STEM Extension

1. Create a MyUSCIS online account. Complete all pages of Form I-765 online (keep a copy for your records). Do not submit until you have the STEM OPT I-20 from ISS.
2. Have $470 available in your U.S. bank account or U.S. credit card. If your employer will pay the fee, you will need their payment information.
3. One passport-style color photo (jpg, jpeg, or png) taken within 30 days of filing your application.
4. Most recent electronic I-94.
5. Your most recent EAD and biographical page of your passport.
6. New I-20: page 1 with your signature and page 2 with STEM OPT recommendation.
7. MSUM diploma and final transcript.
8. Institutional accreditation: Save a PDF of this page.

Please note: When asked, your eligibility category is c(3)(C) STEM Extension. As soon as you have paid the $470 fee, you have submitted your application and can no longer make changes or additions.

• I-765 Form complete fully should be typed as a fillable PDF and signed in BLUE ink
• Number 27 is indicated as (c ) (3) ( C)
• 28 must indicate your degree as on I-20
• Employer Names as shown in E-Verify:
• Company E-Verify Number (not the EIN)
• Photocopy of new I-20: page 1 with your signature and page 2 with STEM OPT recommendation produced by International Student Services.
• Copy all previous EADs (Work Authorization Cards)
• Two current (less than 30 days) passport style color photos with name, date of birth and SEVIS ID printed in pencil on the back.
• $520 filing fee, make a check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” Or, the completed form G-1450 authorizing payment by credit card
• Copy of Minnesota State University Moorhead diploma or-
• Copy of Minnesota State University Moorhead transcript if degree is noted
• Institutional accreditation: Save a PDF of this page.
• Copy of I-94 printed from electronic I94 website
• Copy of passport: information page with expiration date – Must Be a Valid Passport
• Copy of F-1 visa
• Form G-1145 (optional) allowing USCIS to send text and/or email notifications

Submit the application materials by certified or express mail in order to track your package.

No matter where you live in the U.S., send your application to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox.

• For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
  USCIS
  PO Box 805373
  Chicago, IL 60680
• For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
  USCIS
  Attn: I-765 C03
  131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
  Chicago, IL 60603-5517

You are responsible for mailing your STEM OPT application to USCIS.

Every six months, you must submit a report to MSUM to confirm that the information in your record accurately reflects your current circumstance.

SEVP Portal users will receive a reminder from DHS via email 30 days before any validation report is due. You must submit your validation report to ISSS no earlier than 30 days before and no later than 10 days after the 6, 12, 18, and 24-month dates from the start date of your 24-month STEM OPT. This timeline accounts for ISSS's processing time.

Please note: The “due date” shown in the email sent via the SEVP Portal is NOT the same as the due date for ISSS to record the validation report in SEVIS. ISSS will be able to record the validation report in SEVIS before the reporting window closes if you submit your report to ISSS within the dates timeframe listed above.

You must complete two annual self-evaluations using page five of the Form I-983 Training Plan.

• The first evaluation must be completed 12 months after the start date on your STEM OPT EAD. It must be submitted at the same time as your 12-month Validation Report to the MSUM STEM reporting link.
• The final evaluation must be completed at the end of the 24-Month STEM OPT. It must be submitted along with your 24-month Validation Report to the MSUM STEM reporting link.

To be accepted, your Self Evaluations must be completed, fully signed, and dated by both you and your employer.

If you leave your job or change to a different visa status prior to the end date on your STEM OPT EAD card, you must complete and submit a final evaluation on Form I-983.