F-1 OPT & STEM OPT Extension (I-765)

Who qualifies

You must be in valid F-1 status, have completed at least one academic year, and get a recommendation from your school's DSO.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Request an OPT recommendation

   Ask your school's Designated School Official to recommend OPT and issue an updated I-20.

   Watch out: You must file within 30 days of the DSO recommendation.

   Common rejection reason: Filing more than 30 days after the I-20 was issued.
2. 2

   Choose your filing window

   Post-completion OPT can be filed up to 90 days before and 60 days after your program end date.

   Watch out: Missing the 60-day window ends your eligibility.
3. 3

   File Form I-765

   Submit Form I-765 with category (c)(3)(B) for OPT or (c)(3)(C) for STEM OPT.

   Watch out: Use the correct eligibility category code.

   Common rejection reason: Wrong category code.
4. 4

   STEM: complete Form I-983 with your employer

   For the STEM extension, your E-Verify employer and you complete a training plan.

   Watch out: Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
5. 5

   Report employment to your school

   Report your employer and address changes within 10 days.

   Watch out: Over 90 days of unemployment ends OPT status.

Documents you'll need

• Updated Form I-20

  I-20 showing the DSO OPT recommendation.

• Passport, visa and I-94

  Copies of identity and entry records.

• Two passport-style photos

  Recent 2x2 inch photos.

  Note: Not needed for most online filings.

• Prior EAD cards

  Copies of any previous work permits.

• STEM degree proof and I-983

  For STEM extension only.