Can I keep working while my STEM extension is pending?

Yes, if you timely filed before your EAD expired, you receive an automatic 180-day extension of your work authorization while the application is pending.

What if I change employers during STEM OPT?

You must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and complete a new I-983 with your new employer. The new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled.

Can I apply for STEM extension with a degree from a previous program?

Yes, you may be eligible if your previous STEM degree was obtained from an accredited U.S. institution within 10 years and you haven't already used it for a STEM extension.

What happens if my employer loses E-Verify enrollment?

You must report the change to your DSO and find a new E-Verify employer within a limited timeframe. Loss of E-Verify enrollment can jeopardize your STEM OPT status.

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STEM OPT Extension

(c)(3)(C)

I-765 Filing Guide — Everything you need to file correctly the first time

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The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months of work authorization for F-1 students who hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM-designated field and are currently employed by an E-Verify employer. This extension builds on your initial 12-month OPT period.

You must apply before your current OPT EAD expires. Your employer must complete Form I-983 (Training Plan) before you file.

The STEM extension has stricter requirements than initial OPT — the wrong eligibility code, a missing I-983, or a non-E-Verify employer are among the most common reasons for denial.

Required Documents Checklist

Our AI guide will tell you exactly when each document is needed and flag any that are missing from your application.

Form I-765 — completed and signed with wet ink
Form I-20 — with STEM OPT recommendation, signed by you and your DSO
Form I-983 — Training Plan completed and signed by you and your employer
Copy of your STEM degree (transcript or diploma)
Copy of your current EAD (front and back)
Copy of your passport biographical page
Copy of your I-94 arrival/departure record
Two passport-style photos
Filing fee — check USCIS.gov for the current amount

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Eligibility Requirements

STEM OPT eligibility is more restrictive than initial OPT. You must meet all of the following:

You hold a bachelor's or higher degree in a STEM-designated field (check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List)
You are currently on an approved initial post-completion OPT
Your employer is enrolled in E-Verify
You and your employer have completed Form I-983 (Training Plan)
Your DSO has recommended the STEM extension in SEVIS
You are filing before your current OPT EAD expires

Common mistakes in this section

Assuming your degree qualifies — check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by CIP code, not just the degree name

Not verifying your employer's E-Verify enrollment — you can check the E-Verify company search tool

Waiting until after your EAD expires to file — there is no grace period for STEM extensions

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Part 1 — Reason for Applying

Check box 1.a. "Permission to accept employment" for the initial STEM extension request. Do NOT check 1.b (Replacement) — this is a common source of confusion.

Common mistakes in this section

Checking 1.b (Replacement) thinking this is a renewal — the STEM extension is treated as a new authorization request

Confusing this with an EAD renewal — STEM extension is a separate category

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Part 2 — Information About You & Eligibility Category

The eligibility category for STEM OPT extension is (c)(3)(C) — this is different from initial OPT which uses (c)(3)(B). Getting this code wrong is one of the top reasons for STEM extension denials.

You must list your current E-Verify employer. Unlike initial OPT, a job with an E-Verify employer is required for the STEM extension.

Common mistakes in this section

Using (c)(3)(B) instead of (c)(3)(C) — this is the #1 mistake on STEM extension applications

Leaving the employer field blank — employment is mandatory for STEM OPT

Listing an employer not enrolled in E-Verify — USCIS will verify enrollment and deny if the employer is not found

SEVIS number mismatch with initial OPT application — use the same N-number

This section has 18 fields that vary by category. Let AI guide you through each one.

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Form I-983 — Training Plan

The I-983 Training Plan is a document completed by both you and your employer. It outlines your learning objectives, how your work relates to your STEM degree, and your employer's commitment to provide training.

This form must be completed and submitted to your DSO before you file the I-765. USCIS may request it during adjudication.

Common mistakes in this section

Not having the employer sign the I-983 — both signatures are required

Vague learning objectives — USCIS expects specific, measurable training goals tied to your STEM field

Job duties that don't align with your STEM degree — there must be a clear connection between your degree and your work

This section has 12 fields that vary by category. Let AI guide you through each one.

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Part 3 — Applicant's Statement & Signature

As with initial OPT, your signature must be a wet-ink (hand-written) signature. Digital or typed signatures are not accepted.

Check the appropriate box for whether you completed the form yourself or used a preparer/interpreter.

Common mistakes in this section

Using a digital signature — wet ink only

Signing before the I-20 STEM recommendation date

This section has 6 fields that vary by category. Let AI guide you through each one.

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Filing Process

Confirm your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
Complete Form I-983 with your E-Verify employer
Submit I-983 to your DSO and request STEM OPT recommendation in SEVIS
Receive your updated I-20 with STEM extension recommendation
Complete Form I-765 accurately
File before your current EAD expires
You may continue working while your extension is pending if you filed on time (automatic 180-day extension)

Common mistakes in this section

Filing after the EAD expiration date — there is zero grace period

Not requesting the 180-day automatic extension — notify your employer and DSO that you qualify

Forgetting to submit the I-983 to your DSO before filing — the SEVIS recommendation depends on it

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Common Rejection Reasons

These are the top reasons USCIS rejects I-765 applications for STEM OPT Extension. Each one means lost time, potentially months of delay, and possibly a second filing fee.

Wrong eligibility code — (c)(3)(C) is required for STEM extension, not (c)(3)(B).

Filed after EAD expiration — there is no grace period. Your application must be received before your current EAD expires.

Missing Form I-983 — USCIS may deny without a completed Training Plan.

Employer not enrolled in E-Verify — USCIS verifies enrollment. Non-E-Verify employers do not qualify.

Wrong form edition — only the current edition (08/21/25) is accepted.

No employer listed — unlike initial OPT, you must have a qualifying employer for STEM extension.

Degree not on STEM Designated Degree Program List — verify your CIP code before filing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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