INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS OFFICE
9388 Lightwave Ave. #185A, San Diego, CA 92123, U.S.A. (858) 541-7960, fax (858) 541-7995, email: [email protected]
F-1 STUDENT: 17- MONTH STEM EXTENSION
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
DEFINITIONOn April 8, 2008, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revised its regulations on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT). F-1 students who earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are eligible for a one-time 17 month extension of post-completion OPT known as STEM Extension OPT for a total of up to 29 months of OPT.
STEM EXTENSION OPT ELIGIBILITY Valid F-1 Status
Completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM degree listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm) and are currently engaged in post-completion OPT.
Employer must be registered in the E-Verify Program (www.uscis.gov/everify) and agree to report to the National University International Programs Office when the student is terminated or leaves employment. NOTE: Student who completed their post-completion OPT prior to April 8, 2008 are not eligible for the 17 month extension.
APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE
We advise that you begin the process at least 120 days prior to the OPT end date. STEP #1:
Obtain all documents for the STEM Extension OPT application package as listed in Application Requirements Checklist (below).
STEP #2:
Submit the STEM Extension OPT application package to the National University International Programs Office Immigration Specialist for review. Upon review of a completed application the Immigration Specialist will return your application package and issue a new SEVIS I-20
STEP #3:
Mail the STEM Extension OPT application package to USCIS. The application package must be received by USCIS before the current I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card expires. NOTE: Students may submit applications to USCIS no more than 120 days before the current OPT authorization end date. Applications received more than 120 days before the current OPT authorization end date will be returned to you by USCIS.
STEP #4:
Continue employment. If the student files for the STEM Extension OPT, employment is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the application is pending with USCIS.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
Please complete all items on this checklist and submit all application materials to the National University International Programs Office Immigration Specialist for review.
□ Original STEM Extension OPT Request Form (see form below). Please send by mail to International Programs Office if unable to meet with Immigration Specialist.
□ Completed I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. Refer to “Guidelines For Completing Form I-765.” □ Copy of Form I-765 Application fee of $380 USD check or money order made payable to “US. Department of Homeland
Security.” Cash is not acceptable.
□ Copy of front and back of valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
□ Copy of passport biographical information pages (including photo, birth date, expiration date). Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond end date of OPT.
□ Copy of F-1 visa page or Form I-797: Change of status to F-1 approval notice □ Copy of I-94 card (front and back) or electronic version.
□ Copy of current SEVIS I-20 with latest OPT request (pages 1 and 3)
□ Copy of National University official transcript or a copy of diploma indicating level, program of study, and conferral of degree.
GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING FORM I-765
Complete the most recent version of Form I-765 by going to www.uscis.gov > FORMS > Form Number I-765 > Click Application for Employment Authorization > Click Download Form I-765 then fill-out the form by following the instructions below and printing a copy of the completed Form I-765 to be provided to the National University Immigration Specialist during your OPT appointment. Important Note: Do not electronically file (E-File) Form I-765 as the Immigration Specialist will need to review a properly completed copy of Form I-765 to process your application.
• At “I am applying for.”; select “Renewal of my permission to accept employment.”
• Number 1: Use your name as indicated on SEVIS I-20. Clearly write your family name in CAPITAL letters. Then, write first and middle name.
• Number 2: List other names used on official documents or a maiden name.
• Number 3: Use your mailing address in the U.S. The address should be valid for the next 6 months. • Number 4: Write your country of citizenship.
• Number 5: Write your city and country of birth.
• Number 6: Write month, day, and year of your birthdate. • Number 7: Select male or female.
• Number 8: Select marital status.
• Number 9: Write Social Security Number (if applicable). Leave blank if you do not have one. • Number 10: Write the 11-digit number on your I-94 document.
• Number 11: Mark “yes” or “no” if you have ever before applied for employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), indicate which USCIS office, dates of issuance, and whether the employment was “granted” or “denied.” Provide copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if employment was granted.
• Number 12: Write date of last entry to U.S. as identified on I-94 document. • Number 13: Write place of last entry to U.S. as identified on I-94 document. • Number 14: Write manner of last entry to U.S. as identified on I-94 document.
• Number 15: Write current immigration status as identified on I-94 document or Form I-797 change of status approval notice. Numbers 14 and 15 may be different if you were approved for change of status after your last entry to the U.S.
• Number 16: For STEM Extension OPT write, (c)(3)(C).
• Number 17: For “Degree.” Write the six digit Primary Major Code and Major Name as indicated on the top portion of the third page of your SEVIS I-20. Write employer’s information and E-Verify program number.
• Number 18 (If applicable): Leave Blank.
• Certification/Applicant’s Signature: When signing Form I-765, make sure that the signature is made with a black pen and is not overlapping any text or signature line as the signature will be scanned to your EAD. The application will be returned to you by USCIS if the certification is not properly documented.
MAILING THE OPT APPLICATION
Mail the application to USCIS so that it is received no later than 30 days after the date of the OPT recommendation on the SEVIS I-20. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT application prior to the expiration date on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Failure to do so may result in a denial of your application.
Mailing OPT application directly to USCIS
Mail the following items to the appropriate USCIS Phoenix or Dallas Lockbox facilities: • Cover Letter (Issued by the National University International Programs Office) • Application Fee
• Original Form I-765
• Copy of new SEVIS I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation on page 3 • Copy of current SEVIS I-20
• Copy of front and back of valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Copy of ALL passport biographical information pages (including photo, birth date, expiration date). Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond end date of OPT.
• Copy F-1 visa page or Form I-797: Change of status to F-1 approval notice • Copy of Form I-94 (front and back page) or electronic version
• Copy of National University official transcript or a copy of diploma indicating level, program of study, and conferral of degree
File the OPT application at the USCIS Phoenix or Dallas Lockbox facilities based on the address of the State that you have entered on item 3 of the Form I-765.
If you live in:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, or Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
File your application at:
USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) For Express mail and courier service deliveries: deliveries:
USCIS USCIS
PO Box 21281 Attn: AOS
Phoenix, AZ 85036 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034 If you live in:
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.
File your application at: USCIS Dallas Lockbox
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) For Express mail and courier service deliveries: deliveries:
USCIS USCIS
PO Box 660867 Attn: AOS
Dallas, TX 75266 2501 S. State Hwy. 121, Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067 Pending EAD Approval
USCIS will send a Form I-797 receipt within 7-10 business days of confirming receipt of your application. The receipt will contain a receipt number (beginning with WAC and 10 digits). You can check the status of your case at www.uscis.gov by inputting your receipt number. Please keep the original for your records and provide a copy of the receipt to the International Programs Office for your National University records. The receipt can be faxed to (858) 541-7995 or emailed to [email protected].
Extension of Work Authorization and F-1 Status
Your work authorization and F-1 status is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the STEM extension application is pending. This applies even if your current EAD is expired. Please keep your Form I-797 receipt notice as documentation for your pending STEM extension application.
Travel Outside the USA and Reentry
We advise that you do not travel outside of the U.S. while your STEM extension OPT is pending as a valid EAD will be required for reentry to the U.S. Please make sure to have the following to reenter the U.S.: • Passport valid up to six months after reentry date
• Valid F-1 visa
• Current I-20 with valid Designated School Official travel signature on page 3 of SEVIS I-20. NOTE: The travel signature is only valid for six months while on OPT.
• Original EAD card
EAD Approval
Upon receiving your EAD from USCIS please provide a copy of it (front and back) to the International Programs Office so that we can update your records. It can be faxed to (858) 541-7995 or emailed to
SEVIS Reporting Requirements
You must verify your OPT Employer and Employer’s address to the IPO at [email protected] every six months from the date of the OPT extension.
While on OPT you will continue to be in F-1 status and are required to report certain information about your stay in the U.S. Please contact the IPO at [email protected] within 10 business days if you:
• Change your name, Change your U.S. address
• Change your employer, location of employment, or end employment. • Complete your practical training early
• Decide to return home permanently
F-1 STUDENT: 17-MONTH STEM EXTENSION
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
REQUEST FORM
DIRECTIONS: Student must complete Section #1, #2, #3A. Employer must complete Section #3B. A complete application will include:
□ Original 17 month STEM Extension OPT Request Form (Completed by student and employer). Please send by mail to International Programs Office if unable to meet with Immigration Specialist.
□ Copy of completed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. Go to Forms > Form number I-765 at (http://www.uscis.gov) for most current version. Refer to Guidelines for Completing Form I-765 in STEM OPT Prepacket. Important Note: Do not electronically file (E-File) Form I-765 as the Immigration Specialist will need to review a properly completed Form I-765 to process your application.
□ Copy of Form I-765 Application fee of $380 USD check or money order made payable to “US. Department of Homeland Security.” Cash is not acceptable.
□ Copy of front and back of valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
□ Copy of ALL passport biographical information pages (including photo, birth date, expiration date). Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond end date of OPT.
□ Copy of F-1 visa page or Form I-797: Change of status to F-1 approval notice □ Copy of I-94 card (front and back)
□ Copy of current SEVIS I-20 (pages 1 and 3)
□ Copy of National University official transcript or a copy of diploma indicating level, program of study, and conferral of degree.
□ 2 U.S.-style passport photos (4 recommended). Copies of photos are acceptable for review by Immigration Specialist.
Please submit your complete application package (ORIGINAL AND ONE COPY OF THE ENTIRE PACKAGE) to the National University International Programs Office Immigration Specialist for review. The application package must include all items listed above. A new SEVIS I-20 will be issued and provided to the student upon review of the completed application by a National University Immigration specialist. Note: USCIS must receive your application package no later than 30 days after the date of the OPT recommendation on the SEVIS I-20 and BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OF YOUR
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT (EAD CARD). SECTION 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name (LAST name, FIRST name): _________________________________________________________ National University Student ID#:_________________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________ U.S. Phone Number: ________________________ Program End Date: _______________ National University Major/ Field of Study:____________________ Employment Authorization Dates (see EAD card): ______________ - ______________
From (month/day/year) To (month/day/year) Do you have a pending application at USCIS (Attach copy of your I-797 Receipt Notice)? For an H-1B visa? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, indicate application date: _________ For an Immigrant visa? Yes ____ No ____ If yes, indicate application date: _________
SECTION 2: EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Job Title or Position of F-1 Student: _________________________________________________________ Employer’s Name and Address: ____________________________________________________________ Employment Start Date: ___/___/___ Supervisor’s Name: ______________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________ E-mail:_______________________________________ Employer’s Name as listed in E-Verify: ______________________________________________________ Employer’s e-Verify Company Identification Number: __________________________________________ Or
a valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number:________________________________________ SECTION 3: STUDENT AND EMPLOYER CERTIFICATION
A) F-1 students with approved 17-Month STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT) are required to report to the National University International Programs Office any changes in their name and/or address, any changes in their employer’s name and/or address, or any interruptions of their
employment within 10 business days of the change. In addition, you must verify your OPT Employer and Employer’s address to the IPO every six months from the date of the OPT extension. I understand these requirements and will notify the National University International Programs Office accordingly. _____________________________ _______________________________ _____________
STUDENT NAME SIGNATURE DATE
B) Employers of F-1 students with STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization are required to report to the National University International Programs Office within 48 hours after the student has been terminated from, or otherwise leaves, his or her employment with that employer prior to the end of the authorized OPT period. I understand this requirement and will notify the National University International Programs Office of the student’s employment changes accordingly. ______________________________ _______________________________ _____________ NAME OF EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE DATE
