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STEM OPT I-20 request

Update: Please ensure you watch the USCIS website for fee changes.
 Please note: WISP does not allow you to apply for STEM OPT Extension.  This page allows you to apply for an I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation.  In order to apply for OPT you must either submit all required documents address listed on the I-765 instructions or apply electronically.   https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

You can apply for STEM OPT electronically.  This is a new feature.  

You MUST review the following websites:

OPT STEM Extension Overview
OPT STEM Extension Eligibility Requirements
Eligible CIP Codes for OPT Extension
Form I-983 Overview
Form I-983

 Deadlines
Under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C) , USCIS must receive the student's 24-month STEM OPT application package:
Before the expiration of the student's current post-completion OPT (standard or cap-gap), but no sooner than 90 days before that date; and
No later than 60 days from the date the DSO recommended the STEM OPT in SEVIS.
  • Students must currently be on post-completion OPT from studies at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
  • STEM OPT Extension applications must be properly filed with USCIS before the end of regular post-completion OPT. 
  • Training must be directly related to the student's major area of study; training should be commensurate with the level of the student's study.
  • The student is responsible for maintaining status while on STEM OPT Extension.

  • STEM OPT APPLICATION INFORMATION
    • Students should start planning for STEM OPT at least 3-4 months before the end of regular post-completion OPT. 
    • Form I-765 for STEM OPT Extension can be filed up to 90 days before the program end date, provided that it is filed within 60 days of the date an ISSS staff member enters the OPT STEM Extension recommendation into SEVIS and signs the new I-20.  Form I-765 can be found at:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
    • Students must begin STEM OPT recommendation I-20 early to allow the ISSS staff time to update the SEVIS record with the recommendation.   
    • Students may have a STEM OPT Extension at 2 different education levels for a maximum of 4 lifetime years of STEM OPT Extension
    • Students on STEM OPT must report training and address in the SEVIS portal WISP. More information on the SEVIS portal can be found at: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/sevis-and-the-sevp-portal
STEP 1: Complete your I-983 with your supervisor.  Make sure you answer the questions.

Form I-983 Instructions and Form
 
STEP 2: Submit your complete STEM OPT application via WISP including:
completed I-983
I-94
other supporting documents

Remember to click on the SUBMIT button when complete.
 
The ISS staff member will evaluate your eligibility for STEM OPT and may issue an I-20 providing the OPT “recommendation”.  This can take up to 3 weeks.   A signed photocopy of the STEM recommendation I-20 must be included in your OPT application documents to USCIS.    Keep all your I-20s forever and never ever throw them away.
 
STEP 3: Submit OPT application to USCIS

You can now apply through an online application system.   https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

If you send your application packet by post:  We recommend using a courier service that requires delivery confirmation. Before sending your completed application, make photocopies of all your application materials and keep them with your other important papers. The Form I-765 must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date an ISSS staff member made the OPT recommendation in SEVIS (see page 2 of the I-20 for the date).
 
Mailing Address:  Review I-765 instructions


STEP 4: Submit a copy of both sides of your EAD card and I-797 Approval Notice to ISSS visa WISP

USCIS will send a notice of receipt called Form I-797 receipt notice. This notice will state your receipt number and provide information on how to check the status of your application online.  PLEASE MAKE A COPY AND submit to ISSS via WISP  If you see your card approved, please note it will take 2-3 weeks to arrive.

STEP 5: Meet all required STEM OPT reporting requirements, please note that there are many additional reporting requirements than regular post completion OPT.

NOTE:  You, your employer, and ISSS will keep a copy of your I-983 training document.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UPDATE SEVIS WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION VIA THE SEVIS PORTAL 
Information on updating essential information can be found at:  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/sevis-and-the-sevp-portal

Report any change of address where you are living (physical address)
Any change of employer requires a NEW I-983 from the new employer and New I-20.  Send the new I-983 to ISSS.

          - Every day without noted employer information, the student will be considered unemployed.
GRACE PERIOD
You may remain in the United States for up to 60 days following the expiration date of your EAD (called your “grace period”). During your grace period, you are allowed to depart from the United States, transfer your SEVIS record to another school, or change to another status. Employment is not permitted during this 60-day period.   If you depart the country during this grace period, you may not reenter under your UWW I-20.
 
SEVIS TRANSFER
If you would like to begin a new full-time program of study at any point during or following OPT, you must follow the proper procedures to transfer to the new institution (for example, graduate school). Your OPT ends when the SEVIS transfer takes place. Contact a UWW ISSS staff member for guidance.   Please find the SEVIS TRANSFER request in WISP.
 
TRAVEL
  • ISSS does not recommend travel outside of the U.S. while waiting for STEM OPT approval, as traveling outside of the U.S. before or after you receive your EAD card may create problems/risks for a successful re-entry to the U.S. 
  • The general guidance is that a student who has both an EAD for post-completion OPT and a letter from the training organization (stating specific return date) should not experience difficulty re-entering the U.S. If either of these two conditions are missing, then the student is assuming risk.  The risk is that you may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S.  Remember, you also need a valid travel signature from an DSO (Designated School Official) for reentry.
INSURANCE
You are not covered by the UWW insurance policy after you graduate. You are strongly encouraged to continue to have health insurance coverage while on OPT / STEM OPT. Insurance may or may not be offered through the employer. Contact ISSS for a link to enroll yourself in the UWW international student insurance policy.  The link for policy information is:  https://www.studentsatanthem.com/?id=University%20of%20Wisconsin%20Whitewater
 
STARTING EMPLOYMENT
Your employer will need your Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have a SSN, you may apply on the I-765. 

TAXES
Employers are required by law to withhold certain taxes from your paychecks. By April 15th of each year, you must file a federal income tax return and a Form 8843, "Statement for Exempt Individuals," covering the prior calendar year--whether you owe more taxes or not.  ISSS staff are not able to answer tax questions. You are required and responsible for tax filing.  Sprintax is a company that provides for non-resident tax filing for a fee: www.sprintax.com
You may use this helpful checklist to guide you as you prepare to compile your STEM OPT application materials. 

You MUST upload a STEM OPT recommendation I-20 in your online application with USCIS.  If you do not, you will be denied and USCIS will keep your payment.

The list of materials you need to submit to USCIS for your STEM OPT application is at:  https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/stem-opt

List of Application Materials:  Make sure that use high resolution scans and all quality requirements for all materials uploaded as part of the USCIS online application.  If the resolution is not high enough your STEM OPT application may be denied.