1. 17-Month OPT STEM Extension
International Center
17-Month OPT STEM Extension
Updated on February 2014

2. Eligibility Requirements
Students currently on OPT who hold a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) are eligible to apply for a 17 month OPT extension
To find out if your degree qualifies visit
You can find your CIP code (Classification of Instructional Programs) on the third page of your I-20
The student’s employer MUST be registered in the government sponsored E-Verify program. For more information on the E-verify program visit
Additional requirements:
You can only apply before the end date of your EAD card
You can apply as early as 4 months (120 days) before the end date on you EAD card.
The student agrees to report to the International Center any change of name, address or interruption of employment
Student must be in the 12 month period of OPT
Employment must be directly related to the student’s major area of study
Has not received a 17 month OPT extension after earning a STEM degree

3. Application Steps
Confirm that your degree qualifies for the 17 month extension
Turn in a complete application to the IC between as early as 4 months (120 days) before your current EAD card expires
Once the IC reviews your application, a new I-20 will be generated. Without this I-20 the USCIS will NOT approve your request for the extension
You will mail your OPT application along with new I-20 to the USCIS
*NOTE: Application for OPT STEM extension must be submitted BEFORE the expiration of your EAD card. No exceptions!

4. 17 Month Extension Timeline
1st year of OPT
17 month extension
Start of OPT
same as start
date on EAD card
11 ½ MONTHS
Last day eligible to
turn in your application
to the IC
4 MONTHS BEFORE EAD
card expires
First day eligible
to apply for 17 month
extension

5. Application Materials
Materials needed for OPT STEM Application
Two U.S. passport quality sized photos.
OPT student agreement form (this can be found on our website)
I-765 form. Use black ink pen or type this form
Photocopy of biographical page of passport
Photocopy of F-1 visa
I-94 form
Photocopy of most current I-20 reflecting your initial OPT dates
Photocopy of front and back of EAD card
Photocopy of your UCI diploma
OPT employment update form (found on our website)
NOTE: Do not turn in an incomplete application. All the required
Documents above MUST be included.

6. OPT 17 Month Extension
Completing the I-765 form

7. Completing the I-765 Form
Check “Renewal of my permission to accept employment” box
Section 1: Write last name in capital letters followed by first name. Example: ANTEATER, Peter
Section 2: Leave blank if you have not used any other names
Section 3: Use your U.S. address that you will be at for the next days. If you are using another individual’s address please use this format:
EXAMPLE: C/O “First and last name of individual”
Section 4: Please write your country of citizenship/nationality as listed in your passport
Section 5: Write your place of birth: city, province, and country if applicable
Section 6: Date of birth as listed in your passport
Section 7: Gender as listed in your passport
Section 8: Check box stating your marital status.
Section 9: Provide your social security number. If you do not have one, leave blank
Section 10: Write down your 11 digit I-94 number found on your I-94 form
Section 11: For OPT STEM extension mark the “yes” box and proceed to the next questions
Which USCIS office: Please write Laguna Niguel
For dates: Please write the start and end dates on your current EAD card
Results: Please write Granted

8. Continuing the I-765 Form
Section 12: Write your date of last entry in the U.S. Refer to your I-94 form
Section 13: Write the airport code of the city you last entered the U.S. For example: If you entered through Los Angeles, you will write LAX
Section 14: Write F-1 Student; however if your last entry was with another visa, write that visa status instead.
Section 15: Write F-1 Student
Section 16: In the parenthesis write (C) (3) (C)
Section 17: Write your degree. Example: Ph.D in Computer Science.
List employer’s name
List employer’s e-verify number
Signature section: Sign in black ink and be sure your signature does not touch the top or bottom lines.
Reminder: Be sure to complete addition of the I-765 form

9. Unemployment Periods
While on OPT STEM period you may not be unemployed for more than 120 days.
Make sure to report any change of employer or unemployment to the International Center as soon as possible. You may submit an OPT employment update form which can be found here

10. Frequently Asked Questions

11. Q: How long does it take to get the 17-month OPT authorization?
A: Approximately 60 to 90 days. This does not include the 7 business days processing time at the IC.

12. Q: I am currently in pre-completion OPT, do I need to apply for OPT post completion and then for the 17-month extension?
A: Yes, each OPT requires a new application. One for OPT pre-completion, a second for OPT post completion, and a third one for the 17-month extension. Each application requires the payment of $380. You cannot turn in all applications at once. Each application must be turned in within the permissible time. OPT pre and post completion can be turned in prior to your graduation date. OPT post completion can be turned in 90 days prior to your graduation date. OPT 17-month application can be turned in as early as 120 days prior to the end date of your EAD card.

13. Q. What if my I-20 has a program listed as “Multidisciplinary Other” as the major but my official degree at UCI will list Masters on Computer and Information Sciences? Will my degree certificate prove that I am a STEM student?
This can be a problem. Prior to your graduation date, you should update the IC with your actual degree. Your I-20 should always reflect the degree you are getting.

14. Q: My minor is in the STEM list, can I still apply for the 17 month extension?
A: No, only conferred Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees qualify for the 17 month extension.

15. Further Questions and Information
For questions, please the IC staff at or call our main line at
Thank you and good luck!