As of now, International Student Services Does Not recommend filing the I-765 for STEM OPT Extension online. Please follow the instructions provided on this site for requesting STEM OPT I-20.
If you do choose to file online:
An STEM OPT I-20 is REQUIRED before you submit I-765 through MyUSCIS portal; otherwise your application will be denied.
You must speak with an international student advisor before you submit your application online via myusics.
Note: If you filed your application physically and you have a receipt number you can access the many of the benefits of online filing by creating an online account with USCIS and linking your paper-filed application to your MyUSCIS account.
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Students who graduate in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics majors might be eligible to extend the 12-month Optional Practical Training period for an additional 24 months.
You must currently completing Post-Completion OPT
You cannot exceed your 90 days unemployment during Post-Completion OPT
You have earned qualifying STEM degree (STEM Designated Degree Program list)
Employment must be related to your STEM major/ field of study
Any employer must have an e-Verify number
You must work a minimum of 20 hours (full-time) of paid work for an e-verify employer
You must submit the completed Form I-983 “TRAINING PLAN FOR STEM OPT STUDENTS” at the time of application.
Form I-983 Training Plan for Stem OPT Students Pages 1 – 4, completed by student and employer
Copies of your current I-20 and any previously issued I-20s
Copies of your passport and visa information page and I-94 print out
Completed form I-765. You can download the most current form from the USCIS website.
Copy of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards
Copy of your STEM diploma
Copy of SUNY New Paltz transcript (Request SUNY New Paltz transcript)
Completed form G-1145 if you want to receive email/ text verification from the USCIS that your application has been accepted.
Upload STEM OPT Administration Fee* Receipt
Complete the online STEM Extension Request in your ISS-Profile and
Complete the OPT Employment Update in your ISS-Profile.
You can apply for the STEM extension as early as 90 days before your current OPT expires.
As long as your application is received by the USCIS before your OPT expires, you can work up to 180 days after your OPT expiration date while your application is pending.
You must validate your STEM OPT employment at 6 months and 18 months.
You must submit the completed “Evaluation of Student Progress” 12 months into the approved 24-month STEM extension period.
You must submit the completed “Final Evaluation of Student Progress” 24 months into the approved 24-month STEM extension period or if you change STEM employers.
You cannot be unemployed for more than 60 days within your STEM period.
The *STEM OPT Administration Fee is a required fee of $150 for any any student applying for STEM OPT. Since you remain on the immigration sponsorship of SUNY New Paltz, for additional 24 months, a STEM OPT Administration Fee must be paid.
Please visit our STEM FAQ: All you need to know about STEM OPT site for additional information about employment possibilities while on STEM OPT.