STEM OPT Extension Application
Your application must be received by USCIS within 90 days before the end of your authorized Post-completion OPT. If your Post-completion OPT has expired, you are no longer eligible to apply.
Form I-983 Training Plan
To begin your application, you and your E-verified employer must complete the first 4 pages of the Form I-983.
I-983 Section 1
Completed by the student.
- Name of School Recommending STEM OPT.
- University of Washington Bothell
- Name of School Where STEM Degree Was Earned.
- If you are applying for STEM OPT extension based on a degree earned at UWB, then write “University of Washington Bothell”.
- If your STEM degree was earned elsewhere, you will need to list the name of that school.
- SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT
- Check page 1 of your I-20. Your school code will be either SEA214F00005000 or SEA214F00005001.
- DSO Name and Contact Information
- Write the name and UW email address of an international student advisor at ISS.
- Student SEVIS ID
- Your SEVIS ID is listed at the top of your I-20.
- Your SEVIS ID begins with the letter “N” followed by ten digits.
- STEM OPT Requested Period.
- The start date is the day after your current OPT ends. Please look at your current EAD to confirm.
- The end date is two years after the STEM OPT start date.
- For example:
- Current 12-month OPT: 07/15/2020 – 07/14/2021
- STEM OPT: 07/15/2021 – 07/14/2023
- For example:
- Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code.
- This information is listed on page one of your I-20 under ‘Program of Study’.
- The CIP code is six digits long (00.0000).
- Include the name of your degree as written on your I-20.
- Date Awarded
- Found on your official UW Bothell transcript.
- Based on Prior Degree?
- Select “No” if your application is based on your UW Bothell degree.
- Select “Yes” if your application is based on a prior STEM eligible degree from another institution.
- Employment Authorization Number
- This is the USCIS# listed on your current EAD
I-983 Section 2
- Completed by the student.
I-983 Section 3 ~ 6
- Completed by your employer.
I-983 Evaluations
- Submitted after 12 and 24 months of STEM OPT.
- Do not prefill or sign the evaluations before they are due.
STEM OPT Extension recommendation
Request your recommendation at the international student portal. In 3 – 5 days, you will receive a new I-20 with a STEM OPT extension recommendation on the second page.
- This document is required to apply for STEM Extension OPT.
- The STEM OPT Extension recommendation is only valid for 30 days.
Note: If you have not reported employment for Post-completion OPT, your request will be denied.
Form I-765
Form I-765 can be submitted online at my.uscis.gov.
- You can only submit an I-765 after receiving a STEM OPT extension recommendation on your I-20. Submitting Form I-765 without a STEM OPT Extension recommendation will result in a denial.
- You must submit an I-765 within 30 days of the STEM OPT extension recommendation issue date. Submitting Form I-765 more than 30 days after the I-20 issue date will result in a denial.
- You are responsible for correctly filing Form I-765 with USCIS. ISS can assist you with questions, but filing Form I-765, verifying your uploaded documents, and paying the I-765 filing fee are solely your responsibility.
- When completing the evidence section of the I-765, please upload your Official Transcript and your CeDiploma (or a scan of your diploma).
- The school certification on the I-765 is only required if your STEM degree is from another institution other than UWB.
- Make sure you file Form I-765 under category C3C (STEM OPT Extension).
Waiting for authorization
After filing Form I-765, you must wait for your authorization. The average time is 90 days.
- By filing Form I-765 for category C3C, you will receive an automatic 6-month extension of your current EAD. This means that if your current EAD expires and you’re still waiting for USCIS to authorize the extension, you can continue working.
- You can remain in the US while your Form I-765 is pending.
- We do not recommend travelling outside the US. You will not be able to re-enter the US without your valid EAD.
- If you receive a request for evidence from USCIS, inform ISS and respond to USCIS.
- Typically, these requests can be fulfilled by uploading additional documents to your pending application.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- After approval, you will be sent a new EAD that will show authorization for 24-months.
- The EAD can take 1 – 2 weeks to arrive.
- Use the USPS tracking number you receive from USCIS to make sure your EAD arrives.
- If your EAD is lost in the mail, please inform ISS immediately.