STEM OPT Extension

This page will help you apply for the STEM OPT Extension if you earned a bachelor's or master's degree in an eligible STEM field from SFSU.

STEM OPT Employment Reporting Form

STEM OPT Resources

The STEM OPT Extension allows you to extend your Post-Completion OPT by an additional 24 months if you have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in an eligible Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field. 

You may receive up to two STEM OPT Extensions during your lifetime, provided each extension is based on a different qualifying STEM degree. STEM OPT must always follow a period of Post-Completion OPT.

  • Maintain valid F-1 status and be on active Post-Completion OPT with no more than 90 days of unemployment.
  • Hold a valid passport and be physically in the U.S. when applying.
  • Have a STEM degree approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (check your I-20 CIP code).
    • There are two ways students can qualify for the STEM OPT extension:
      • Based on the Most Recent Degree:
      • Most students apply for STEM OPT using their current SF State STEM degree, which their Post-Completion OPT is based on.
      • Example: A student who completed a master’s in Computer Science applies for STEM OPT based on that degree.
    • Based on a Prior Degree:
      • Students may also apply for STEM OPT using a previous STEM degree earned from an accredited U.S. institution, as long as they have not already used a STEM extension for that degree.
      • Example: A student currently on OPT based on an MBA may apply for STEM OPT using a prior bachelor’s in Mathematics, if the job is directly related to Mathematics.
  • Work for an E-Verified employer that:
    • Meets all STEM OPT reporting and training requirements, and
    • Provides at least 20 hours/week of paid work directly related to your STEM major.
  • Apply within the STEM OPT filing timeline. 

Types of employment that are allowed 

  • Meet all STEM OPT Employer Responsibilities.
  • Be paid and full-time (over 20 hours/week).
  • Be directly related to your major (not your minor).
  • Be with an E-Verified employer.
  • If working for multiple employers, each position must meet all requirements. 

Types of employment that are not allowed 

  • Jobs not related to your STEM major
  • Work with non–E-Verified employers
  • On-campus “student” jobs
  • Volunteer or unpaid positions
  • Self-employment (you cannot supervise yourself; a qualified supervisor must oversee training)
  • Staffing/temporary agency jobs where the employer on the I-983 does not directly train or supervise you (reviewed case by case by DHS) 
  • Must fulfil the STEM OPT Employer Report Requirements listed at Study in the States STEM OPT Hub page.   
  • Must complete and sign Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students confirming that they:
    • Have sufficient resources and personnel to provide proper training.
    • Offer a training opportunity comparable to U.S. workers in duties, hours, and pay.
    • Clearly define learning objectives and support the student in achieving them.
  • Both the employer and student must sign I-983.
  • Must be enrolled in E-Verify.
  • Must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Must maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.
  • Must recognize that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may conduct site visits to verify compliance.

Review Study in the State resouces:

  • Post-OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment; STEM OPT adds 60 more (total 150 across both). 
  • Unemployment counts from the EAD “Valid From” date whenever no job is reported in the SEVP Portal—not from the application date, requested start date, finals, I-20 end date, while pending, or before the EAD start date.  
  • Any day within your EAD validity without reported employment—including gaps between jobs—counts as unemployment. 
  • Reaching 90+ days on Post-OPT violates F-1 status and makes you ineligible for STEM OPT; reaching 150+ total days violates F-1 status, triggers SEVP auto-termination (no 60-day grace period), and SEVP will email you about it.  

Below is a general timeline outlining the major phases of the STEM OPT extension process. Processing times vary and are determined by USCIS. Approval timelines are not guaranteed by F-1 advisors.

Phase 1: During Post-Completion OPT 

  • Review STEM OPT resources.
  • Download and complete the STEM OPT Request Form and I-983
  • Email I-983 to your qualifying employer for completion.
  • Receive the signed I-983 from your employer. 

Phase 2: Up to 90 Days Before OPT End Date 

  • Email your signed STEM OPT Request Form and I-983 to f1@sfsu.edu.
  • Begin preparing your STEM OPT application while waiting for your new I-20.
  • We issue your STEM OPT Requested I-20 within 5 business days.
  • Once you receive the new I-20, file Form I-765 online within 60 days of the date we recommended STEM OPT extension on your I-20. 

Phase 3: After filing with USCIS: 

  • A digital receipt notice (Form I-797) will be issued shortly after submission.
  • Track your case status.
  • Attend your biometric services appointment (if required by USCIS).
  • Once approved, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be mailed to you.

USCIS processing times are approximate and subject to change.

Phase 4: After STEM OPT/EAD start date 

  • Continue employment under STEM OPT authorization.
  • Continue the mandatory STEM OPT reporting responsibilities.

Phase 5: After STEM OPT ends 

  • After your STEM OPT end date, you enter a 60-day grace period.
  • During this time, you may:
    • Prepare to depart the U.S., or
    • Transfer your SEVIS record to another U.S. institution.
  • Your F-1 status at SFSU will be considered completed at the end of this grace period. 

On January 1, 2026, USCIS has announced possible delays for Form I-765 applications for students whose country of citizenship or birth appears in recent Presidential Proclamations.  

Students may still apply, but USCIS has not provided a timeline for when these applications will be processed. We will share updates as soon as new information becomes available.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

You are required to regularly validate employment, complete evaluations, and report any changes during their STEM OPT period. Please treat reporting deadlines like school assignments—set calendar reminders for yourself. All reporting must be completed at the STEM OPT Reporting Form.

Link to report: [SFSU DoIE] STEM OPT Reporting Form

You must report any material changes on your I-983 within 10 days of the change. Material changes or deviations may include, but are not limited to:

  • A change to the employer’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) (also called the Federal Tax ID), due to a change in company ownership or structure
  • A decrease in your pay that is not the result of working fewer hours
  • A significant reduction in the number of hours you work per week in your STEM training position
  • Changes to the employer’s commitments or to your learning objectives, as listed on your current I‑983

Confirm your SEVP Portal information is accurate every 6 months after your STEM OPT EAD start date even if there are no changes. You’ll receive email reminders from SEVP, not DoIE. 

  • 6-month validation report
  • 12-month validation report
  • 18-month validation report
  • 24-month validation report 

This evaluation must be completed on page 5 of I‑983. You are required to submit all five (5) pages of I‑983.

  • 12-month: “Evaluation on Student Progress”
  • 24-month: “Final Evaluation on Student Progress” 

Example

  • John’s STEM OPT is approved from March 4, 2026 to March 3, 2028.
  • John's reporting dates are:
    • September 4, 2026: Complete validation report by this date.
    • March 4, 2027: Complete validation report and upload I-983 with Evaluation on Student Progress by this date.
    • September 4, 2027: Complete validation report by this date.
    • March 3, 2028: Complete validation report and upload I-983 with Final Evaluation on Student Progress by this date.

Submit new supervisor’s full name and contact information through DoIE’s STEM OPT Reporting Form on Qualtrics.

I-983 is not required.

It is possible to work for multiple E-Verified employers during STEM OPT. To report a new employer, you are required to submit a new I‑983, completed and signed by you and your new employer.

You are required to submit two (2) Forms I‑983 when changing employers during STEM OPT—one for your previous employer and one for your new employer.

  • From your previous employer: 
    • Submit the Final Evaluation on Student Progress, which must be completed on page 5 of I‑983.
    • You must submit all five (5) pages of the completed I‑983.
  • From your new employer:
    • Submit a new I‑983, completed and signed by you and your new employer.
    • You must submit all five (5) pages of the completed I‑983.

Example

  • John’s STEM OPT is approved from March 4, 2026 to March 3, 2028. 
  • On June 5, 2026, John accepted a position with another E‑Verified employer. The last day of his current job is June 19, and his new job begins on June 22.
  • John submits his Final Evaluation on Student Progress on June 25 (within 10 days of June 19) to report the end of his current employment.
  • John submits his new I‑983 on June 30 (within 10 days of June 22) to report his new employment.

If you end your STEM OPT early due to 

  • End or Loss of employment
  • Change to another immigration status (such as H‑1B)
  • Transfer of your SEVIS record to another school

You must complete the Final Evaluation on Student Progress to report the end of your STEM OPT employment.

This evaluation must be completed on page 5 of I‑983. You are required to submit all five(5) pages of I‑983 within 10 days of your last day of F-1 status or transfer out date.  

Example

  • John’s STEM OPT is approved from March 4, 2026, to March 3, 2028.
  • John’s H‑1B status begins on October 1, 2027, which is during his STEM OPT period.
  • As a result, John’s F‑1 status and STEM OPT end on September 30, 2027.
  • John submits his Final Evaluation on Student Progress and uploads all five (5) pages of I‑983 on September 28, 2027, which is before his F‑1 status ends on September 30, 2027.

Applying for Extension

  • Review the STEM OPT resources above carefully and understand your STEM OPT responsibilities.
  • Review your current 12-month post-completion OPT employment information in the SEVP Portal
    • You are required to report on your current employment in the SEVP Portal.
    • Log in to SEVP Portal NOW to ensure all employment information is accurate and up to date, as incomplete information may delay our office's ability to issue an I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation.
  • Complete the mandatory STEM OPT quiz
    • The purpose of the quiz is to test applicants’ knowledge of STEM OPT and their responsibilities.
    • There is no minimum score requirement.
  • Note the date you complete the quiz to fill STEM OPT Extension Authorization Request Form. 
  • Download and fill out the STEM OPT Extension Request Form (PDF, 139KB).
    • Digital signatures, scanned copies, and clear photos are accepted.
  • Download I-983 at Form I-983 Overview | Study in the States. Complete it with your employer.
    • I-983 must be completed electronically and typed. Handwritten forms will not be accepted and will be returned to the student. The only exception is signatures, which may be signed by hand.
    • Information for SECTION 1: STUDENT INFORMATION
      • SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT: SFR214F00630000
      • Designated School Official (DSO) Name and Contact Information:

        Yuka Sakata, PDSO
        San Francisco State University 
        1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
        f1@sfsu.edu
         
      • STEM OPT Requested Period: starts the day after your OPT ends and lasts 24 months. (Example: OPT ends June 3, 2026 → STEM OPT: June 4, 2026 – June 3, 2028)
      • Qualifying Major/CIP Code: listed on your I-20 (format: XX.XXXX)
      • Degree Level: e.g., Bachelor of Science or Master of Science
      • Based on Prior Degree: select “No” (for most students)
      • Employment Authorization Number: Enter your “A” number (this number is listed on your Employment Authorization Document).
      • Page 5 should remain blank when applying. 

For help, review: 

Email the following two documents to f1@sfsu.edu (within 90 days of their OPT end date)

  • A completed and signed STEM OPT Extension Authorization Request Form.
  • A completed and signed Form I-983.

What to expect:

An F-1 advisor will review your request. If you are eligible for a STEM OPT extension, you will receive an updated I-20 with the extension request printed on page 2 within 5 business days.

You may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online with USCIS to apply for a STEM OPT Extension (C)(3)(C).

See the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Instructions (link to Google Slides)

Additional Resources

Waiting for Approval

Please check the status of your application regularly. If USCIS needs more information, they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). This does not mean your Form I-765 is denied. It just requires additional documents. Submit your response electronically through your USCIS online account. You must respond by the USCIS deadline, or your application will be denied. Receiving an RFE may delay processing.

  • If your Form I-765 is rejected, it means it was not filed properly and does not establish a filing date. Contact us immediately for guidance.
  • If your Form I-765 is denied, it means your OPT has not been approved. Contact us immediately for next steps. 
  • You may receive a biometric services appointment notice.
  • Biometric appointments will be scheduled at the Application Support Center (ASC) closest to your address. During the appointment, USCIS will collect the your biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) to verify the your identity.
  • To prepare for the appointment, review: Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment | USCIS
  • If you need to reschedule your current ASC Biometrics Appointment, you may log in to your USCIS online account to use the online Self-Rescheduling tool or go to my.uscis.gov/appointmentscheduler-appointment/ca/en. You will be able to change the date, time, and the location of the appointment.

Please Note: The Self-Rescheduling tool cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that has already been rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours, or has already passed.

After Approval

You should already have access to the SEVP Portal from your post-OPT. You will be able to view your STEM OPT employer information at your portal.

If you currently use your SFSU student email address to log in to the SEVP Portal, please change it to a personal email address as soon as possible. Your SFSU student email account will be deactivated approximately one year after graduation, and losing access to that email may prevent you from accessing the portal.

Steps to update your SEVP Portal email address:

  • Step 1: Log in to your SFSU Student Center and update your Preferred Email to a personal email address. An advisor will update your email address in SEVIS within 24 hours.
    • If it has been more than one year since your graduation and you no longer have access to Student Center, please contact f1@sfsu.edu for assistance.
  • Step 2: After your email address has been updated in SEVIS, SEVP will disable access to your old portal account and send an email from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov to your new email address containing a temporary password.
  • Step 3: Log in to the SEVP Portal using your new email address and temporary password, then create a new password.

Refer to the "Mandatory Reporting Requirements" above and set calendar reminders for yourself.

After STEM OPT Ends

  • If you do not exceed 150 days of unemployment, you have a 60 day grace period after the “Valid Until” date on your EAD. During this period, you must leave the U.S. or transfer to another school to continue your F-1 status.  
  • You will lose access to the SEVP Portal shortly after your EAD end date. We recommend taking screenshots and saving records of your employment history and SEVP reporting for your own reference. 
  • If you plan to pursue another program of study at SFSU, you must request a change of education level I-20 from the admission offices.
  • If you wish to pursue study at a different U.S. institution, follow the I-20 Transfer procedures instruction and request your SEVIS record/I-20 to be transferred to your new school.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can continue to work up to 180 days after your current EAD end date if you filed STEM OPT extension before your post-OPT EAD end date. 

Yes. Follow the instructions under the "Mandatory Reporting Requirements" section above.

We discourage students from changing STEM OPT employers while their STEM OPT application is pending.

Do not enroll in any academic courses: You can only take recreational/avocational classes (Yoga or Wine tasting classes…etc) while on the STEM OPT extension.

If you plan to take academic courses or obtain a higher degree, your must request your SEVIS record to be transferred to your new schools. Your STEM OPT will end on the date we transfer your SEVIS record out.