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Stage 1: Your Timeline & STEM OPT Request I-20

When to Apply for STEM OPT

You can submit your USCIS application for your STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days before the last day of your current initial OPT EAD card.

USCIS MUST receieve your STEM OPT Extension application before the final day on your initial OPT EAD work approval or else you will no longer be eligible.

UC Merced STEM OPT Extension Administrative Processing Fees

The STEM OPT Administrative Processing Fee is a one-time payment required for OIA to comply with mandatory federal regulations and maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security systems for F-1 SEVIS records while students are no longer enrolled at UC Meced.

The fee is $300 and must be paid before requesting your STEM OPT Request I-20 from your DSO.

The fee can be paid by clicking here.

After you have made your payment, please email your receipt along with your STEM OPT I-20 Request.

Complete the I-983 Training Plan with your Employer

The Form I-983 “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students” is required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This form helps outline how your employer will provide practical training related to your STEM degree during your 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

You and your employer must work together to complete the form before you apply for STEM OPT. The plan must describe your learning objectives, supervision, and how your progress will be evaluated.

Download the Current Form I-983 here!

Sections of the I-983

  1.  Training Plan — The first four pages.
    • ​​Completed jointly by you and your employer before submitting your STEM OPT Extension request.
      **Email this to kveloz@ucmerced.edu when requesting your STEM OPT Request I-20**
       
  2. Evaluation on Student Progress — Top half of page 5.
    • Completed 12 months after your STEM OPT start date.
       
  3. Final Evaluation — Bottom half of page 5.
    • Completed at the end of your STEM OPT employment or when you change employers.

For more information on how to keep your I-983 updated, see our page "Stage 4: Stage 4: Maintaining F-1 Status on STEM OPT".

Request Your STEM OPT Request I-20

Before applying to USCIS for STEM OPT, just like initial OPT, you must first receive a new I-20 with a STEM OPT recommendation from your DSO. This step confirms your eligibility and ensures that your application is accurate and complete.

To request your STEM OPT Request I-20, please collect the following documents:

  1. Fully fill out the STEM OPT Extension Request Form
  2. Your Receipt/Email confirmation of your Administative Processing Fee payment.
  3. Pages 1-4 of your I-983 Training Plan fully filled out with your employer

Once you have these forms, email them to kveloz@ucmerced.edu to officially request your STEM OPT Request I-20.

Please allow 3-5 business days of processing time and be sure to submit your documents as early as possible to avoid delays.