24-Month STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
Application Process: Part II
Filing Online through your USCIS Account
For detailed instructions on filing your I-765 OPT Application online, please use the guidebook linked below.
Proceed through the application answering the questions and uploading appropriate documents.
For current U.S. mailing address, you have the option of entering the OIE mailing address as shown below. OIE will hold all mail received for 60 days. After 60 days items that are not collected will be destroyed.
If you would prefer to use your own mailing address, please be sure you will remain at that address for at least the next 3 months to ensure your documents can be delivered successfully. If your STEM OPT card is lost in the mail, you will have to submit a new application and filing fee to USCIS to request a replacement. Once you receive your OPT card email a copy to iss@wicihta.edu.
When prompted for evidence of your College Degree, SEVP and USCIS have stated that
transcripts or copies of diplomas indicating the level of the degree and field of
study are acceptable.
**Thesis/Dissertation/Project Graduate Students: USCIS issued a Policy Memorandum in October 2013 indicating F-1 students engaging
in Post-Completion OPT are eligible for a STEM extension even if they have not yet
completed the thesis requirement (or equivalent) for their STEM degree. If your degree
has not yet been awarded, we advise you to obtain a Degree Status Letter from the
Graduate School to submit to USCIS in place of a transcript. If your degree has been
awarded, submitting a degree status letter in addition to providing a transcript or
copy of your diploma is not required.
When you are ready to submit your application, complete the Applicant’s statement and Applicant’s Declaration and Certification sections, pay the $470 filing fee through Pay.gov, and submit your application. The STEM OPT application must be filed within 60 days of the Designated School Official (DSO) entering the STEM OPT recommendation into SEVIS.
< Back To OIE Homepage l < Previous | Next >
Page 7 of 8