1. F1 International Students
STEM OPT
F1 International Students
UFIC International Student Services
January 28, 2013

2. Optional Practical Training STEM OPT: 17-Month Extension NOTE: Please review the Standard OPT Presentation as it is a prerequisite of STEM OPT.
PART 2:
STEM Extension OPT: 17 Month Extension
What is STEM Extension OPT?
Applying for STEM OPT
OPT Reporting & Travel Requirements

3. What is STEM Extension OPT?
What is OPT?
Optional practical training is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience (on- or off-campus) by applying their academic knowledge to a position directly related to their area of study.
What is STEM Extension OPT?
A one-time 17-month extension of post- completion OPT
Life-time limit, NOT per degree level

4. STEM OPT Eligibility
Available only to students who graduated with a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree in a major on the DHS approved STEM Degree List
Must be a position directly related to your major area of study
Employer must be registered in E-Verify, and agree to report to the ISA within 5 days of when the student is terminated or leaves employment

5. STEM OPT Eligibility, continued
The student must agree to make periodic reports to the ISA every 6 months.
Must be on a current authorized period of post completion OPT
The earliest you can apply for STEM OPT is 120 days before your standard OPT expires.
Begins on the day after the expiration of the standard post-completion OPT employment authorization and ends 17 months thereafter.
For example:
Standard OPT: 12/18/2012 – 12/17/2013
17 Months Extension OPT: 12/18/2013 – 5/17/2015

6. STEM OPT Facts Limited Periods of Unemployment to Maintain Status
During standard post-completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment.
May not exceed 90 aggregate/cummulative days of unemployment during the standard post- completion OPT
Students granted a 17-month OPT extension may not exceed an additional aggregate of 30 or more days of unemployment, for a total 120 days of unemployment during the total 29-month OPT period.

7. Applying for STEM OPT
Submit the following documents(complete all forms BEFORE submission)
STEM OPT Questionnaire
Complete the STEM I-765 Application Form  TYPE in the fields (sections number 3 and 16 have already been completed for you)
COPIES of your most recent immigration documents:
I-20 for OPT Extension, I-94 Card (Front and Back), Current EAD (OPT card) (Front and Back), Passport, F1 Visa
Two passport-regulation photos which are less than 30 days old.
Proof of the Degree and Major (such as official/unofficial transcripts, or copy of your diploma)
A personal check, money order, or cashier’s check for $380, payable to Department of Homeland Security
Instructions & Forms:

8. Applying for STEM OPT, continued
If you LIVE IN GAINESVILLE, call or to schedule an appointment to meet with your International Student Advisor
If you DO NOT LIVE IN GAINESVILLE, submit only the completed 17-month OPT STEM Extension Questionnaire, the completed Form I-765, and a copy of the I-94 card either by fax or as a .pdf/.jpeg attachment to your ISA.
Your ISA will verify your eligibility by
checking that your major is on the STEM Designated Degree List,
checking student records to see that you have received a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree
ensuring that you are aware of your responsibilities for maintaining status while on OPT

9. Applying for STEM OPT, continued
Your ISA will then input the 17-month STEM extension request in SEVIS and produce a new I-20 for you.
The STEM OPT I-20 will be provided to you to mail your application materials to USCIS
Applications for the 17-month STEM extension must be receipted byUSCIS BEFORE your standard OPT card expires.
Students who file a timely application for the 17-month OPT extension will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

10. Applying for STEM OPT, continued
You are responsible for mailing your application through the USPS to:
USCIS Dallas Lockbox PO Box Dallas, TX 75266
Recommended to mail via “Certified Mail”
The receipt notice and the STEM OPT card will arrive at the UFIC, and you will be notified via your GatorLink address as each arrive.

11. STEM OPT Questions?

12. Reporting, Volunteering and Travel Requirements while on STEM Extension OPT

13. Address Update You must update your address within TEN days of moving
There are three things you must do:
Complete the ONLINE AR-11 Change of Address:
Update your personal info in MyUFL: (if you still have access to it)
Send an to your International Student Advisor with your UFID, full name, new address and telephone number

14. Employer / Volunteer Info
STEM OPT MUST be with an E-Verified Employer
Reporting Information
Employer Name
Employer Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date Began/Started
Date Ended/Stopped
Supervisor's Name
Supervisor's
Supervisor's Tel #

15. *Volunteering on STEM OPT
USCIS is currently allowing volunteering on STEM OPT
Must still be related to your major.
Must be at least 20 hours or more weekly.
Obtain a “Letter of Commitment/Volunteer” for your records.

16. Travel During STEM OPT You are still on an F1 Student Visa
Traveling out of the US is always risky, but if you choose to do so, in order to return to the U.S. you must have
Valid Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond entry date)
Valid F1 Student Visa
I-20 (which has been endorsed for OPT)
Valid travel signature (valid for 6 months from date signed)
Employment Authorization Document (EAD/OPT card)
Letter of Employment (on employer’s letterhead, stating your name, job title, brief description of duties, OPT start date; if you have already started, a letter confirming employment and knowledge of your travel plans)
2-3 recent pay stubs
* Dependents must have their own I-20, passport, F2 visa and copy of the F1’s I-20, OPT card and employment letter

17. Reporting/Volunteer/Travel Questions?

18. Contact Your International Student Advisor!
D-J
K & L
Patricia Alba
Ethel Porras
Steve Ghulamani
M-Q
R-V
W-Z
Candice DeBose-Tyson
Jessica Kelly
Martine Angrand