24-Month STEM OPT FAQs
As of August 1, 2026 a processing fee will be implemented as a requirement when applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the STEM OPT Extension. All students applying on and after that date will be required to pay the fee and submit their receipt along with the other required application materials.
Additional Resources:
I-765 Guidance for filing online
F-1 students who:
- have obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D degree in a STEM field from an accredited and SEVP certified U.S. school within 10 years of extension application. There is a new expanded list of STEM eligible CIP codes. The CIP Code is listed on the I-20 form under the section Student’s Program of Study.
- There is a lifetime limit of two periods of 24-month STEM OPT; each occurring after a higher degree level has been obtained. A STEM degree obtained at a U.S. university prior to your current degree may be the basis for a STEM extension under certain circumstances.
- be currently on Post-Completion OPT. Must be maintaining status and have fewer than 90 days of unemployment.
- be employed or have offer of employment with an employer who is registered with E-Verify.
- E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. The program is free and voluntary.
- Please note, unpaid or volunteer positions and self-employment will not qualify under the STEM rule.
Applications can be filed up to 90 days prior to the end of the current Post-Completion OPT. USCIS must receive the application before the current OPT expires.
The 24-Month STEM Extension begins on the day after the expiration of the Post-Completion OPT. If the 24-Month Extension was filed prior to the end date of the Post-Completion OPT then the student may continue employment while the application is pending until a final decision is made or 180 days have elapsed, whichever comes first.
STEP 1: Watch the STEM tuturial and read through the FAQs.
STEP 2: Submit the following documents to ISSS for review:
- Copy of receipt indicating applicant’s payment of the $250 STEM OPT Extension Fee (as of 08/01/2026)
- I-983 training plan completed and signed by employer and student. Please refer to the Students and the Form I-983 page for more information.
- Copies of previous I-20s with CPT or OPT authorization. Copy of any EADs.
- Copy of current I-94, passport and visa page.
- Diploma and/or official transcripts related to your STEM degree program.
- Verification of employment history during Post-completion OPT.
STEP 3: ISSS requires 7-10 business days for processing. Once your documents have been reviewed, you will be issued a new I-20 with the STEM recommendation.
STEP 4: Create an online account with USCIS and submit the I-765, supporting documents and filing fee https://www.uscis.gov/i-765. Please review the following documents to assist you in your filing. You must submit the I-765 within 60 days of when the recommendation for STEM is enterd into SEVIS by ISSS.
I-765 Guidance for filing online
- Current fees are posted on USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees
- Additional information posted on Study in the States -https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/for-students/students-determining-stem-opt-extension-eligibility
- Note: also need to include passport style photos taken within 30 days of application. 2 photos are required for the mail in application.
- The SEVIS School Code for Kansas State is KAN214F00272000
- DSO Name and Contact Information: Use your international advisor contact information
- Student SEVIS ID number found at the top of your current I-20 form.
- Write the beginning date of STEM OPT as the day after the expiration of EAD and write 24 months after as the date of completion.
- The CIP code is listed on your form I-20.
- Page 5 should be blank with the initial STEM application. This will be completed while on STEM Extension (once after 12 months and the final evaluation toward the end of the 24 month period).
You will be issued a new EAD (Employment Authorization Document). If you do not receive a new EAD prior to the end of your Post-Completion OPT, provide your employer with the Receipt Notice showing the STEM was timely submitted to USCIS. As long as the 24-Month Extension was filed prior to the end date of the Post-Completion OPT you may continue employment while the application is pending until a final decision is made or 180 days have elapsed, whichever comes first.
You must provide a copy of your EAD to ISSS once you receive the approval notice. It is your responsibility to notify ISSS within 10 days of any changes to your name, address, employer, relationship of employment and/or interruption in employment. Each new employer must complete the I-983 within 10 days of hire.
NOTE: Even if no changes have occurred, you must update your record with ISSS every 6 months.
You can use the ISSS Optional Practical Training (OPT) Update Form or your SEVP portal to submit your updates and 6 month validations. Failure to do so may be seen as a violation of your F-1 status.
During the period of 24-month STEM OPT, maintaining your status is dependent on employment. An F-1 student must not exceed 150 days of unemployment during the entire 36 month period (12 months of Post-completion OPT and 24 months of STEM).
You may leave the U.S. and re-enter to resume work in F-1 status as long as you have:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa (If your F-1 visa will NOT be valid, then you must apply for a new one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.)
- EAD (Employment Authorization Document) for STEM OPT (if your STEM is pending, it is strongly recommended to wait to plan travel until you have the approved EAD.
- I-20 with travel signature dated within the last 6 months.
- Proof of employment
- copy of I-983
Who is eligible for the Cap-Gap Extension?
The Cap-Gap Extension is available to a student who is on OPT and is a beneficiary of a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting change of status and an employment start date of October 1 of the following fiscal year, the student’s legal status and work authorization will be automatically extended.
How do I apply for the Cap-Gap Extension?
To apply for the Cap-Gap extension, you must submit proof that your petition has been filed to ISSS. You will then receive a new I-20 from ISSS indicating your eligibility for the Cap-Gap extension. You should contact ISSS with updated information regarding your petition status. We will then issue the appropriate documentation according to your petition status.
What else should I know about the Cap-Gap Extension?
-If the H-1B petition filed on the student’s behalf is rejected, denied or revocated, these privileges would automatically terminate.
- It is the student’s responsibility to be in contact with your sponsoring employer and ISSS so that you are aware of your petition status and that you have the appropriate documentation to verify your work authorization and status in the U.S.
- Your status continues to be dependent on employment. The 90-day limitation on unemployment continues during the cap-gap extension.
- Do not travel while on the Cap-Gap extension.
*Note: Contact an International Student Advisor at the ISSS for additional information regarding the extension options.
Yes, you can continue to enroll in the United Healthcare Insurance. While you are on OPT or Academic Training, you will pay United Healthcare directly. To do this, send an email to ISSS with the months you want coverage as well as the information listed below.
First Name:
Last Name:
Student ID:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Current Address:
Phone Number:
Email:
We will send this information to United Healthcare and they will then send you a request for payment. You coverage will not be active until they receive your payment.