OPT 24-Month STEM Extension

OPT 24-Month STEM Extension

On March 11, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new STEM Final Rule, with effective date May 10, 2016. NAFSA: Association of International Educators provides a summary of the rule and current updates and background. Detailed information for students and employers can also be found on the DHS Study in the States OPT STEM Hub. See below for a summary of key points in the new STEM rule.

UC Berkeley Departments hiring  F-1 students on STEM OPT should review the Hiring Scholars on F-1 OPT webpage.

Berkeley International Office 24-Month STEM Application Procedures & Tutorial

Eligible students may apply for a 24-Month STEM Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their OPT EAD. 

  1. Fully review the Berkeley International Office 24-Month STEM Extension Tutorial for detailed instructions on both the BIO application process and submission to USCIS. Pay careful attention to the Tutorial as it contains specific information as to how to complete the I-983.
    OPT 24 month extension cover slide

  2. Log in to the Student SEVIS Update (SSU) system DIRECTLY BEFORE you submit your STEM application to BIO. (Most  processing delays are due to failure to update all new required fields in SSU.) You must:
    • Update all current & previous OPT employment
    • Update your current address/email/phone
    • Upload a copy of your OPT EAD
    • Upload a copy of form I-983 Training Plan. 

  3. Complete the BIO OPT 24-Month Extension Request Form and submit to BIO with Post-Completion Services Fee of $300. BIO will issue you a new OPT I-20 with a 24-Month Extension recommendation. 
  4. Submit a 24-Month Extension request to USCIS.(Detailed instructions available in the STEM tutorial)

The 2016 STEM Extension rule institutes significant changes for the F-1 OPT STEM Extension, including:

Duration Effective May 10, 2016 the STEM Extension will be for 24 months.
STEM Application Period STEM applications may only be submitted up to 90 days prior to the initial 12-Month OPT EAD expiration.
Eligibility for 2nd STEM Extension The new rule allows a total of 2 lifetime STEM Extensions, the 2nd after earning a new STEM-eligible degree at a higher level and obtaining a new, higher level of 12-Month OPT
Eligible Based on Previously Earned Degree May be based on a previously earned STEM Degree
Updated STEM Definition and CIP Categories STEM Definition and CIP Categories
Required Training Plan and Form I-983 Requires significant responsibility of the employer to provide a training plan related to the field of study, and attestations to wages and compensation being commensurate with "similarly situated U.S. workers"
New Obligations for Students, Schools, and Employers 6 Month validation reports, annual evaluations, and submission of a new I-983 in case of material changes to the original I-983 are now required. Employers must agree to Department of Homeland Security site visits, as well as provide attestations to wages and working conditions
Types of Employment Allowed

Volunteer/unpaid positions and self-employment are NOT allowed. STEM-eligible employers must have e-Verify & EIN numbers and the student must have a "bona fide employer-employee relationship".

If a student uses a temporary or staffing agency to place them in a training opportunity, the agency cannot complete and sign the Form I-983, "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students." Only the E-verified employer that provides the actual training relevant to the student's qualifying STEM degree is authorized to sign and complete the Form I-983. If a student uses a temporary agency that places them in short-term training opportunities with several different employers, the student will need to complete a new Form I-983 for every new training opportunity with each employer.
Increased Unemployment Students with 24-Month STEM Extensions may have up to 150 days of unemployment during the total OPT period including initial 12-Month and 24-Month STEM OPT period

STEM Reporting Requirements & Address/Employment Updates

Please see our OPT Reporting page for more information regarding your obligations during the STEM Extension. This includes updating your personal or employment information, as well as how to comply with with special STEM 6-Month validation and Annual Evaluation requirements.