1 students who receive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees and meet the requirements below may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility
- Must be in a valid period of Post-Completion OPT.
- Must have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree from an accredited, SEVP-certified, U.S. institution of higher education in an approved STEM major.
- Employment must be directly related to your degree.
- The major CIP code must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
- Must be a paid job, at least 20 hours per week.
- Students cannot own their own business, work through a staffing agency, or be a contracted worker.
- Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Student and employer must complete and sign the Form I-983 Training Plan.
Application Process
Make sure you receive your authorized STEM OPT I-20 before applying online. If you apply online without it, your STEM OPT will be denied.
- Check the List of STEM-Eligible CIP codes to confirm your eligibility. Your CIP code is listed next to your major on your valid NSU I-20.
- Complete the NSU STEM OPT Extension Application Packet and begin the I-765 to submit your draft. For instructions, click here.
- Complete the I-983 form with your employer. For instructions, click here.
- Email the NSU OPT packet and I-765 draft to intl@nova.edu. Processing time for a new I-20 is 7 to 10 business days.
- Once you receive your updated I-20, upload the document and submit your application online.
Premium Processing for STEM OPT Extension
USCIS offers F-1 students the option to request premium processing when filing their STEM OPT Extension application. This option was released on March 6, 2023.
- Premium Processing Fee: $1,500 (in addition to the I-765 application fee).
- Decision Timeframe: 30 calendar days from the proper filing of Form I-907 and payment of the premium processing fee.
Forms Needed:
- USCIS I-765 processing times
- Your intended OPT employment start-date
- EAD needs for travel after your I-20 end-date
To check processing times for any OPT application:
- Go to USCIS I-765 processing times page.
- Select:
- Form: “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization”
- Form Category: "Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]”
- Field Office or Service Center: “Potomac Service Center”
Requirements for Maintaining STEM OPT
After Receiving Employee Authorization Document (EAD):
- Work only until the EAD card end date.
- Employment must be directly related to your major.
- Maintain a valid passport. Work at least 20 hours per week.
- Email a copy of your EAD to intl@nova.edu.
- Keep records of employment, including the position held, proof of the duration of that position, contact information for your supervisor, and a description of your job duties.
Reporting Employment:
- Any changes in employment must be reported within 10 days.
- Use the SEVP portal link provided in their email to report employment.
- Confirm employment at the 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th months and complete Form I-983 evaluations.
F-2 Dependents
F-2 dependents are not allowed to engage in employment or business under any circumstances. Violating this requirement will place you out of status.
Employers may be cited, fined, and/or imprisoned for hiring persons ineligible for employment or maintaining employees who are no longer authorized to be employed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
(954) 262-7240
800-541-6682, ext. 27240
intl@nova.edu
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and major holidays
Nova Southeastern University
3300 S. University Drive
Horvitz Admin. Bldg, 2nd Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004