Download the OPT STEM extension student information form

What is the STEM extension?

Students who graduate in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics majors might be eligible to extend the 12 month Optional Practical Training period for an additional 17 months.

What are the restrictions while on the STEM extension?

• Any work must be related to your major field of study
• Any employer must have an e-verify number
• You must do a minimum of 20 hours of paid work for an e-verify employer and the work must be directly related to your field of study to count as employment while on the STEM extension
• During the 29 months of OPT and STEM extension, you cannot be unemployed for more than 120 days

When do I apply for the STEM extension?

You can apply for the STEM extension during the 90 day period before your current OPT expires.  As long as your application is received by the USCIS before your OPT expires, you can work up to 180 days after your OPT expiration date while your application is pending.

How do I apply for the 17 month OPT extension?

Send the following application materials to the International Student Advisor at SUNY New Paltz either by mail, fax, or by email (see contact information below):

• OPT STEM extension student information form
• Copies of your current I-20 and any previously issued I-20s
• Copies of your passport information page and both sides of your I-94 card
• Two completed copies of the I-765 form. You can download the form at: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf                                                       (Click here for help completing the I-765 form)
• Copy of the current EAD card showing your approved Optional Practical Training dates

The International Student advisor will process your application and issue a new I-20 showing the STEM extension recommendation. You can then pick up the materials yourself, send a friend, or request the International Student Programs office to mail them to you. If you want the International Program office to mail the application to you, please email or mail us a pre-paid airbill for UPS express mail service  (see instructions to create an airbill) . We will only send STEM extension application materials using a mail service that provides a tracking number. 

You mail the following STEM extension application materials to the USCIS:

• Two completed and signed I-765 forms
• Fee of $380-a bank check or money order made payable to The Department of Homeland Security
• A new original I-20 with the STEM extension recommendation (remember to sign the I-20) and copies of all previously issued I-20s
• Copy of passport information page and both sides of the I-94 card
• Copy of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards
• Two recent US color passport photos of yourself (print your name on the back of the photos)
• Copy of your degree from SUNY New Paltz
• OPTIONAL-Completed form G-1145 if you want to receive email/ text verification from the USCIS that your application has been accepted. You can download the form at: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-1145.pdf

While on the OPT STEM extension, do I have to report any information to the USCIS or International Student Programs office?

Yes, while on the OPT STEM extension, you need to do the following:

• Report updated local address and employer information to the International Student Programs office. Email or fax this form to osullivj@newpaltz.edu or 845 257 3608: ADDRESS AND EMPLOYER UPDATE FORM and we will update your SEVIS record. You do not have to contact USCIS with this information.
• Every 6 months while on the OPT STEM extension, send your STEM extension I-20 to the International Student Programs office for a signature. In addition, verify your local address and employer information. We are required by USCIS to confirm this information in SEVIS every 6 months during OPT and the STEM extension period.

What must my employer do?

• The employer must be registered in E-Verify.
• The employer must agree to report the termination or departure of the student to the International Student Office of the student’s former school within 48 hours. Note: If the student has not reported to work for five consecutive business days without the employer’s consent, the employer is to consider the student to have left the job.

If you have any questions, contact us:
 

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