Application Requirements:
International Student ServicesContactInternational Student Services |
Inaccurate I-983 Fee
A $100 STEM OPT Case Management Fee will be applied if an inaccurate I-983 form is submitted more than once. To help you avoid this additional fee, make sure you submit the I-983 correctly the first time. We have several resources available on this page, below, to guide you through the process.
STEM OPT Fees Example Breakdown
Submit STEM OPT request |
$100 |
Submit I983 to ISS and receive a reply requesting edits (1st) |
$0 |
Submit I-983 to ISS and receive a request for edits again (2nd) |
$100 |
Submit I-983 to ISS and receive a request for edits again (3rd) |
$100 |
Total |
Example: $300 (ISS requested I-983 edits 3 times) |
I-765, Application for Employment Authorization - Once the OPT STEM Extension I-20 is received, OPT STEM Extension applications must then be submitted to USCIS through the online I-765 application.
USCIS requests proof of UCM accreditation. This linked document can be uploaded to your application. UCM Accreditation Document
Students may continue working on OPT for up to 180 days after the original OPT end date while USCIS is processing the submitted OPT STEM Extension application.
Upcoming OPT STEM Extension Live webinars (click the link to register):
OPT STEM Extension Resources:
Eligibility Criteria:
This is due to the unique CIP Codes assigned to programs at each school.
Application Period and Deadlines:
USCIS must not receive the application before or after the application window.
USCIS must not receive the application more than 60 days after the issue date found on the OPT STEM Extension I-20.
Health Insurance:
For information regarding enrolling in UCM Health Insurance while on OPT please go back to the forms page and select Health Insurance.
Students approved for 24 month OPT are required to update employer details within 10 days each time that they begin working for a new employer. Please complete the following form and submit a new form I-983 to update 24 Month OPT STEM employment details.