• Must currently be on post-completion OPT.
• F-1 students with Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) are eligible to apply. The STEM Designated Degree Program List can be found on the SEVP website. 
• Job or job offer directly related to the STEM field of study.
• Job or job offer from an employer who participates in the U.S. Government E-Verify employment verification system. 
• Limited to two STEM OPT extensions during student lifetime. Students who had already obtained one STEM OPT become eligible for a second STEM OPT extension after:
  • Earning another qualifying STEM degree at a higher degree level and
  • Obtaining a new initial grant of standard 12-month post-completion OPT based on that higher degree. 
• Must submit the  24-month extension to the USCIS BEFORE your initial 12-month period of OPT ends.
• Must comply with additional reporting requirements related to your name, address and employer information (see #7,8,9 below).
• May not request all 36 months (12+24) in the initial OPT application: must apply for initial 12 months of post-completion OPT first. 

You may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension if you hold a prior U.S. degree in a qualifying STEM field, provided that:

• Your previously obtained STEM degree is directly related to the OPT opportunity;
• Your prior STEM degree was conferred within 10 years of the STEM extension application date; you cannot qualify merely on the basis of having met degree requirements;
• Your prior STEM degree was earned at a U.S. institution that is accredited and registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time the Davis IC issues your I-20 for the 24-month STEM extension;
• Your prior STEM degree is in a field listed on the STEM designated program list at the time the Davis IC issues your I-20 for the 24-month STEM OPT extension; and
• You are currently in a period of 12-month OPT based on your most recent U.S. degree. 

E-Verify is an electronic employment eligibility verification system under which employers commit to use an electronic database to check whether the name and social security number presented by new hires match the records in the Social Security database, and whether any immigration documents presented by the employee match information in the Department of Homeland Security database. If an employer is not enrolled in E-Verify, a STEM student CANNOT obtain a 24 month OPT extension. 

You may file for the 24-month STEM extension up to 90 days prior to the end of your post-completion OPT. You must apply before your current OPT end date. Please make sure to send your documents to Davis IC no later than 30 days prior to your current OPT EAD card end date.

You may send your 24-month STEM OPT Application to the USCIS no earlier than 90 days prior to your current 12-month OPT end date. Davis IC processing time is up to ten (10) business days from a complete request.

Do not pay the I-765 application fee until your application has been reviewed by the Davis IC and new I-20 with the STEM-OPT Recommendation has been issued. Once you pay the fee on the pay.gov prompt, your I-765 application will be considered complete and submitted to USCIS. Failure to include the copy of the STEM-OPT recommendation I-20 will result in denial of your application.

If you have any questions, you may contact your International Student Advisor.

STEP 1:

COMPLETE FORM I-983 WITH YOUR EMPLOYER & SUBMIT A STEM OPT EXTENSION REQUEST TO THE DAVIS IC  

You and your employer are required to jointly prepare a formal training plan on Form I-983 and submit it to Davis IC electronically following the online submission instructions below. Email submissions will not be accepted. We cannot recommend you for a STEM extension by issuing a STEM OPT I-20 until we receive a completed I-983 that meets requirements. 

Incomplete I-983s will result in the Davis IC asking for an updated I-983 and therefore will result in a delay in STEM-OPT I-20 issuance. 

The Davis IC can provide limited guidance on completing form I-983. Please review these step-by-step instructions for how to complete form I-983. Further information can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website. If any additional assistance is needed, you and/or your supervisor may need to seek advice from your company's Human Resources or Office of General Counsel. 

IMPORTANT! PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR I-983 TO THE DAVIS IC: 

• EACH AND EVERY FIELD MUST BE COMPLETE ON PAGES 1-4 ON FORM I-983 EXCEPT THE DSO FIELD ON PAGE 1. An example of an incomplete field is not including the Qualifying Major and CIP Code on page 1 (both of which can be found on your most recent I-20). Please read each field carefully and be sure it includes all details requested. Incomplete I-983s will result in delayed processing. We will reach out to collect an updated document before moving forward.
• For the Start Date of Employment field on page 2, please list "the date when the student will begin the STEM OPT training with the employer" as per the SEVP I-983 instructions. The earliest date this can be is the day after your Post-OPT EAD ends if you are requesting continuous employment.
• Please be sure to report your site address on page 3 of the I-983 accurately. If your employment is in-person or hybrid, input the address where you are expected to report in-person by your employer. If your employment is fully remote, input the address of the remote location.
• All information must be legible. We recommend that you fill in all information directly on the I-983, but if there is not enough space, and you need to attach additional pages, each continuation pages must reference the section and question that the continuation is needed for and be signed and dated by the Employer Official with Signatory Authority.
• Page 5 of the I-983 does not need to be completed at this time. Please see Item 8 for STEM-OPT evaluation requirements. 

The plan must explain how the STEM OPT employment will provide a work-based learning opportunity and must also describe:

• The specific goals of the training opportunity, including the knowledge, skills or techniques that will be imparted to you;
• How your employer intends to meet these goals;
• How the training is directly related to your qualifying STEM degree;
• Your employer's methods for evaluating the success of the training opportunity;
• How your employer will oversee and supervise your employment-based training; and
• Your compensation, which must be commensurate with that paid to similarly situated U.S. employees. 
• In addition, you and your employer must attest that you will comply with STEM OPT program rules.

DAVIS IC ONLINE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

AFTER you review the I-983 instructions above, visit TigerNav. Go to the bottom of the page and click the link for "Post-Completion Practical Training Students/New Scholar Login” to access a limited services “Login.” If you do not yet have your limited services access pin (referred to as your password), you may use the link on the next screen to have this emailed to you. Login using your University ID, Date of Birth, and Limited Services Pin/Password.

Once logged into TigerNav, in the left-hand column, click “F-1 Practical Training” and then “STEM OPT Extension Request.” Click “Start a New Request” to complete and submit your application for Davis IC review. Only one request can be active at a time.

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR COMPLETED FORM I-983 TRAINING PLAN READY IN PDF FORMAT BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THE REQUEST. 

Receiving your I-20 with the STEM OPT Recommendation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has issued guidance permitting schools to issue electronic I-20s. This I-20 will be your current, valid I-20 and may be used for all purposes associated with the Form I-20 document.

Your STEM OPT I-20 will be sent to you electronically at the permanent email address on file along with further instructions. DO NOT pay the I-765 application fee until you receive the STEM OPT I-20 and further instructions from the Davis IC.

STEP 2:

RECEIVE, REVIEW, AND SUBMIT YOUR STEM APPLICATION TO USCIS

After you receive the STEM OPT I-20 from the Davis IC, you are responsible for submitting your application with USCIS. It is crucial that you submit an application that is complete and accurate. Incomplete and/or inaccurate applications may result in delay or denial of your STEM OPT. 

PREPARING YOUR STEM OPT APPLICATION

For online application to USCIS:

• Log-in/Create your account with USCIS
• Complete form I-765. You may consult the USCIS I-765 Instructions. 
  • BE SURE to choose (c)(3)(C) for the eligibility category. 
  • The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a physical card that will be mailed to the provided U.S. mailing address on the I-765. It is difficult to change this address after application, so provide a complete mailing address where you can reliably receive mail for the duration of USCIS processing time.
• Upload scans of the following:
  • Scans of any previously issued EADs (front and back).
  • Most recent electronic I-94 Arrival Page. Please be sure that it is accurate and lists your class of admission as F-1. If there are any errors, please contact your International Student Advisor prior to submitting to USCIS.
  • Scan of I-20 signed by you with an original wet signature with STEM OPT recommendation on page 2.
  • Proof of STEM degree in the form of a copy of your Princeton transcript or diploma (English translation must be submitted if diploma is in Latin.  You may print a translation by going here. Please review the translation instruction on page 20 of the I-765 instructions).
• Recent 2x2 passport-style photo
  • You can use the U.S. Department of State Photo Tool to check the photo you wish to upload for your application.
• $470 fee from checking/savings account, debit card, or credit card
  • Do not pay the I-765 application fee until you have reviewed your application for accuracy. Once you pay the fee on the pay.gov prompt, your I-765 application will be considered complete and submitted to USCIS.
  • Applicants will be directed by the online I-765 application to pay the fee at a U.S. Government safe and secure website called pay.gov.
  • Save a copy of the payment receipt for your records.

Working while STEM OPT Application is Pending

Even if your current OPT EAD expires, you may continue to work up to 180 days beyond the expiration date while your STEM OPT application is pending. However, it is important that you apply for an extension in a timely manner. 

Processing Times

USCIS processing times are not guaranteed or standard for all STEM OPT applicants. You may find the average current USCIS processing times by going to the USCIS Check Case Processing Times page.

Premium processing is now available for STEM OPT applications where you can pay an additional fee to have USCIS take “adjudicative action” on the case within 30 business days, as outlined on USCIS’s website. The premium processing fee ($1685) is in addition to the filing fee ($470). The request for premium processing can be submitted online through your USCIS online account when you first submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS or while it is pending. 

Do not file for the STEM OPT Extension without first obtaining the STEM OPT I-20 from the Davis IC following the instructions in Step 1 on Item 5 on this page. Failure to include the STEM OPT I-20 in your application to USCIS will result in denial without refund of payment.

It is the student's responsibility to provide updates and changes in the following information to the Davis IC electronically within 10 days of any change. Failure to do so would constitute a violation of the student's F-1 status.

• Address Change
• Interruption of Employment:  A final STEM evaluation is due within 10 days of ending any employment. The entire I-983 training plan (pages 1-5) must be submitted with the final evaluation page. The final evaluation should encompass the complete training period and the end date of the evaluation should therefore match your final day of employment with the previous employer. 
• New Employment: A new I-983 Training Plan is due within 10 days of beginning your new employment. Any change in employment will result in the issuance of an updated I-20 within 10 business days of a complete submission.
• Updated Form I-983 Mentoring and Training Plan: An updated Form I-983 Mentoring and Training Plan must be executed and submitted to the Davis IC within 10 days of:
  • Any time there is a "material change" in the terms and conditions of the original I-983. Material changes include but are not limited to:
    • Any change of Employer Identification Number (EIN) resulting from a corporate restructuring
    • Any reduction in compensation from the amount previously submitted on the Form I-983 or successor form that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked
    • Any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity
    • Any change or deviation that renders an employer attestation inaccurate, or renders inaccurate the information in the Form I-983 or successor form on the nature, purpose, oversight, or assessment of the student’s practical training opportunity
• Change of Status

Six-month Validity Report: In addition to the requirements above, a validation report is due every six months starting from the date your STEM extension starts and ending when your F-1 status ends or the STEM extension ends, whichever comes first.

Students who have reached the 1-year mark or are nearing the end of their STEM authorization are also required to submit a self-evaluation as outlined below in Item 8.  

DAVIS IC ONLINE REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Students on the STEM OPT Extension can view their current information on file and STEM-OPT Validation reporting deadlines via TigerNav. All STEM OPT reporting must be submitted online via TigerNav. Email submissions will not be accepted.

Please take the following steps to access STEM-OPT Validation Reporting deadlines, view current information on file, and submit reporting to the Davis IC:

1. Visit TigerNav and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link for “Post-Completion Practical Training Students/New Scholar Login” to access a limited services “Login.” 
2. If you have not done so already, use the link at the bottom of the screen to have your limited services access pin (which will serve as your password) emailed to you.
3. Login using your University ID, Date of Birth, and Limited Services Pin/Password. Your pin/password will remain the same and you may use the email password link as needed for future logins should you no longer remember your login information.

To access STEM-OPT Reporting Deadlines and view current information on file, click “F-1 Practical Training” and then “STEM OPT Reporting.”

To submit STEM-OPT Reporting, click “F-1 Practical Training” and then “STEM OPT Reporting.” Click “Start a New Request” to complete and submit your reporting for Davis IC review. If you require an I-983 submission for reporting purposes, you MUST have it ready in PDF format to submit the online reporting form to Davis IC.

Only ONE request can be active at a time. If you require an I-983 submission for reporting purposes, you MUST have it ready in PDF format to submit the online reporting form to Davis IC.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Important I-983 Instructions and Information
  • The Davis IC can provide limited guidance on completing form I-983. Please review these step-by-step instructions for how to complete form I-983. Further information can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website. If any additional assistance is needed, you and/or your supervisor may need to seek advice from your company's Human Resources or Office of General Counsel. 
  • EACH AND EVERY FIELD MUST BE COMPLETE ON PAGES 1-4 ON FORM I-983 EXCEPT THE DSO FIELD ON PAGE 1. The Davis IC advisor processing your STEM OPT application will enter that information. An example of an incomplete field is not including the Qualifying Major and CIP Code on page 1 (both of which can be found on your most recent I-20). Please read each field carefully and be sure it includes all details requested. Incomplete I-983s will result in delayed processing. We will reach out to collect an updated document before moving forward.
  • For the Start Date of Employment field on page 2, please list "the date when the student will begin the STEM OPT training with the employer" as per the SEVP I-983 instructions. The earliest date this can be is the day after your Post-OPT EAD ends if you are requesting continuous employment.
  • We recommend that you fill in all information directly on the I-983, but if there is not enough space, and you need to attach additional pages, each continuation pages must reference the section and question that the continuation is needed for and be signed and dated by the Employer Official with Signatory Authority.
• SEVP Portal
  • SEVP launched the SEVP Portal which allows those on Post-OPT and STEM-OPT access to update employer and address information themselves in their record. To ensure full compliance with federal regulations and SEVP guidance, all updates must be submitted to the Davis IC directly and NOT through the SEVP Portal. 
• I-20 Issuance
  • Any change in employment that results in a material change to the I-20 (i.e. employer name, employment dates, change in state/city of site of employment) will result in the issuance of an updated document reflecting the update reported. Please note that your employer name will be listed on your I-20 in the same manner that you report it.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has issued guidance permitting schools to issue electronic I-20s. This I-20 will be your current, valid I-20 and may be used for all purposes associated with the Form I-20 document.
  • Your updated I-20 will be sent to you electronically at the permanent email address on file within 10 business days of complete reporting.

You must complete two self-evaluations during your STEM OPT period: the first one within 12 months of the STEM OPT start date and a second, concluding evaluation at the end of your STEM OPT period and/or at the conclusion of any job. Evaluations must be submitted within 10 days of the reporting period or end of employment.

To complete these self-evaluations, you must specify the evaluation date range (i.e., the timeline considered during the evaluation) and:

• Assess your overall performance using the measures identified in the agreed upon training plan.
• Evaluate your success in applying and acquiring the new knowledge, skills and competencies that were previously identified in the plan.
• Discuss accomplishments, successful projects, overall contributions, etc. that occurred during the specified review period.
• Address whether there are any modifications to the objectives and goals for projects or new areas for skill and competency development. 

After the student signs a completed evaluation, the employer must show concurrence with the assessment information that the student has entered. To do this, the employer's Official with Signatory Authority must sign, print name and enter the date of signature on the evaluation form. Please review the I-983 Instructions for further guidance on completing the required STEM evaluations. 

For the first self-evaluation, please complete the first portion on page 5 of the I-983 Training Plan and submit the entire Training Plan along with your validation reporting. 

For the second and final self-evaluation, please complete the second portion of page 5 of the I-983 Training Plan. All pages of the I-983 should be submitted along with your final validation report.

The final evaluation should encompass the complete training period and the end date of the evaluation should therefore match your final day of employment. 

Please follow the instructions in Item 7 above to submit your evaluation to the Davis IC electronically through TigerNav.

The employer must notify the Davis IC when the student's employment is terminated for any reason before the end of the authorized STEM OPT extension period. The employer must report such a change in employment no later than five (5) business days after the student's employment terminates. If needed, employers should seek guidance about this from their legal counsel, immigration attorney or directly from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  

Yes, you may change employers provided the new job meets program requirements and the new employer is registered and participating in E-Verify.

If you change jobs while working on a 24-month STEM OPT extension, you must:

• Prepare Form I-983 Training Plan completed by you and your new employer for online submission to the Davis IC within 10 days of starting the new job. 
• If you end employment, you must submit a final evaluation to the Davis IC within 10 days of the end date. See Item 8 above for details on the final evaluation requirements.

DAVIS IC ONLINE REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

All STEM OPT reporting must be submitted online via TigerNav. Visit the bottom of the page and click the link for “OPT Student/New Scholar Login” to access a limited services “Login.” If you do not yet have your limited services access pin (referred to as your password), you may use the link on the next screen to have this emailed to you. Login using your University ID, Date of Birth, and Limited Services Pin/Password.

Once logged into TigerNav, in the left-hand column, click “F-1 Practical Training” and then “STEM OPT Reporting.” Click “Start a New Request” to complete and submit your reporting for Davis IC review. Only one request can be active at a time.  

If you require an I-983 submission for reporting purposes, you MUST have it ready in PDF format to submit the online reporting form to Davis IC.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR I-983 TO THE DAVIS IC:

• EACH AND EVERY FIELD MUST BE COMPLETE ON PAGES 1-4 ON FORM I-983 EXCEPT THE DSO FIELD ON PAGE 1. An example of an incomplete field is not including the Qualifying Major and CIP Code on page 1 (both of which can be found on your most recent I-20). Please read each field carefully and be sure it includes all details requested. Incomplete I-983s will result in delayed processing. We will reach out to collect an updated document before moving forward.
• For the Start Date of Employment field on page 2, please list "the date when the student will begin the STEM OPT training with the employer" as per the SEVP I-983 instructions. The earliest date this can be is the day after your Post-OPT EAD ends if you are requesting continuous employment.
• Please be sure to report your site address on page 3 of the I-983 accurately. If your employment is in-person or hybrid, input the address where you are expected to report in-person by your employer. If your employment is fully remote, input the address of the remote location.
• All information must be legible. We recommend that you fill in all information directly on the I-983, but if there is not enough space, and you need to attach additional pages, each continuation pages must reference the section and question that the continuation is needed for and be signed and dated by the Employer Official with Signatory Authority.
• Page 5 of the I-983 does not need to be completed at this time. Please see Item 8 for STEM-OPT evaluation requirements. 

The Davis IC will issue a new I-20 for new employment or end of employment. Please allow 10 business days for the processing from a complete submission.  

The 24-month STEM OPT period is limited to certain employers and employment opportunities, as follows:

• Your STEM OPT employer must have an Employment Identification Number (EIN).
• Your STEM OPT employer must be enrolled in and using the E-Verify program at your STEM OPT worksite.
• The employment opportunity must be directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.
• There must be an employer-employee relationship between you and your employer. For this reason, self-employment and employment with staffing or temporary agencies likely will not qualify. Please see the FAQs below for more information.
• Volunteer or unpaid employment will not qualify. 
• You may work concurrently for multiple employers during the STEM OPT period only if you work at least 20 hours per week for EACH employer, and each employer also meets all of the above criteria.
• The USCIS website states that “STEM OPT participants may engage in a training experience that takes place at a site other than the employer’s principal place of business as long as all of the training obligations are met, including that the employer has and maintains a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.” Therefore, if you have a training opportunity that involves working off-site or from home, please talk with your employer to determine if this is permissible. Employers may wish to consult with their Office of General Counsel.

No, a student seeking a STEM OPT extension is not allowed to use volunteer opportunity as a basis for a STEM OPT extension. Students are prohibited from using the STEM OPT to work in a volunteer capacity. 

No, self-employment is not eligible for a STEM OPT Extension. The regulations require that a student must have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with an employer to obtain a STEM OPT extension. While the student is eligible to be employed by a start-up business, all regulatory requirements must be met and the student may not provide employer attestations on their own behalf. 

The USCIS website states, "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. STEM OPT participants may engage in a training experience that takes place at a site other than the employer’s principal place of business as long as all of the training obligations are met, including that the employer has and maintains a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student." You will need to talk with your employer to determine if your employment meets this criteria. They may wish to consult with their Office of General Counsel.

Yes. The Department of Homeland Security has the authority to visit your STEM OPT worksite to make sure that you and your employer are meeting program requirements. Site visits may include interviews with you and your supervisor and a review of your training plan and other documentation.
In general, the DHS will give your employer 48 hours notice in advance of a site visit but could make an unannounced visit if there is a complaint or other evidence of noncompliance with program rules.

You are not required to remain continuously employed during your STEM OPT period but there are limits to how long you may be unemployed. Your obligations will vary depending on whether you are in a 12-month initial OPT or 24-month OPT STEM extension:

• 12-month initial period of OPT: You may be unemployed for no more than 90 days during your initial period of OPT. You must report to the Davis IC Reporting Form if you experience any interruption or loss of employment.
• 24-month STEM OPT: You are permitted a maximum of 150 days for unemployment during your post-completion OPT period - 90 days during the initial 12-month OPT and an additional 60 days once you are approved for a 24-month STEM extension. You must report to the Davis IC Reporting Form within 10 days if you lose your job or leave it before the STEM OPT period ends. 

Since you will remain in F-1 status under Princeton University visa sponsorship throughout your STEM OPT Period,  you must adhere to the F-1 travel regulations for STEM OPT.  When reentering the U.S., you must carry:

1) Valid passport with valid F-1 visa stamp (Canadians are exempt from the visa stamp requirement);

2) STEM OPT I-20 with travel signature dated within the past six months of the date of reentry;

3) Proof of work authorization in the form of your STEM OPT EAD card; and,

4) A letter from your STEM employer stating your job title, brief job description, employment start and end dates, and current salary.

Renewing the F-1 Visa on STEM OPT:  If you need to renew your F-1 visa while traveling on STEM OPT - you should schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate preferably in your home country to apply for a new F-1 visa in order to return to resume your STEM OPT employment. Please consult the U.S. Embassy/Consulate Website for further information when applying for a new visa. Students who need to apply for a new visa while traveling on STEM OPT are strongly advised to consult with their international student advisor and their employers BEFORE traveling. 

IMPORTANT: It may be more difficult to obtain a new F-1 visa while on STEM OPT since the issue of non-immigrant intent and the intention to return home at the completion of the STEM OPT may be more difficult to prove once you have obtained a degree and are working in the U.S.

On August 8th, 2017, the U.S. Department of State issued a revised guidance to consular officers regarding the issuance of student visas, stressing that the officer must be "satisfied that applicant intends to depart the U.S. upon completion of the approved activity." The consular officers are instructed that they must refuse the visa if they are not satisfied that the applicant's present intent is to depart the U.S. at the conclusion of his/her study or OPT. If the consular officer determines that you have intention to abandon your home country and remain in the U.S., s/he will be required to deny your visa application. 

We strongly advise all F-1 students on STEM OPT, but particularly those with expired F-1 visas, to exercise caution in choosing whether to travel. If you are asked to travel for business, you should ensure that your employer is aware of the risks. We also strongly advise you to consult with an immigration attorney regarding your risks in obtaining a new visa. 

If USCIS has recieved your STEM OPT application, but you have not received the STEM OPT EAD card, you should be able to reenter the U.S. as long as your current period of OPT has NOT expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. and you have all the required documents to travel while on Post-OPT in Item 11 on our OPT page. 

However, if you have applied for the STEM OPT and have not yet received the EAD card approval, and your current OPT HAS EXPIRED, traveling abroad is risky. Make sure to consult with your Davis IC advisor PRIOR to leaving the U.S. and PRIOR to finalizing your travel plans.