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STEM Extension

 

Are you eligible for STEM OPT Extension?

Students who graduated from UMSL with a STEM degree may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT. Only majors with specific CIP codes are considered to be STEM eligible. The CIP Code is listed on your I-20 in section of Program of study. Please note that minors cannot be used to qualify for STEM OPT Extension.

Application Dates

You can submit your application in MyUSCIS.gov up to 90 days before the expiration of the EAD. You will need a new I-20 with STEM OPT request. Login to MyGlobal and complete STEM OPT Request.

The application must be received by USCIS before the current EAD expires. Students who have applied for the extension may continue working on the expired EAD for 180 days or until the application is approved as long as they have received the receipt of the application from USCIS.

While on STEM OPT Extension

Report OPT changes within 10 days of the change: login to MyGlobal and complete STEM OPT Employment information Update Request.

While on STEM OPT:

  1. You must be employed in a position directly related to the program of study listed on your I-20
  2. The employer must be E-Verified
  3. You can be unemployed for no more than no more than 150 days of unemployment during your entire time on OPT (90 days OPT, 60 days STEM OPT)
  4. You must submit an updated I-983 form completed by you and your employer to the MyGlobal for any employment change within 10 days of the change. 

Validation Report: Students on STEM OPT extension must submit STEM OPT Data Validation Reports in MyGlobal every 6 months starting from the date extension begins and ending when the student’s F-1 status ends. The validation report is due within 10 days of each reporting date. NOTE: Failure to submit the annual 6 month report will result in the termination of your I-20 by USCIS. 

I-983 Evaluation on Student Progress: Students must also submit the annual Evaluation on Student Progress listed on the I-983 (page 5). The first annual progress report must be submitted to in MyGlobal 12 months after the approval of your STEM OPT.

The second annual report must be submitted within 24 months after the approval of your STEM OPT. Failure to submit the I-983 reports within 10 days of these anniversary dates will result in the termination of your I-20 by USCIS.

If you change employers while on the STEM OPT Extension:

  1. You will need to submit 5th page of I-983 (Final Evaluation on Student Progres) signed by your previous employer 
  2. You will need to complete and submit new I-983 Training Plan form to MyGlobal
  3. UMSL Global will review your documents, update your SEVIS record and inform you when you can download your update I-20 from MyGlobal