The University of Pittsburgh
Office of International Services
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Science Technology Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) Extension Take Away Handout
Application Process for OPT STEM Extension
Step 1:
Meet with your current supervisor to discuss your plan to submit the application for the OPT STEM
Extension. Your supervisor will receive an email from OIS requesting that he/she confirm your
employment and their status as an e-verify company.
Step 2:
Via the Limited Services Section of My OIS (https://my.ois.pitt.edu), submit OPT STEM Extension eform to obtain new I-20 with OPT STEM Extension Recommendation. The new I-20 will be ready to
pick up at OIS or it will be shipped from OIS within 5 business days from receipt of all materials.
Step 3:
Prepare the application materials you must mail to USCIS within 30 days of creation of new I-20:
Original, completed and signed Form I-765. Download current version via:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf.
a. Check the appropriate box at the top of the form that says “I am applying for”.
b. Item #3: Mail from the USCIS will not be forwarded. If you may be moving in the months
after you submit the OPT application, consider using OIS’ address:
c/o OIS, 708 WPU; Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
We will email you if we receive any mail related to your OPT application.
c. Item #10: Your I-94 number appears on the upper left-hand corner of your I-94 card or on the
top of your electronic I-94 record (https://cbp.gov/i94).
d. Item #11: If your previous receipt notice started with the three-letter code, the indicated
Service Center processed your application. EAC = Vermont Service Center; WAC =
California Service Center; LIN = Nebraska Service Center or SRC = Texas Service Center.
e. Items #12, 13, and 14: Date, place, & manner of last entry should match current I-94 card.
f. Item #15: Your current visa status is either “F-1” or “Student”.
g. Item #16: Fill in (C)(3)(C) for OPT STEM extension.
h. Item #17: Be sure to report your employer’s E-Verify Name and Number in this section.
i. Don’t forget to sign the form within the lines!
□ Original completed Form G-1145: www.uscis.gov/g-1145 (Optional but recommended).
□ Copies of pages 1 and 3 of all previous I-20s (including those from former schools).
Make sure your signature is on the front page of each I-20.
□ Copies of pages 1 and 3 of newest I-20 with OPT STEM Extension recommendation on page 3.
□ A copy of the front and back of previously issued EAD Card(s).
□ A copy of your diploma or transcript confirming the date and degree awarded.
□ A copy of the biographical page of your passport.
□ A copy of your F-1 visa stamp.
□ A copy of the front and back of your I-94 card OR a copy of your electronic I-94 Admission
Number (http://cpb.gov/i94).
□ A check or money order for $380 payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
□ Two US passport-style photographs taken within the last 30 days. Lightly print your name and
I-94 Number on the back of each photo in pencil. The photos should be placed in an envelope
or plastic bag and paper clipped to the application so they are not lost. Read USCIS specifications
for these photographs here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.html.
□
If you would like an Immigration Specialist to review your OPT STEM Extension application
materials, attend walk-in hours, Monday through Thursday between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Updated 07/18/2013
The University of Pittsburgh
Office of International Services
Step 4:
Mail application materials to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. If you list a Pennsylvania
address on your Form I-765, application materials must be submitted to one of the addresses below. If you
list an address elsewhere in the US, please find the appropriate address via www.uscis.gov/I-765.
For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries
United States Citizenship & Immigration
Services (USCIS)
Dallas Lockbox
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville TX 75067
Phone: 800-375-5283
Step 5:
Step 6:
For US Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries
United States Citizenship & Immigration
Services (USCIS)
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
Receive Receipt Notice within 2-3 weeks.
Receive EAD card within 2-3 months. You may continue working while you have a pending
application for up to 180 days from the end-date of your initial EAD Card.
Deadlines:
• Students applying for post-completion OPT STEM Extension:
o May apply no sooner than 120 days before the end-date of current Employment Authorization
Document (EAD Card).
o Employment authorization will be requested on the day following the end-date of the current EAD
Card. Cannot modify requested employment dates.
o May continue working under current employment authorization for up to 180 days while the OPT
STEM Extension application is pending.
• USCIS must receive the OPT application:
o Up to 120 days before the end-date of your current EAD Card.
o NO LATER THAN the end-date of current EAD Card.
o NO LATER THAN 30 days after the new Form I-20 with OPT STEM Extension
recommendation on page 3 was prepared. If you are delayed in sending your application, please
request a new I-20 from OIS.
• If you receive a request for further evidence (RFE) or a denial, there are specific deadlines by which you must
respond. OIS can advise you how to proceed if this occurs.
STEM Extension Employment Authorization:
• Student’s seeking OPT STEM Extension must be working for or have an offer of employment from an
employer enrolled in the E-verify system.
• Employer agrees to notify OIS of any changes in employment within 48 hours of any change.
• You are expected to be employed in your field of study during OPT.
• The maximum period of unemployment is 120 days, inclusive of any days of unemployment accrued
during initial 12 months of OPT.
• If you begin a new full-time degree program during your authorized OPT STEM Extension period,
whether at Pitt or elsewhere, you will lose any time remaining on your EAD Card. You will be
required to cease employment upon release of your SEVIS record from Pitt to the new institution or upon
issuance of a new Form I-20 for a different program.
• Please note that there is no option to further extend the OPT. When the 29 months have been completed,
the student must seek another visa status if he/she wishes to remain in the United States to continue
employment.
• Once OPT has been granted, you cannot cancel it. You must use it or lose it.
• For more information about employment requirements and reporting, please see our website:
http://www.ois.pitt.edu/immigration-info-requests/f-1-students/employment-authorization-extensions-of-opt/
Updated 07/18/2013
The University of Pittsburgh
Office of International Services
During your period of Post-Completion OPT, you are still in F-1 student status.
• You must notify OIS of any changes in the following via My OIS (https://my.ois.pitt.edu):
o your name and physical address;
o your phone number and/or email address;
o your employer’s name, address and employment status; and
o any other pertinent information about your stay in the United States (i.e. change of status, transfer to a
new degree program, requesting OPT STEM Extension).
• You must report to OIS every six months to verify employer information. You can do this via My OIS. You
will be sent reminder emails as well.
• You will have a 60 day grace period after the expiration date on your EAD.
You must obtain a travel signature from an OIS advisor every six months. See recommendations about
travel here: http://www.ois.pitt.edu/wp-content/uploads/TravelInformation.pdf
Updated 07/18/2013