STEM Extension

The 12-month period of post-completion OPT can be extended by 24 months for certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree holders. Review the STEM Designated Degree Program List to determine if your field and CIP Code are included in the list. The CIP code is the 6-digit code (00.0000) next to your Major name on your I-20.

NOTE: ISSS does not designate your major as STEM or non-STEM. Further, the CIP code is a U.S. Department of Education code that is used for many purposes, not just STEM OPT extensions. If you feel strongly that your major's CIP code is inaccurate, you should contact your academic program.

Can I apply for the STEM OPT extension at the same time as I apply for post-completion OPT?

No. First you apply for OPT. You may apply for the STEM OPT extension when you have 90 days remaining in your post-completion OPT period.

If you will begin a new degree program at MSUM or another school you must get a new I-20. F-1 regulations are clear that your OPT authorization is automatically terminated when a) your SEVIS record is transferred to another U.S. school, or b) you begin study at another educational level in the U.S

Beyond this, U.S. government guidance is limited regarding study during OPT. Therefore, the interpretation of F-1 regulations can vary from school to school. Some, but not all schools believes that if you are working full-time (at least 20 hours per week) with post-completion OPT authorization, you are eligible to attend school part-time if it is not part of a degree program.

You also have up to 60 days after your OPT is completed to request MSUM transfer your I-20 to another school. You must begin within 5 months of your OPT end date or the next available term.

Under normal circumstances, a student who has (1) an EAD for post-completion OPT or receipt notice and (2) a job or job offer and (3) a current valid F-1 visa, should not experience difficulty reentering the US. If any these conditions is missing, then the student is assuming greater risk. Remember: The page 2 I-20 Signature is only good for 6 Months while on OPT .

The following two questions should help clarify further queries you might be have regarding travel during post-completion OPT.

Can I reenter the U.S. if my request for OPT is pending?

Yes, you may reenter to search for or begin your employment. When you go through U.S. immigration, be prepared to show the immigration inspector your I-765 receipt notice (Form I-797), as proof of eligibility for reentry. Additionally, if you have been offered a job, carry a copy of the job offer letter.

Note: If you depart the U.S. without a job offer before the EAD was issued, but attempt to reenter the U.S. after the EAD was issued, you might experience difficulty reentering the U.S. if you cannot document that you have a job offer.

Can I reenter the U.S. if I left while on OPT?

If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you have a job or job offer, or no longer have a job, you might experience difficulty reentering the U.S. because you would be unable to document that you are currently working or have a job offer. If you have a job or job offer, you may travel and reenter to resume work at the job.

• Be sure to obtain a current travel signature on your I-20 before travelling.
• For reentry to the U.S. travel with your passport, valid F-1 visa, I-20 (signed), and EAD.

Your EAD is not valid by itself for reentry to the U.S. You must have a signed I-20 as well.

Unemployment Limits

If you travel out of the U.S. while Unemployed it will continue to accrue. Students on post-completion OPT have limitations on unemployment. In order to maintain F-1 visa status students must NOT EXCEED a total of 90-days of unemployment. Students on STEM Extension have a 150 day limit on unemployment, (90 + 60 additional days=150).

Additional points

• During OPT you are still in F-1 status at the Minnesota State University Moorhead.
• Enrollment in a new degree program during OPT will void any remaining time on your EAD. This time cannot be re-captured at a later date.
• You must continue to update your Current Mailing in MSUM eServices address through Center for Global Engagement.
• Notify Center for Global Engagement if you decide to permanently depart the US during your OPT.
• Notify Center for Global Engagement if you change your visa status during your OPT.
• Center for Global Engagement is required to have a copy of your EAD. Upon receipt of the EAD, email a copy of it to international@mnstate.edu. Include your Dragon ID number in the email.
• You must also notify Center for Global Engagement of your employer, employer's address, and any change of employer or periods of unemployment.
• You can only have 90 days of unemployment (OPT) or 150 days on STEM OPT.

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.