STEM Extensions 

STEM Extensions

F-1 students whose OPT is based on a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, may be eligible for a one-time 17-month extension of OPT. Click here for a current list of STEM-eligible majors.  The CIP code is located on your I-20 on page 3 on the line that says "primary major".  Consult the OIS if you have questions about your CIP code.

In order to be eligible for this extension, students applying for this benefit must:

1. Already be on post-completion OPT based on a STEM-eligible degree.
2. Be employed by, or have a job offer from, an employer who is registered with the E-Verify employment verification system.
 •  E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in 
    partnership with the Social Security Administration.
3. Have fewer than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT.
4. Not have been previously approved for a 17-month extension of OPT.
5. Submit the OPT application to USCIS prior to the expiration of the current post-completion OPT (USCIS must receive the application before the expiration date on the current EAD).

How to Apply for the STEM Extension

The OIS recommends that you begin the application process for the extension 3 - 4 months before your current OPT expires. The earliest you can submit your OPT STEM extension application is 120 days before the expiration of your current OPT card.  Your application should be submitted no later than 45 days before your current OPT expires to ensure no interruption in your employment authoriztion..

Students who file a timely application for an extension will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending with USCIS, until it is approved or denied, or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

To apply for the STEM extension:

  1. Gather the application materials listed below or review the OPT STEM Extension Request Form (pdf).
  2. Schedule an appointment with the OIS to go over your application and to issue an extended I-20. If you are not in the Baltimore area, you may email the documents to the OIS. The I-20 will be sent via airmail. If you wish to have the I-20 sent via FedEx, sign up for shipment at eShip Global.

Materials required for the OPT STEM extension application:

  • The OPT Extension Request Form
     
  • Copy of your passport identity page and any extension pages
     
  • Copy of the front and back of your current I-94 card
      
  • Copy of the front and back of your current EAD card
     
  • Copies of ALL previous I-20s

You will submit the application on your own to the appropriate USCIS Service Center that has geographic jurisdiction over the address you list on the Form I-765. See Form I-765 Instructions (pdf), page 10 to look up your jurisdiction. You can track the status of your STEM Extension application on the USCIS website once you receive the Receipt Notice.

E-Verify and UM

The University of Maryland Baltimore is a participating E-Verify employer. Contact the OIS for the University's company name and E-Verify ID.

Unemployment Issues while on Post-Completion and STEM Extension OPT

Days of unemployment should be tracked as outlined here:

  • Students on post-completion OPT can accrue up to 90 days of unemployment.
     
  • F-1 students are required to report employment information to the OIS. The company's name and the physical address of where you are working should be provided.
      
  • Days spent outside of the U.S. while unemployed count towards the 90 days of unemployment permitted. 
     
  • The OIS will not take any adverse action on a student’s SEVIS record regarding unemployment.  The OIS’s responsibility is to report interruptions in employment that the F-1 student reports to the OIS.  
       
  • However, students with an approved STEM OPT extension will receive another 30 days of unemployment time for a total of 120 days for the entire 29 months of eligible OPT time.

Traveling while Employed on STEM-based OPT

  • Dates of travel outside of the U.S. while employed do not count as days of unemployment.  If a student on OPT is traveling outside of the U.S. for a vacation or for business while continuing to be employed in the major field of study, those dates outside of the U.S. do not need to be tracked or reported as days of unemployment.

While traveling on OPT, students are advised to carry the following:

  • The most recent I-20, signed for travel (remember that each travel signature is valid for only six months during the period of OPT)
  • A valid F-1 visa stamp (unless traveling under Automatic Visa Revalidation)
  • A passport valid for at least six months into the future from the date of re-entry to the U.S.
  • A valid EAD card (you must wait for the OPT extension to be approved before leaving the U.S.)
  • A job offer or confirmation letter