- F-1 students on Post-OPT who are eligible for STEM Extension may apply as early as 90 days prior to the Post-OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration date.
- Students must submit their STEM Extension request e-form to the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) no later than three weeks prior to their Post-OPT EAD expiry date to account for processing time.
- After the STEM Extension request e-form is approved, the ISSO will issue a STEM Extension recommended form I-20.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive and receipt the STEM Extension application prior to the Post-OPT EAD expiry date. So long as USCIS receives and receipts the application prior to the Post-OPT EAD expiry date, the student is permitted to work for an additional 180 days while the STEM Extension application is pending.
- Upon receiving the I-797 receipt notice, students may present it to their employer's HR department to update their I-9 employment eligibility.
Note on Cap-Gap Work Authorization
If you are eligible for cap-gap work authorization, but have the ability to file for a STEM extension of your OPT, ISSO recommends you consult an immigration attorney as to whether applying for your STEM Extension of OPT is necessary.