F-1 students engaging in OPT who have earned a degree approved by USCIS in a “STEM” field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) may be eligible to apply for a one-time (lifetime) 17-month extension of their normal 12 month OPT period for a total of 29 months of Optional Practical Training.  A student graduating with a degree in one of the STEM fields will not initially apply for the additional 17 months with their first application for OPT, but will rather file a subsequent Application for Employment Authorization for the 17-month extension.

For the list of STEM Designated Degree Programs, please visit www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm.

Procedures for Applying for the 17-Month Extension:

Once the student has begun his or her first 12 months of OPT, they must meet the following criteria in order to apply for a 17-month extension of their OPT:

• The student must have graduated and be working in one of the STEM fields approved by USCIS (see link above for list of approved fields)

• You must have maintained lawful status while engaging in OPT

• Your employer must be enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s “E-Verify” Program (see below for information about the program)

• The student must file for an extension on time (before the expiration date of the current OPT)

The student must file for the extension by submitting an Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) along with the appropriate fee ($340), copies of their passport bio page, visa, I-94, new I-20 endorsed by the PDSO/DSO, proof of the STEM degree (official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or copy of the diploma, showing the level and program of study).  USCIS recommends that students file within 90 and 120 days of the expiration date of the current OPT.

If a student’s Post-Completion OPT expires while the 17-month extension application is pending, the student will receive an extension of employment authorization to begin the day after the expiration date of the current OPT, but for no longer than 180 days ONLY if the student timely filed their STEM extension application.

E-Verify is free and voluntary Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).  This system allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new hires and check the validity of their Social Security Numbers.  For additional information, please see the E-Verify website, www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

For additional information, please visit "Questions and Answers: Extension of Optional Practical Training for Qualified Students".

For more information, contact
internationalprograms@coastal.edu