OPT and STEM OPT

Current International Student Information (F-1) 

Initial Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Online Application Procedure and Checklist

Eligibility and Filing Timeline

You may apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) if you have maintained valid F-1 status and are eligible for OPT.

  • You may file your OPT application up to 90 days before your program end date.
  • USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days after your program end date.
  • Your application must be submitted within 30 days of the date your OPT I-20 is issued and signed by your Designated School Official (DSO). If USCIS receives your application after the 30-day deadline, it will be denied.

Application Procedure

  1. Attend an OPT Workshop. Contact the Office of International Education (OIE) for the current workshop schedule.
  2. Determine your requested OPT employment start date. Your requested start date must be within the allowable OPT start date window following your program completion. Discuss your preferred start date with OIE if you have questions.
  3. Complete a draft of Form I-765 online, but do NOT submit it. Complete the application through the USCIS website.
  4. Email your draft Form I-765 for review to OPTandSTEM@fitchburgstate.edu. 
  5. Obtain proof of program completion from the Registrar's Office and email proof of completion to OPTandSTEM@fitchburgstate.edu. 
  6. Request your OPT I-20. Once your Form I-765 has been reviewed and approved by OIE, your Designated School Official (DSO) will issue your OPT recommendation I-20.
  7. Gather all required documents before submitting your application.
  8. Submit your online OPT application to USCIS.

Required Documents

  • Completed Form I-765 (prepared online through USCIS)
  • OPT recommendation I-20 issued by the Office of International Education
  • Copy of your passport biographical page
  • Copy of your valid F-1 visa (if applicable)
  • Copy of your most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
  • Copies of all previously issued Forms I-20 showing any CPT authorization and/or previous OPT authorization (if applicable)
  • Copy of any previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable
  • One passport-style photograph taken within the last 30 days that meets USCIS photo requirements 
  • Payment of the USCIS filing fee (verify the current filing fee on the USCIS website before submitting)

Important Reminders

  • Do NOT submit your online application until you have received your OPT I-20 from OIE and all required documents are ready to upload.
  • USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date your OPT I-20 was issued and signed by your DSO. Applications received after this deadline will be denied.
  • Filing your application early within the allowed filing window is strongly recommended to avoid delays.
  • Keep electronic and printed copies of your complete OPT application and all supporting documents for your personal records.
  • After your approved OPT start date, you may accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month Post-Completion OPT period. Accruing more than 90 days of unemployment may result in a violation of your F-1 status.
  • You may not begin employment until:
    • You have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS; and
    • The start date printed on your EAD has arrived.
  • You are required to report the following to the Office of International Education throughout your OPT period.  In addition this information must be updated by the student at their SEVIS Student Portal within 10 days of the change.
    • Any change in your legal name
    • Any change of U.S. residential address
    • Employer information
    •  Changes in employment
    • Interruptions or termination of employment

Failure to report required information may affect your F-1 status.

For the most current filing fees, filing instructions, and processing information, visit the USCIS Form I-765 webpage. 

STEM OPT Extension Application

Application Procedure and Checklist

Important Information

The STEM OPT Extension allows eligible F-1 students who have earned a qualifying STEM degree to apply for an additional 24 months of employment authorization. To qualify for the STEM OPT Extension:

  • Your employer must participate in the E-Verify program.
  • Your employment must be at least 20 hours per week.
  • You may NOT be self-employed during the STEM OPT extension period.
  • You and your employer must complete and sign Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.
  • You must submit a completed Employer Information Form to the Office of International Education (OIE) before your STEM OPT recommendation can be entered into SEVIS and your STEM OPT I-20 can be issued.

You may apply for the STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days before your current OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires.

Application Procedure

Step 1 Complete the Required Employer Documents. 

Work with your employer to complete the following documents:

  • Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) - The Form I-983 serves as the basis for your required STEM OPT evaluations throughout your STEM employment. 
  • Employer Information Form

Both forms must:

  • Be fully completed.
  • Include all required signatures.
  • Be submitted to the Office of International Education.
  • Be approved by OIE before your STEM OPT recommendation can be entered into SEVIS.

Step 2 – Complete a Draft of Form I-765

Complete a draft of Form I-765 online through USCIS, but do not submit your application.

When completing Form I-765, enter:

  • Eligibility Category: (c)(3)(C)
  • Your qualifying STEM degree
  • Employer name
  • Employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number

Step 3 – Email Your Documents for Review

Email the following documents to: OPTandSTEM@fitchburgstate.edu. Please include:

  • Your current OPT end date
  • Completed Form I-983
  • Completed Employer Information Form
  • Draft Form I-765

OIE will review your documents and contact you if any corrections are needed. Once all documents have been approved, your Designated School Official (DSO) will recommend your STEM OPT Extension in SEVIS and issue your STEM OPT I-20.

Step 4 – Submit Your Online Application

After receiving your STEM OPT recommendation I-20, submit your online application through USCIS.

USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date your STEM OPT I-20 is issued and signed by your DSO.

Required Documents for USCIS Upload

  • Completed Form I-765
  • Eligibility Category (c)(3)(C) selected
  • Employer name and E-Verify Company Identification Number
  • STEM OPT recommendation I-20 issued by the Office of International Education
  • Completed and signed Form I-983
  • Copy of your STEM degree diploma
  • Official transcript showing completion of the qualifying STEM degree
  • Copy of your current Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Copy of your most recent Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
  • Copy of your passport biographical page
  • Copy of your valid F-1 visa (if applicable)
  • Copies of all previously issued Forms I-20 related to your OPT
  • One passport-style photograph taken within the last 30 days that meets USCIS photo requirements 
  • Payment of the current USCIS filing fee (verify the fee on the USCIS website before submitting)

After You Submit Your Application

  • Save your USCIS receipt notice and confirmation email for your records.
  • Once you receive your STEM OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD), email a copy to the Office of International Education.
  • Continue to report all employment information and any changes to OIE so your SEVIS record remains accurate and up to date.

Maintaining Your STEM OPT Status

While on STEM OPT, you are required to:

  • Report any changes to your employment, employer, residential address, legal name, or immigration status to OIE within ten days.
  • Submit all required Form I-983 evaluations to OIE.
  • Complete the required six-month validation reports with OIE.
  • Work only for employers that participate in E-Verify and meet all STEM OPT requirements.

Important Reminders

  • You may apply for the STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days before your current Initial OPT expires.
  • USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application within 30 days of the date your STEM OPT I-20 was issued and signed by your DSO.
  • If your STEM OPT application is timely filed, your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while your application is pending with USCIS.
  • During the STEM OPT period, you may accrue an additional 60 days of unemployment, for a maximum of 150 days of unemployment over your combined 12-month OPT and 24-month STEM OPT periods.
  • Keep copies of your complete application and all supporting documents for your records.

For the most current filing instructions, filing fees, and additional information, visit the USCIS Form I-765 webpage.