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STEM OPT Application Process and Requirements

When to Apply

You can request your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISGSS as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card expiration date. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current 12-month OPT EAD Card expiration date.

NOTE: ISGSS processing times can take up to 15-20 business days. Please keep this in mind when requesting your STEM OPT I-20.

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. You MUST receive a I-797 Receipt Notice from USCIS for this extension to be valid.  This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application. You can also find this policy stated on your official i-797 Receipt Notice from USCIS. Source: .

Eligibility

• Have F-1 visa status.
• Currently working in a period of post-completion OPT.
• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in an
• Have a paid job offer that meets the following requirements:
• Employer enrolled in the .
• Job offers at least 20 hours of work per week.
• Job is a paid position.
• Self-employment is not allowed.
• The job will provide formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.
• Be able to complete the with your employer.

Process

Before receiving the I-20 with STEM OPT Recommendation from our office, you must follow the instructions below:

STEP 1: Prepare the following documents. Do not send your documents via email.

• ( to review the guide in filling out i983)
• I-983 Based on prior degree: Select “No” or leave blank if your current STEM OPT application is based on the degree used for your current post-completion OPT.
•  Select “Yes” only if your STEM OPT is based on a previously earned STEM degree (and not the degree you recently finished for your current OPT). This option is rare.
• Form I-765 
• Select category C03C on your USCIS online application for STEM extension application
• If you are applying online, please send a snapshot of your application found on the last part of the online application
• STEM OPT Student Information Sheet
• Fill out section 1 (page 1) only.
• Check STEM OPT extension application
• You are not required to fill out section 2.
• Copy of your passport & visa 
• Copy of your most recent I-94
• Passport style photos (not older than 30 days)..
• Official Transcript: if you need a copy, please order .
• OPT EAD Card copy.
• Copy(s) of your previous I-20 with CPT or OPT authorization.

STEP 2: Complete the.

• Once you have all the documents required, please fill out and complete the STEM OPT Application form linked above. If you are having trouble accessing the form, please let us know.

STEP 3: After submitting the STEM OPT Application Form to ISGSS

• An ISGSS staff will be assigned to review your submission.
• Processing time may take 15-20 business days from initial submission to receiving your STEM OPT I-20.

STEP 4: Receiving your I-20 with STEM recommendation and submitting to USCIS

• Read the instructions outlined by the ISGSS DSO which includes your I-20 with STEM Recommendation.
• Add your signed I-20 with STEM recommendation into your online application, submit, and pay.

After submitting your STEM application to USCIS:

• Check general processing times (not case-specific) at . You are automatically granted a 6-month extension as soon as you receive a receipt for your STEM OPT Extension application from USCIS, meaning that you can continue working as soon as USCIS has received your STEM OPT extension application.
• If your employer needs information about what documents to collect as proof of extended work authorization, please refer to them to

Information about CIP codes on I-20:
Lewis University has standardized all programs to the new CIP Codes listed below and issues only one CIP code per I-20. If your previous I-20 contains an old or multiple CIP code, your STEM OPT I-20 will be updated to include only one new CIP code. These updates should not affect your STEM OPT application.

Students who earned a ÐßÐßÂþ»­ College of Business graduate degree (MBA, MS Finance, MS Project Management, or MS Business Analytics) must also include a COB CIP Code letter with their USCIS application. This letter will be attached to the same email as your STEM OPT Recommendation I-20.

Please contact ISGSS@lewisu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Program CIP Code Update as of January 2025:

Please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu if you have any clarifications or concerns.

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