New STEM OPT Extension Rule
On March 11, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security published an amended STEM OPT rule. The new rule which provides for an extension of the OPT period by 24 months compared to the previous 17 month extension will go into effect on May 10, 2016. There are other new provisions with the amended STEM OPT rule. The Study in the States web page on STEM OPT provides detailed information on the new rule. Click here to go to the Study in the States STEM OPT web page.
Students currently on an approved 17 month STEM OPT extension with at least 150 days remaining after May 10, 2016 of eligible STEM OPT may apply for the additional 7 months of STEM OPT. To qualify for the addiitonal 7 months, students must have at least 150 calendar days remaining before the end of their current 17 month extension period at the time the new Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization is filed with USCIS. The applicant must also meet all requirements of the 24 month STEM OPT extension of the new rule. There is also a limited time to apply for the additional 7 months. You can apply between May 10, 2016 and August 8, 2016. Click here for students currently on the 17 month STEM OPT extension.
All STEM OPT applicants with a pending STEM OPT application after May 9, 2016 will be required to submit a new revised form I-20. USCIS will send an RFE (Request for Further Evidence) for the new I-20 with the corrected dates reflecting a 24 month period. Click here for information on students with 17 month STEM OPT applications pending on May 10, 2016.
In additon to the new form I-20, a training plan Form I-983 will also be required for STEM OPT extension applications adjudciated after May 10, 2016. Click here to review information about and download the Form I-983.
