Stem EXTENSION Tutorial International Student & Scholar Services Center for International Studies

Definition of STEM Extension STEM Extension is an additional 24 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) granted to certain government-designated STEM degree-holders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Eligibility for STEM Extension A student can apply for a STEM Extension if: The student is participating in post-completion Optional Practical Training. The student is working for a U.S. employer in a paid job (at least 20 hours per week) directly related to the student’s major area of study. The student has completed a degree in a field on the STEM-Designated Degree Program list from an accredited, SEVP-certified, U.S. institution of higher education, or have completed all course requirements but still is completing a thesis, dissertation, starred paper or capstone. The student is working for a company that is registered with the E-Verify employment verification system and has an IRS Employer Identification Number. A student may use a prior STEM degree from an accredited SEVP-certified school if: The student has received their most recent degree (does not need to be a STEM-Designated Degree Program) from an SEVP-certified school that is currently accredited. The student has received their prior, qualifying STEM degree (at the bachelor’s level or higher) within 10 years preceding the date of application for the STEM Optional Practical Training extension with USCIS. A student CANNOT apply for a STEM Extension if the student: Has finished their post-completion Optional Practical Training period. Has received a STEM extension of any duration at the same level as the student now wants to apply.  A student must earn a second qualifying degree to seek a second STEM extension. Has exceeded 90 days of unemployment during their post-completion Optional Practical Training period.

Drop-Off Procedures In order to apply for a STEM Extension, the student must submit the following to the Center for International Studies: STEM Extension Request I-983 I-765 G-1145 Official Transcript showing your degree conferral or letter from your academic advisor if your degree is not yet conferred. Letter from your employer on letterhead that includes: Employer's name as listed in E-Verify. Employer's E-Verify company identification number. Explanation of job responsibilities/duties. Pay. Location of the company. Part-time or full-time+.

I-983 We require that you download the form, type in the required information and print the form because USCIS scanners often misread handwritten forms, which could delay processing. The scanners do not read information that is grayed out, highlighted or corrected with correction fluid or tape. Tips for filling out the form: Item Important information Student email address Enter your personal email address Name of school where STEM degree was earned Enter St. Cloud State University unless the STEM application is based on a degree program from a previous SEVIS-certified, accredited school. Then enter that school name. SEVIS School Code of school recommending STEM OPT SCSU Main Campus = SPM214F00271000 SCSU Twin Cities Campus = SPM214F00271 Designated school official This will be completed by Center for International Studies upon submission. Qualifying major and classification of instructional programs (CIP) code This can be found on the 1st page on your I-20 under “Program of Study” or under #5 on the old I-20. CIP code is in this form: XX.XXXX. Level/Type of Qualifying Degree Undergraduate, graduate or doctoral Date Awarded This is the date that your degree was conferred (see your official transcript). Employment Authorization Number This is the “A” number on your optional practical training employment authorization document card. Sections 3 and 4 These sections are to be completed by the student’s employer. Section 5 This section is to be completed by the student and the employer. Section 6 This section is to be completed by the student’s employer. Evaluation on student progress This section is to be completed by the student and employer at the student’s 12-month date of the STEM extension. Final Evaluation on student progress This section is to be completed by the student and employer at the student’s 24-month date of the STEM extension.

I-765 We require that you download the form, type in the required information and print the form because USCIS scanners often misread handwritten forms, which could delay processing. The scanners do not read information that is grayed out, highlighted or corrected with correction fluid or tape. Tips for filling out the form:  Item Important information I am applying for ... Check “Renewal of my permission to accept employment.” 1. Full name Type your name in the appropriate boxes.  If your name does not fit in the box, please attach a "continuation sheet" with your name and I-94 Number on it and indicate the Part and item number to which your answer reflects and date/sign it. 3. U.S. Mailing Address Please use your personal address. 9a/b. Social Security Number Since you already have a Social Security Number then select "Yes" then you must also enter your Social Security Number 9b. 14. Form I-94 Number Please enter your 11 digit I-95 number found on the I-94 print out screen. 15. Have you ever before applied for employment authorization from USCIS? Select "Yes" and enter the USCIS office that approved your employment, the dates of employment as listed on your previous EAD card, and the results. 16-19. Last entry and current status Obtain this information from your current I-94. 20. Eligibility The eligibility code for OPT is “(C)(3)(C).” 21. Eligibility Enter the level of your degree (i.e. BA, BS, MA, MS, etc.), your Employer's name exactly as it is in E-Verify, and your Employer's E-Verify number.  REQUIRED

Next Steps An advisor at the Center for International Studies will: Review the requested forms Request employment authorization in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 (if appropriate) An advisor at the Center for International Studies will then email the student to notify them that their I-20 has been issued and that the student may gather the rest of the following documents to send as part of their application to USCIS: Copies of current and all previous forms I-20 (pages 1 & 3) Two (2) U.S. style passport style photos (for information on passport style photos click here) Write your I-94 card number on the back Photos must be taken within 30 days of filing your application Please submit the photos in the envelope/folder from where they were taken Please submit the receipt of purchase (if possible) I-94 Information Screen (retrieve here) COLOR Copy of valid passport (biographical and extension pages) Application fee: $410 (cost subject to change without notice) Money order is recommended, but you may use a personal check. Make payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” COLOR Copies of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (front and back)

Photographs Requirements Well-Composed Photos: Must be taken within past 30 days Cannot be same photo as in passport or visa White background Must be US passport size, not your home country passport size Write your name & I-94 number on the back of each photo in pencil Well-Composed Photos:

Payment Information U. S. Department of Homeland Security $410.00 May be a personal check, money order or bank check ($410.00) If you are using a friend’s check, write your name and I-94 number on the check in the "memo/for" section. Sign the front of the check only, not the back.   U. S. Department of Homeland Security $410.00 Three hundred eighty dollars and 00/100 Sign Name Here

Mailing your STEM Application The student must sign (in blue ink) the two sets of their new I-20 (one original to keep and one original to submit to USCIS) The student is responsible for mailing their own application packet to USCIS: For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) USCIS P.O. Box 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036 For Express mail and courier service deliveries: Attn: AOS 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 850

What to Mail to USCIS Original, signed Form I-765 Original, signed Form G-1145 Official transcript Letter from employer Copies of current and all previous forms I-20 (pages 1 & 3) Two (2) U.S. style passport style photos I-94 Information Screen COLOR Copy of valid passport (biographical and extension pages) Application fee: $410 (payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”) COLOR Copies of all previous Employment Authorization Documents The I-983 is NOT sent to USCIS, it is for the student’s records

USCIS Authorization You will receive a receipt notice within 1-2 weeks; may track status online at www.uscis.gov  Applications are adjudicated by USCIS within 3-4 months A NEW Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS EAD is valid for 24 months maximum Please keep in mind that the processing time might take longer depending on USCIS and the date of application. Late spring and summer months are usually very busy.

While on STEM Extension, notify CIS… If you change your address, name, or email If you transfer to another degree program. If you plan to leave the country and plan not to return. If you change your immigration status (i.e. to H-1B).

STEM Reporting Any changes in employer require consultation with CIS Any periods of unemployment Reporting Information: U.S. Phone Number and Foreign Number I do not have a phone number STEM Extension (must select) Dates of Employment/Volunteer Place of Employment/Volunteer Self Employed Employer Name Employer EIN E-Verify Number (REQUIRED for STEM) Full-time or Part-time Job Title Supervisor First Name and Last Name Supervisor Email Supervisor Phone number How employment is related to student’s course of study Address(es)

Important Points to Remember Students must file their STEM Extension packet up to 90 days before their post-completion Optional Practical Training end date. The application packet must be sent to USCIS within 60 days from when Center for International Studies issues the new I-20. Graduation from St. Cloud State University must be conferred to submit an application packet to USCIS or the student must provide a letter from their academic advisor explaining why the degree has not yet been conferred and state when it will be. The application packet must be received by USCIS before their post-completion Optional Practical Training end date or it will be automatically denied. While the STEM extension application is pending, the student’s post-completion Optional Practical Training is automatically extended until the extension is approved or for 180 days, whichever is earlier. Changes in name, address, employer or employment status must be reported to Center for International Studies within 10 days. STEM employment must be validated to Center for International Studies at 6, 12, and 18-month intervals.  Failure will trigger automatic SEVIS termination. Students are allowed 150 days of employment (Optional Practical Training and STEM Extension).

QUESTIONS?