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17 Month STEM Extension

As of April 8, 2008, Department of Homeland Security published an interim final rule concerning F-1 Optional Practical Training.  The new rule makes recipients of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields eligible for a one-time 17-month extension of post-completion OPT.

Eligibility Criteria
 OPT can be extended only to students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.
 Employer MUST be registered with E-Verify Program, implemented by the Department of Homeland Security in collaboration with Social Security Administration.
 Only extended 1 time throughout F-1 student life regardless of the number of degrees achieved.

Application Deadlines
 Application must be submitted before the expiration date of current post-completion OPT.
 Can continue working up to 180 days if:
    o Timely and properly filed for 17 Month OPT Extension, AND
    o Current Post-completion OPT ended, AND
    o 17 Month OPT Extension request currently still pending

Application Procedure
 Your passport, I-94 card, and original I-20
 A completed Form I-765
 Copy of STEM degree
 Two passport-style photographs, with your name, date of birth, and SEVIS ID number lightly printed on the back
 Photocopies of any previously-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards, if applicable.
 A check or money order for $340 made payable to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (or USCIS). If paying by check, be sure that your name and address are printed on it.

Processing Times
Processing times vary widely depending on the time of year, but USCIS takes at least 90 to 120 days to process this type of application. Approval is NOT guaranteed, and you may not begin employment unless you have received written approval from the USCIS. Written approval will come in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.

Mailing Application
Your application will be reviewed at the time of your appointment.  After the application has been reviewed, you will be responsible for mailing your application via traceable mail (U.S. Post Office Express Mail, Fedex, etc.) to:
        
        For courier/express deliveries:
        USCIS 
        California Service Center 
        24000 Avila Road 2nd Floor, Room 2312 
        Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
   

 Note that the USCIS/California Service Center may take 90 - 120 days to process your application.  Within two to three weeks of submitting your application, you will receive a Notice of Action (I-797C) from USCIS/CSC. Please bring that form to OISS as soon as you receive it.

 Please be advised that you must notify OISS immediately when you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS/CSC, as it is time-sensitive.  OISS will provide assistance in all matters pertaining to RFE.

 YOU MAY BEGIN WORKING ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT (EAD) FROM USCIS & ON THE START DATE INDICATED ON THE EAD.

……………………………………..............................   During OPT   ...........................................................

During your OPT period, you are responsible for abiding by all regulations pertaining to your status.  Please review the following requirements.

Reporting Requirement
Students must report to confirm information listed below every 6 months, even if there are no changes.
1. For Student to DSO (Designated School Official) within 10 days of change:
 Legal name
 Residential/mailing address
 Email address
 Employer name & address
 Termination of employment (either by choice or employer)

2. For Employer to DSO within 48 hours:
 Termination of employment

Unemployment
If unemployed for more than 180 days during the 29 month period (12 month of OPT + 17 month STEM Extension), you are considered to violated your F-1 student status.  Once you are in status violation, you no longer hold a valid F-1 student status, and must depart U.S. immediately. 

Travel Issues
Under OPT, you may leave the U.S. for brief periods.  Please ensure that you have the following documents for your re-entry:
 OPT I-20 with a travel signature endorsed no more than 6 months (on page 3)
 Valid F-1 visa stamp
 Valid Passport
 Valid EAD
 Offer of employment or documentation of your job search

Please do not hesitate to call the OISS at (310) 338-2937 if you have questions.