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OPT Extension
OPT Extension for students with STEM degrees Texs State designated STEM degrees (Downlaod) F-1 OPT STEM Extension Form (Download form)
17 MONTH EXTENSION OF OPT FOR F-1 STUDENTS W ITH A STEM DEGREE (Download Handout)
OPT STEM Extension
Students who are eligible for this benefit can apply for a 17 month OPT extension for a maximum of 29 months of OPT if his/her degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Programs list.
Eligibility
F-1students in lawful status who completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM field and are currently engaged in post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension if they have a job or job offer from an E-Verify employer. Students that have accrued more than 90 days of unemployment or have received previously a STEM extension do not qualify for the extension.
A student with a dual major qualify for the STEM extensionif one of the degrees is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and any job worked while on the STEM extension is related to the student’s STEM degree. For the list of STEM degrees visit the SEVP website at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm.
How to Apply for the Extension
I. Steps the student applicant must take
A. Schedule an appointment with a DSO advisor in the International Office (In person or by phone)
A. Schedule an appointment with a DSO advisor in the International Office (In person or by phone)
- What you need for the appointment:
- Current I-20
- Your current EAD (OPT Card)
- Passport (Should be valid for at least 6 months)
- I-94 card
- Completed Form I-765:
Item 16 is “(c)(3)(C)”
Item 17: “ list the major as it appears in the I-20 not the name used by Texas State.” - Personal check payable to DHS for $340.00
- Employer Letter (See B below)
B. Request an employment letter from current or future employer.
Letter from your employer on employer letterhead that certifies that you are currently employed and the location at which you are employed, which includes the following information:
1. Employer name
2. Employer address
3. Job title or position
4. Employment start-date
5. Employment end date, if applicable
6. It is recommended that the employer include a statement regarding how the employment relates to the STEM field.
7. It is recommended the employer places the following paragraph in the letter and agrees to comply with the following:
“[Name of Employer] agrees to report to the International Office at Texas State when an F-1 student on extended OPT terminates or otherwise leaves his or her employment with the employer prior to the end of the authorized period of OPT. The employer must report this information to the DSO in the International Office at Texas State within 48 hours after the student leaves employment, unless DHS announces another means to report such information through a Federal Register notice.”
C. Student must fill out the F-1 OPT STEM Extension Form and sign the Statement of Understanding and Reporting Responsibilities of Student While on OPT Extension.
II. Steps the employer must take
B. Must agree to report to the International Office at Texas State when an F-1 student on extended OPT terminates or otherwise leaves his or her employment with the employer prior to the end of the authorized period of OPT. The employer must report this information to the DSO in the International Office at Texas State within 48 hours after the student leaves employment, unless DHS announces another means to report such information through a Federal Register notice.
C. Must provide employment letter to student as stated in section I.