OPT 17 Month STEM Extension
Who should apply?
Students who 1) have completed their degree at FDU in one of the following areas: Science
Technology Engineering or Mathematics (see FDU webpage for specific majors), 2) are
currently on OPT with a job in their field of study 3) are being paid for employment and working
at least 20 hours per week and 4) are currently employed by an employer who is registered in
the E-verify system. If granted by Immigration, the authorization is an extension of full time
employment for 17 months. For more information on who qualifies for the extension, please see
the OISS website.
When should I apply?
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is able to receive STEM OPT
applications up to 120 days prior to the completion of Standard Post Completion OPT. We
highly recommend that you submit the application packet to the OISS 90 days before the end
date of your current OPT application. Applications must be received by USCIS prior to the end
of your current OPT authorization. Remember that OISS needs a 4-5 day processing time for all
requests. (See below for USCIS processing times.)
How long will it take to get my card?
It may take Immigration as long as 90 days
to send you the Employment Authorization Document (OPT card). If you have not received the
card after 91 days, please contact OISS for further instruction.
If I don’t get my card when my current authorization ends can I work?
Yes. As long as you filed before the end of your current OPT period, you may work while waiting
for your card for up to 180 days.
What if I move or change employers while I am engaging in the OPT extension?
You are required by the Department of Homeland Security to notify OISS of any address
changes, name changes, and changes of employer and/or employer address within 10 days of
the change. We will then notify Immigration for you. **Remember if you change employers, your
new employer must be enrolled in the E-verify program before you can begin working for
them.**
What other requirements must I follow while on the OPT extension?
You must verify your name, address, and employer information every 6 months with OISS.
What if I become unemployed while on the OPT extension?
You must report any periods of unemployment to OISS within 10 days of becoming
unemployed. When you find a new job, you must report that within 10 days as well.
There is now a penalty for being unemployed for extended periods of time while on OPT.
More than 120 days of unemployment while on OPT will result in termination of F-1 Status.
Keep in mind that volunteering does not count as maintaining status for students on the
OPT extension.
What do I do when my OPT ends?
Immigration states that you have 60 days from the end date of the authorized OPT period to:
- Be in the process of changing to another visa status.
- Have an I-20 for the next upcoming semester to begin a new academic program.
- Leave the United States.
What items do I need to apply for the OPT extension?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The attached cover sheet.
Official or unofficial transcript
Photocopy of your FDU degree certificate / diploma
A check or money order for $380.00 made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. (DO NOT WRITE ON THE BACK OF THE CHECK!) Your name and address
must be on the check. Write your I-94 # on the bottom left hand of the check (in the
“memo” or “for” section.)
Two passport sized photographs taken within the last 6 months. Each photo must be cut
to 2 inches by 2 inches with your name and I-94 # printed lightly on the back in pencil.
Place the photos and check/money order in an envelope. Write your name and I-94 #
on the outside of the envelope as well.
Complete form I-765 online using the PDF version located at the following website
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf you will need Acrobat Reader to open the file.
Be sure to enter (c)(3)(C) in step # 16 (See completed sample below), enter the
name of the earned degree AS STATED ON THE I-20 in step #17. Print completed
form I-765 and sign in BLUE INK.
All I-20s, Visa, Passport, I-94 card (front and back), and EAD card (front and back).
(Please note: OISS will make copies of your documents for you.)
If you wish to receive an E-notification that your application was received by USCIS you
can print and complete form G-1145 and include it with this packet.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-1145.pdf
After I have gathered all of the above, what do I do?
Bring in all of the above documents to OISS. We will also accept OPT Extension applications by
mail. Scanned, faxed, or emailed applications will not be accepted. We will process the
paperwork, create a new I-20 for you, and call you to sign it. Please allow 3-5 business days for
processing. You must come to pick up your completed OPT packet in person. Once your
packet is assembled you will be directed to mail the packet to Immigration via certified return
receipt mail. Address and other mailing information will be provided to you. If you have any
questions regarding this form, or any other part of the application process, please contact us at
(201) 692-2743 at the Metro campus, or (973) 443-8672 at the College at Florham.
Form does
not allow
space for
full name
of degree.
Handwrite
this only.
17 Month Extension
Optional Practical Training
Please complete this page and hand it in with your other OPT
materials. Keep the first 3 pages for your reference.
Date: ___________
FDU ID #: ________________
Name: ______________________ Tel. #: ______________
Email (will be listed on I-20): ________________________________
Current Address: __________________________________
________________________________________________
Degree: _________________________________________
Name of Company: ________________________________
Address of Company: ______________________________
________________________________________________
Job Title: ________________________________________
Name of Direct Supervisor: __________________________
Supervisor’s Phone Number: _________________________
E-Verify identification number: ________________________
Please sign below to certify that you have read all the information in this packet and
understand the F-1 regulations regarding OPT and their affect on your F-1 Status. You
are responsible for understanding and abiding by this information. Please speak
with an advisor if you have any questions regarding the enclosed information.
Signature:_________________________ Date: ________________