OPT STEM EXTENSION
A STEM Extension is a 17-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization available
to F-1 students who graduated with a degree in specific fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics and
will be working for an employer who is part of the E-Verify program. Students must request a STEM extension I-20
from a UIS international advisor and send a copy of it with the rest of their application to the USCIS office having
jurisdiction over the state where the student currently lives. Students have a life-time limit of one STEM extension.
Eligibility Requirements

The primary major CIP code, found on p. 3 of the I-20, must appear on the approved government list of STEM
majors: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm

Applicant must be working on post-completion OPT and have fully completed their academic program

Applicant must have complied with post-completion OPT regulations

Applicant must be working for an E-Verify employer
The application is much the same as it was for a student’s first period of OPT and should include the following:

Check or money order for $380 made payable to: Department of Homeland Security

Two recent, passport-style photos on white background. The photos must be 2 x 2 inches; the images must be
1 inch from the hair to the chin and 1.25 inch from eye height to the bottom of the photo. Your name and I94 number must be printed in pencil on the back of the photos. For an example photo, see
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/m-603.pdf

Completed & typed form G-1145 request for e-Notification www.uscis.gov/forms

Completed & typed Form I-765 – www.usics.gov/forms

o
(c)(3)(C)
o
Company’s E-Verify number (usually five or six digits)
Copy of new STEM extension I-20 requested from UIS’ International Student Services office (contact iss@uis.edu
to request this)

Copies of previous I-20s, passport, Form I-94 and copies of any previous EAD’s (including current OPT card)

Copy of certification of degree awarded showing the applicant’s major field of study or a final transcript showing
the major

Valid email address, employer’s name, employer’s address

Evidence that first period of OPT was conducted appropriately – employment was directly related to the major
and appropriate for the level of study and no more than 90 days of unemployment (eg. Job offer letters, pay
stubs, etc.)
What else do I need to know?

Applicants may apply up to 120 days before expiration of post-completion OPT authorization
International Student Services, University of Illinois at Springfield, HRB 52, Springfield, IL 62703
iss@uis.edu (217) 206-6678

For I-9 purposes, STEM extension applicants who have timely filed for the STEM extension and have a receipt
notice but do not receive their new EAD card when the current EAD expires can work up to 180 days until the
EAD arrives

Processing takes approximately 3 months

Must continue to send address and employer updates to UIS at iss@uis.edu for entry into the SEVIS system.

Travel signatures on page 3 of the I-20 are required every 6 months for international travel and re-entry.
Mailing Instructions
USCIS Phoenix and Dallas Lockbox facilities
If you live in:
Mail your application to:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado,
Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,
North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota,
Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming,
Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries:
USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
For Express mail and courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware,
District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Mississippi,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico,
New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania,
Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont,
Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands,
or West Virginia
USCIS Dallas Lockbox
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:
USCIS
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
For Express mail and courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
International Student Services, University of Illinois at Springfield, HRB 52, Springfield, IL 62703
iss@uis.edu (217) 206-6678