STEM Extension I-20 Request

Instructions

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be in lawful F-1 status
  • You must have graduated from Davidson with one of the STEM-eligible majors and CIP codes on the most recent DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, available on the ICE website
  • Your OPT cannot have ended by the time you submit your application to USCIS
  • You must have an employer that is enrolled in E-Verify
  • Your employer must guarantee that you can work a minimum of 20 hours per week
  • Your employer must work with you to complete  a Form I-983 STEM Training Plan

Steps to Request STEM OPT Extension

Step 1: Prepare the I-983

Complete pages 1-4 of the Form I-983 STEM Training Plan in partnership with your employer. See tips below:

  • Your start date must be the date immediately following your OPT end date.
  • In section five, the site name should be your employer’s name and the site address should be your physical place of employment. If you work remotely, indicate your home address in this section. 
  • Do NOT add anything to page 5.
  • Digital signatures are acceptable.
  • Guide helping students articulate relation to major.


Step 2: Gather materials and begin USCIS application

Do NOT submit your application until Step 4. Prepare the bulleted items, which are required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the OPT application:

  • Create a USCIS account (if you have not already). Review this helpful Steps to Apply for the STEM Extension Online guide.
  • Form I-765  
    • The online form is the digital version of the I-765.
    • The following instructions will help you complete the online form. 
      • Select 1.c to indicate that you are renewing your work authorization
      • For question 8, find your Alien Registration Number (or A number) on your OPT EAD. 
      • Use code (c)(3)(c) to indicate that you are applying for the STEM extension
      • On question 28a, list your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree
      • Many students confuse E-Verify number with Employer Identification Number (EIN) that they enter on their Form I-983. E-Verify and EIN are not the same number! Make sure you obtain a correct E-Verify number from your employer before you fill out this form. 
  • $470 to be paid online by debit/credit card
    • Fees are subject to change. Verify the current fee via USCIS.
  • A color passport-style photograph
    • The photo should be 2″ x 2″.
    • Make sure the photos meet U.S. government specifications.
    • This photo cannot be the same as the one you submitted for the OPT application.
  • Copy of your current and previously issued EAD cards(s) (front and back)
  • Copy of diploma and/or transcripts 
    • This should clearly show graduation in a STEM field. If diploma does not list your field/major or is not in English, you must include transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are fine.
  • Copy of most recent I-94 record
  • (Optional) Copy of an offer or employment verification letter 
    • From a qualified E-Verify Employer indicating job title, job description, and work location.


Step 3: Contact International Student Engagement (ISE) 90 days before your current EAD expires to request an updated I-20 recommending you for the STEM extension

Verify your current employer and address are correct in the SEVP portal. Your employer must participate in E-Verify and your work must be directly related to your STEM field of study. After you have completed this, upload the following documents in this request form:

  • Pages 1-4 of a fully completed I-983 training plan (see this I-983 guide for tips) (required)
  • A copy of your current passport (required)
  • A copy of your EAD card (front and back) (required)
  • A copy of your most recent I-94 record (required)
  • A copy of the draft I-765 (required)

An advisor will be able to create a new I-20 with STEM recommendation and email it to you. Print and hand sign your I-20 before photocopying. It must be submitted to USCIS within 60 days of issuance. Keep the original I-20 for your records.

Please note that your STEM application is NOT complete until you have submitted all required materials to USCIS. All materials must be submitted to USCIS before your OPT expires. 

You are welcome to schedule an appointment with an ISE advisor to review the STEM extension application. When you come for the appointment you are expected to have all of the above items (review Step 2) so that ISE can review the material that is otherwise ready to be submitted to USCIS.



Step 4: Submit the USCIS application and payment

You must submit these to USCIS within 60 days of ISE recommending you for OPT.

  1. Log back into your USCIS account.
  2. Make any necessary changes after receiving feedback from an ISE advisor.
  3. Submit the application and make the payment. Your application has not been submitted until you have completed the payment.


Step 5: Wait

It will generally take USCIS at least 90 days to process the STEM extension application. However, as long as you receive your filing receipt from USCIS prior to the expiration of your EAD, you may continue working for up to 180 days until your new EAD is approved or denied. Check your mail frequently throughout the application process so that you can timely respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs).