1. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING 17-MONTH EXTENSION (OPTX)
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUALIFIED F-1 STUDENTS ON OPT
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

2. STEPS FOR APPLYING FOR 17-MONTH STEM EXTENSION
LISTEN TO THE PRESENTATION, AND FOLLOWING ALL THE STEPS OUTLINED IN THE POWERPOINT.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A COUNSELOR (PHONE OR IN PERSON).
SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BY MAIL OR IN PERSON.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY COUNSELOR.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

3. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING 17-MONTH EXTENSION (OPTX)
DEFINITION:
In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the maximum period of optional practical training (OPT) from 12 months to 29 months (an additional 17 months) for F-1 students on OPT who have completed a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree and accept employment with employers enrolled in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify employment verification program.
Create link to the 2012 DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

4. Eligibility
Have completed your degree and currently be participating in an approved period of post-completion OPT that has not expired (students on pre-completion OPT are not eligible for the extension).
Work for U.S. employer in a job directly related to the major area of study.
Have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctor’s degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. [Your CIP code on pg. 3 of most recent I-20 must be on this list].
Have a job offer from an employer registered with the E-Verify employment verification system.
Not have previously received a 17-month extension, even if you completed a second STEM degree.
Create link to the 2012 DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

5. Employment Requirements
When to Apply
Applications for the 17-month extension can be filed up to 120 days prior to the end of the regular period of post-completion OPT, but USCIS must receive and receipt the application, before the current OPT expires. USCIS recommends filing the application between the 120th and 90th day before OPT expires.
Employment Requirements
Must work in a position at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to the student’s STEM degree.
May work multiple jobs, but all employers must be enrolled in E-Verify.
Are allowed to volunteer.
Must not accumulate more than 120 days of unemployment during entire OPT.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

6. How to Apply Complete Form I-765.
The ISSS counselor does not endorse the I-765, but will review it for completeness:
Check the third box under “I am applying for”: Renewal…
Item 16 of Form I-765: Enter the eligibility code: (c) (3) (C) for the 17-month extension.
Item 17 of Form I-765: list the numerical CIP code as shown at the top of page 3 of your OPT I-20 (example, ), your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify, and your employer’s E-Verify Number (this is a 5 – 6 digit number; NOT the company’s Tax ID#).
Create a link to the forms in C and D
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

7. How to Apply
Update the Self-Report on ISSS’s website: Go to then click on OPT SELF REPORT and complete it.
Complete and sign the attached form “Student Statement of Responsibility”.
Complete Form G This form is optional and allows you to receive an or text message when your application has initially been received by the Service Center. Also, request that your employer completes the “Employer Statement of Understanding”.
Create a link to the forms in C and D
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

8. How to Apply
F. Make an appointment to bring the following documents to ISSS OR submit the documents to ISSS by mail (either way, you must have an appointment).
If mailing, send to the address below:
Name of ISSS Counselor
(with whom you made the appointment)
University of Houston/ISSS
4465 University Drive, Rm 203N
Houston, TX – 3024
VO needs to be updated!!!!
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

9. Documents Copy of completed form “G-1145” (optional).
Copy of completed form “I-765”.
Copy of current OPT Employment Authorization Document (both sides).
Copy of diploma.
Copy of I-94 card (both sides).
Copy of passport pages(s) showing your name, photo, and expiration date.
Copy of F-1 visa (most recent).
ADD VO!!
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

10. Documents
Job offer letter on company letterhead (include supervisor name, and/or telephone number).
Original Employer Statement of Understanding.
Original Student Statement of Responsibility.
A personal check payable to “University of Houston” for $60.*
A postage-paid label (for mailing package back to student, where student expects counselor to return package by mail).
*You must also prepare a check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $380, but you do not need to submit it to our office.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

11. Application Process
G. The ISSS Counselor will review your request and determine your eligibility. If a 17-month extension is warranted, a recommendation for an OPT Extension will be processed in SEVIS which will generate a new I-20. When you receive your new I-20, sign and date it. Then make a copy to be included with your OPTX application, and send a copy to ISSS to be placed in your file. The original I-20 is for your records.
H. Mail the I-765 with supporting documents to the USCIS address provided by the Counselor. Submit the I-765 within 30 days of the issue date of the new I-20 AND before your current OPT expires. The Service Center must receive and receipt the application, before the current OPT expires.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

12. Mailing Checklist
Mail the following documents in this order to the address provided:
Form G-1145.
Form I-765.
Check for $380 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security attached to I-765.
Photos (in holder or small envelope).
Photocopy of new I-20 with OPT Extension recommendation on p. 3. (You keep the Original I-20).
Photocopy of passport photo page including expiration date.
Photocopy of most recent visa page.
Photocopy of I-94 card (both sides).
Photocopy of diploma from UH.
Copy of current EAD (both sides).
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

13. ISSS recommends that you mail your application package in a verifiable manner (such as certified with proof of delivery receipt). Be sure to keep a copy of all documents sent to and received from USCIS.
Remember to provide ISSS with an copy of the new EAD card issued for OPT Extension
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

14. Post Filing Tips What You Should Know
Students who have properly filed Form I-765 (for 17-month Extension) prior to the end date of his/her current post-completion OPT will be able to continue employment while their extension application is pending, until a final decision is made on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first.
The employment authorization period for the 17-month OPT Extension begins on the day after the expiration of the initial post-completion OPT employment authorization and ends 17 months later, regardless of the date the actual extension is approved.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

15. Post Filing Tips What You Should Know
A student may change employers during the 17-month extension, however, the new employer must also be an E-Verify employer and the job must be directly related to the student’s major. Students must report the change in employment to ISSS by updating the Self Report.
Do not travel outside of the U.S. if your EAD is expired and the 17-month extension request is pending. Wait until you receive the new EAD.
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

16. Post Filing Tips What You Should Know
The student is expected to maintain evidence for each job showing that it is directly related to the major.
Keep evidence of: i) the position held, ii) proof of the duration of the position, iii) job title, iv) contact information of supervisor, and v) a description of the work. If it is not clear from the job description, obtain a signed letter from the hiring officer, supervisor, or manager stating how the student’s degree is related to the work performed.
Bullet 2, make “The Employer’s….” a link; do the same for “Student Statement…” in the next bullet
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

17. Post Filing Tips What You Should Know
The employer must agree to report to ISSS any job termination or early departure. Please give the employer The Employer’s Statement of Understanding together with ISSS’s handout about employer reporting responsibilities.
The employer must consider a worker to have departed when the employer knows the student has left employment or if the student has not reported for work for a period of five consecutive business days without the employer’s consent.
Know and comply with the Student Statement of Responsibility.
Bullet 2, make “The Employer’s….” a link; do the same for “Student Statement…” in the next bullet
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

18. OPTX Application Download the form by clicking here: OPTX Application.
Complete the Application and prepare the required documents.
Make the appointment with a Counselor at ISSS and follow the instructions to submit the your application package to the Counselor.
If you have any questions, please ask the Counselor at the time of the appointment.
Make slide 10, into slide 11
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 

19. ONLINE REQUEST FOR UPDATE
ONLINE STATUS CHECK
The status of your application can be checked online with your receipt number (See I-797):
ONLINE REQUEST FOR UPDATE
You can request an update if you haven’t received your card after 90 days:
AUTHORIZATION
The USCIS has the final authority to grant OPT.
SOURCES
8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi); 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10(ii(D); 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E);
8 CFR 214.2(f)(12)(i)
Student Center North, Rm 203, Houston, TX  Phone: (713)  Fax: (713) 